How To Get To K'gari (Fraser Island)
You can get to K'gari (Fraser Island) by ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. You can also get to K'gari by plane, though this is a slightly more expensive and less popular way to travel to the world's largest sand island. Here is everything you need to know about planning your trip to the stunning and famous island of K'gari in Queensland, Australia!
About K'gari (Fraser Island)
K'gari is one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations. Located off the east coast of Queensland, the island's many attractions, such as Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, the Hammerstone Sand Blow, and the Maheno Shipwreck, are visited by up to half a million people each year. But once you step foot on the island, you'd never know it!
If you're considering making a trip to the world's largest sand island, you're probably wondering how to get there!
How To Get To K'gari (Fraser Island)
K'gari is separated from mainland Australia by the Great Sandy Strait, and since the island has no bridges, visitors must either get there by sea or air.
The most popular way to get to K'gari is by ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Alternatively, if you are a more adventurous soul, you can fly over to the Great Sandy region in a light aircraft and land right on the beach! However you decide to travel, the first thing you must do is get to the Fraser Coast Region of Australia.
HOW TO GET TO THE FRASER COAST In Queensland
To get to K'gari, travellers will need to visit Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast to catch a ferry or light aircraft. Here’s a handy list of ways to get there, depending on where you're coming from.
Map of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Looking for K'gari (Fraser Island) on a map? You'll find it off the East Coast of Australia, just north of Noosa. You'll find K'gari just east of Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach, which are the two main gateways to the island. Looking at a map, K'gari (Fraser Island) sits just off the coastline from these two towns.
Self-drive to K'gari (Fraser Island)
The Fraser Coast is a comfortable 3-hour drive north of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane, which passes through many scenic small towns along the Bruce Highway.
Many visitors to K'gari arrive in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach in a campervan or regular 2WD, but it's important to have a 4WD for your time on K'gari! You can leave your regular car and hire a 4WD, or bring your own 4WD if you already have one.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service permits are required for all 4WD vehicles travelling to K'gari and must be purchased before going to the island.
Rail to Fraser Coast
The closest train station to Hervey Bay is the Maryborough West Train Station. Queensland Rail operates regular daily services along the Fraser Coast from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns to Maryborough West. From here, Queensland Rail offers RailBus Coach Connections to Hervey Bay - just let them know at the time of booking and they will make sure your chosen service meets a connection.
Bus to Fraser Coast
Both Greyhound Australia and Premier coaches offer daily services from Brisbane, Maroochydore and Cairns to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. While Greyhound offers air conditioning, onboard toilets, free wifi and in-seat USB chargers, Premier has reclining seats, onboard toilet and entertainment. Ask us how you can package your tour with your bus ticket and save!
Fly to Fraser Coast
Although there are no commercial airports on K'gari, you can easily fly to Hervey Bay Airport before taking the ferry. There are regular direct flights from Brisbane with Qantas, or from Sydney with Virgin Australia.
Getting to K'gari (Fraser Island) from the mainland
Once you've made it to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach on the Fraser Coast, it's time to head to the island! You can either hop or drive onto a ferry or barge service, or book a guided tour that takes care of all your transport for you.
If you want to treat yourself to a scenic flight, you can book one with Air K'gari or book a guided experience from Noosa!
K'gari Ferry / Barge Services
There are two companies that operate daily car and passenger ferry services to K'gari; K'gari Barges and Manta Ray Barges.
Which departure point you use will depend on whether you are self-driving or you are joining a tour group. While tour groups will have a predetermined departure point if you are self-driving the departure point you choose will depend on which part of the island you wish to start your journey on. For more information, you can read our article on the differences in arrival points on K'gari.
Travel times by ferry to K'gari
The ferries to K'gari depart from either River Heads near Hervey Bay or Inskip Point at Rainbow Beach.
Since there are several departure points and arrival points, the ferry and barge times will vary to get to K'gari.
- Departing River Heads: 50 minutes to Kingfisher Bay
- Departing River Heads: 30 minutes to Wanggoolba Creek
- Departing Inskip Point: 10 minutes to Hook Point
TIP: Passengers can book one-way or return tickets, but return tickets are a significantly better option. Two one-way tickets cost much more than a return ticket so it's best the plan your entire trip before going to the island so you can cut some of your costs.
As you can see, there is no shortage of ways to reach the stunning National Park protected site. Visitors come from all over the world by all modes of transport to be captivated by its beauty and wild nature. No matter which way you choose to get to K'gari, you can be sure that you won’t be disappointed when you arrive!
Tours on K'gari
When it comes to the spectacular world heritage listed area, there is no shortage of exceptional guided and tag-along tours to choose from. One advantage of joining a tour is that everything will be taken care of for you - no need to worry about ferry schedules, you will meet your tour group on the mainland and travel to the island together.
K'gari tours come in many variations, from day trips to overnight 2 or 3-day adventures. Depending on the tour you choose, your pick-up location may be in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Choose the most convenient location for you and remember to be aware of your pick up time.
Try a camping tour or 4WD hire package on K'gari!
