Where Does The K'gari (Fraser Island) Ferry Leave From?
This may or may not come as a surprise, but K'gari (Fraser Island) is an island. The largest sand island in the world, in fact! Since there are no bridges between K'gari and mainland Australia, tourists must get there by other means, such as 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), to help you 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.
- River Heads, Hervey Bay: You'll find the River Heads departure point approximately 20 minutes southeast of Hervey Bay, and the ferry ride to the island is 50 minutes. Ferries from here will either take you to Kingfiher Bay or Wanggoolba Creek on the west coast.
- Inskip Point, Rainbow Beach: Inskip Point is about a 10-minute drive north of Rainbow Beach and the ferry ride to K'gari (Fraser Island) is just 10 minutes. Ferries from here will take you to Hook Point on the southern coast.
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. River Heads, however, drops you in the centre of the island's west coast, so you're within a short drive of iconic landmarks like 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. For example, if you're bringing your own car over to Fraser on the ferry, you will need a vehicle permit, 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!
