Inskip Point Ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island)
Inskip Point is the starting point for many 4WD K’gari (Fraser Island) adventurers. Inskip Point is located in the Gympie region and is a popular camping and fishing destination. It's one of the two main entry points to K’gari (Fraser Island) and is only accessible by 4WD.
Start your K'gari trip at the scenic Inskip Point and find yourself queuing up on soft sand with others in line to start their journey. Queueing is usually short as there are two barges that leave approximately every 30 minutes daily from 6 am to 5:15 pm. The wait for the barge is on a sandy peninsula between the Coral Sea and Wide Bay.
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Inskip Crossing Times
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Ferry Fares/Cost
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How to prepare your vehicle
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What to do if you get bogged at Inskip
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Alternative Ferry to Fraser
Inskip Crossing Time
To get to K'gari (Fraser Island) you can take one of the two barges from Inskip Point. This is locally owned and run by Manta Ray Barges and leaves approximately every 30 minutes. Tickets are not available to be purchased online, but you can purchase them over the phone, on the barge or, for added convenience, have them posted to your door.
Time: Usually going from 6 am to 5:15 pm (times may vary during public holidays)
Duration: 10 minutes
Contact: 5486 3935
Ferry/Fare Costs
Here are the costs for the Inskip Point Ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island). But remember, vehicle access permits for K'gari (Fraser Island) are separate and must be purchased in advance through the Queensland Government website. If you wish to camp, you will need a camping permit for your individual campsite as well.
| 4WD (including passengers) | $140.00 return |
| 4WD + Trailer (up to 6ft x 4ft) | $240.00 return |
| Motorbikes | $70.00 return |
| 4wd (including passengers) | $105.00 one way |
| 4wd + Camper trailer / Trailer or Tinnie | $175.00 one way |
| Motorbikes | $50.00 one way |
(Prices are subject to change) Once purchased your Barge ticket is valid for 12 months.
All prices are based on the vehicle, not the number of occupants. *These prices are current as of May 2024, please check with Manta Ray Barges.
Preparing your vehicle for Inskip
Don’t be fooled, the sand at Inskip is especially soft on sunny days and a trap for any non-experienced off-roader. Be sure to prepare your vehicle for Inskip, so you don’t hold up the queue for the barge. You can do this by checking your tyre pressure before entering the beach and ensuring it is prepared to drive on the beach, 18-20 psi is a recommendation. Don’t forget to engage 4WD and be prepared and carry recovery equipment suited for your car, just in case you do end up buried in the sand. Also, keep momentum whilst driving through the soft sand.
What to do if you get bogged at Inskip
Locals are known to call this area the graveyard, for the vehicles that don’t make it onto K'gari (Fraser Island). If you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of getting bogged, stay calm, it is embarrassing, but it happens and is just part of the fun. Avoid digging yourself in deeper and assess the damage and clear away some sand before making your next move. Try putting the car in reverse, it could get out just as easily as it got stuck in. Drop the tyre pressure, this emphasises the importance of recovery gear.
And if none of the above work, it's time to get out the rest of your recovery gear: maxtrax, shovels, snatch straps and call in reinforcements or passing drivers to help pull you out. Top tip: be cautious not to over-rev your engine upon exit, as you could possibly do more damage.
Alternative Ferry to Fraser
Inskip Point is the most exciting way to get to K'gari, but it’s not the only route. For an easier start to your journey, you can also catch a ferry from River Heads in Hervey Bay. This ferry allows you to walk onboard and is available for all car types to Kingfisher Bay. Kingfisher Bay Resort is accessible for all cars; however, the rest of the island is 4WD only. If you choose to board this ferry via car it is necessary to board in reverse.
This ferry is longer than the Inskip ferry, and the journey is approximately 45 minutes, capturing views of the island’s west coast. Unlike Inskip, you must book in advance to secure your spot.
