Where Does The K'gari (Fraser Island) Ferry Leave From?
K'gari (Fraser Island) is known for being the largest sand island in the world. There are no bridges to and from K'gari and the mainland, so you must get there by ferry, barge, or plane! The most popular way to reach this magical island is by ferry, with most people either driving their own four-wheel-drive vehicle or by joining a tour. This article will provide some useful info about the ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island), in the hopes that you can plan your trip more efficiently!
Departure Points To K'gari (Fraser Island)
There are 2 main departure points to K'gari (Fraser Island): River Heads near Hervey Bay, or Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. There are 3 places you can go to on the island from these departure points - either Hook Point on the southern coast, Kingfisher Bay on the west coast or Wanggoolba Creek on the west coast.
River Heads departure point is approximately 20 minutes southeast of Hervey Bay, and the ferry ride is 50 minutes. Inskip Point is about a 10-minute drive north of Rainbow Beach and the ferry ride is 10 minutes. Though the Inskip Point ferry is much shorter, you have to drive a bit further to reach K'gari's top attractions from Hook Point where you get dropped off. River Heads drops you in the center of the island's west coast, so you're within a short drive of Lake McKenzie and Central Station. It's a good idea to purchase your ferry tickets in advance and arrive at the ferry terminals at least 30 minutes prior to departure time.
Other Things To Know Before Visiting K'gari (Fraser Island)
In addition to booking your ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island), make sure you have all the necessary permits booked. You need a vehicle permit for your 4WD, which can be booked online before your trip. Note that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on K'gari! The sandy terrain is not suitable for normal cars, so if you don't have a 4WD you'll need to hire one.
If you plan on camping, you'll also need a camping permit. These can also be booked online, and sometimes camping permits are included in 4WD hire. If you are visiting the island on any sort of tour, whether it be a tag-along tour or a guided resort tour, all ferry tickets and permits will be included in your tour price. These types of tours are all-inclusive and save you lots of hassle when it comes to planning your visit to K'gari!
Try your hand at driving on K'gari with one of these epic tag along tours!
