Fraser Island Public Services and Facilities
Fraser Island is a remote natural paradise that remains largely uninhabited and undeveloped - a huge drawcard for many who visit the island. As is the nature of such a destination, there are minimal public services and facilities available and mobile phone coverage is intermittent at best. It's a good idea to research and educate yourself as much as you can before you leave for your Fraser Island adventure and plan to take everything you need with you from the mainland, most importantly your own first-aid kit (including any prescription medications you may need) as there are no pharmacies on the island.
If you do forget something, there are a number of small settlements around the island where you can buy food, fuel, basic camping equipment and more if you need to. However, keep in mind that due to limited supply and high transport costs, purchases on Fraser Island as likely to cost you considerably more than usual.
Here are the public services and facilities you can find on Fraser Island:
General stores and fuel
If you have forgotten to bring an essential food item or emptied your last jerry can, there are five areas where you can purchase groceries and diesel or unleaded fuel on Fraser Island: Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedrals on Fraser, Orchid Beach, and Kingfisher. The general stores in these areas are open 7 days a week and carry a limited range of groceries and some fresh fruit and vegetables. Expect to find a slightly higher price tag on groceries and fuel to cover the cost of transportation to the island but don’t let this put you off if you need it - you don't want to be stuck in one of Fraser’s many remote locations! Unfortunately, there is no auto-gas supply available on Fraser Island.
Fraser Island’s general stores also have alcohol available for purchase and carry a limited range of beer, wine, cider and some spirits but you may get a shock at the price tag! We recommend that you save yourself some money and bring your alcohol over from the mainland however if you are really hanging out for something to quench your thirst, the best variety of alcohol can be found at Eurong on the eastern side of Fraser Island or Kingfisher on the western side.
Drinking water
It is highly recommended that you bring your own drinking water to Fraser Island however if you do need a refill there are taps located at:
Central Station
Waddy Point camping areas and day-use areas
Dundubara camping and day-use areas
Eurong (on the beach in front of the QPWS ranger base and police station)
Important: do not drink water from any other sources, such as rivers or lakes, unless treated first with water treatment tablets or by boiling for 5-10 minutes.
Cafes and restaurants
If you are in the mood for a meal out there are some good options on Fraser Island but be sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment!
The Eurong Bakery is open 7 days a week and has a great selection of fresh bread pastries, meat pies, sausage rolls, bacon & egg burgers, sandwiches and more.
Eurong Beach Resort features the Eurong Resort Beach Bar, an a-la-carte restaurant and a buffet with a theme night rotation for a different taste sensation every night of the week.
At Kingfisher Bay Resort you will find three restaurants - the Sand Bar, Maheno Restaurant and Sea Belle Restaurant - and the Dingo Bar for a well earned drink.
Happy Valley township also has a restaurant and bar and every second Friday the “SHED” opens in Orchid Beach for meals and drinks.
Phone coverage
There is limited mobile phone coverage on K'gari (Fraser Island) and service can be intermittent during periods of high wind or bad weather. Telstra has the strongest signal, followed by Optus and coverage can usually be found around the main centres of Eurong, Happy Valley and Kingfisher Bay.
Although you may come across patches of mobile service across Fraser Island (most likely in the south-west), signal strength is typically weak and you are unlikely to have access to the internet. It is strongly recommended that you do not rely on mobile phone communication during your trip - many travellers will opt to bring a UHF radio or satellite phone with them instead.
Alternatively, if you remember to bring a stash of 20 and 50 cent coins, there are public telephones located at:
Kingfisher Bay
Eurong
Central Station
Happy Valley
Police
In an emergency call 000
Fraser Island has one Police Station located just north of Eurong - signs on the beach will direct you to the Station.
The Fraser Island Police Station phone number is 0741 279 288
If unattended, call the Maryborough Communications Room on 0741 238 111
Ambulance
In an emergency call 000
In a non-emergency call 131 233
Medical facilities are limited on Fraser Island and while there are no doctors or hospitals there is a permanent paramedic and Ambulance Station located in Happy Valley.
If the ambulance station is unattended there is an emergency phone located at the Station and emergency heli-pads are located at Eurong, Happy Valley, Orchid Beach and Kingfisher Bay if required.
There is a limited supply of pharmaceutical products available on Fraser, however if you are in need, the shop at Cathedral Beach has a reasonable range.
Always remember that Fraser Island is a remote location and help can sometimes be hours away so be prepared and always take safety into account.
Fire
In an emergency call 000
If there is a bushfire in the National Park, please call 000
Rural Fire Brigades are located in the township areas of Eurong, Happy Valley, Orchid Beach and Kingfisher Bay.
Note: there is an open-ended fire ban across most of Fraser Island to minimise the risk of injury to people and animals and to reduce the risk of wildfire. Waddy Point and Dundubara camping areas are the only places where campfires are allowed and you must bring your own firewood from the mainland and use the fire rings provided.
Mechanic
Limited mechanical assistance for minor work and repairs such as changing tyres or battery issues etc. can be sought from Peter Macdonald on 0427 279 173.
Towing
There is only one tow truck based on the Fraser Island in the township of Eurong. If you do require towing, it is important to remember that the tides around Fraser Island can restrict vehicle access so the tow truck may not be able to provide immediate assistance.
Fraser Island Towing
Dave Elder (Owner Operator)
Phone: (07) 41 279 449
Mobile: 0428 353 164
Email: dave@fraserislandtowing.com.au
Taxi
There is one Taxi located in Eurong on Fraser Island and pre-booking is essential. Steve and Lisa are based in Eurong, and offer a range of services. For busy times, there is also a second vehicle available for Ride Sharing.
Taxi/Ride Share services include transfers to and from the Fraser Island barge, resorts and other accommodation, Fraser Island attractions such as The Great Walk or Lake McKenzie, and pickup from broken down vehicles.
Steven Belcher or Lisa Walker
Phone: (07) 41 279 188
Mobile: 0429 379 188
Website: www.fraserservice.com.au
Email: admin@fraserservice.com.au
Rangers
There are Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service offices located at Eurong and Dundubara however they are generally unattended while rangers are working in the field. Information and self-serve permit packs are available in the offices for visitors who wish to change/extend their stay.
Now you know the availability of services on Fraser Island you can plan accordingly to be as self-sufficient as possible. All that will be left to do once you arrive is switch off and enjoy the remote wilderness for all its unique qualities and natural beauty.