Just off the coast of Hervey Bay in South East Queensland, you’ll find K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world.
Packed with incredible things to do and breathtaking sights to see, this spectacular location is every adventurer’s dream. However, as a remote island with no bridges connecting it to the mainland, getting there can require a little extra research and planning.
So how do you get to K’gari, exactly? At Backpacker Deals, we have the answers you’re looking for. Check out our complete guide on how to get to K’gari below and allow us to help you plan the perfect island getaway today!
Catching the Fraser Island Ferry
As mentioned above, there are no bridges leading onto this island, which means you won’t be able to get to K’gari by car or bus alone. Instead, you’ll have to catch the ferry over there by first travelling to either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
If you’re not visiting K’gari on a guided tour, you must drive to your chosen mainland ferry terminal in your own vehicle (private or hired). You will be required to drive this vehicle onto the ferry yourself, and (unless you are travelling from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort), this vehicle must be a 4WD.
If you plan to drive your own vehicle on K’gari, you must first purchase a vehicle permit from Queensland National Parks before boarding your ferry.
Learn more about vehicle access permits, or purchase yours online via the Queensland National Parks Booking Service today.
Hervey Bay to Fraser Island Ferry – River Heads Terminal
If you’re travelling to K’gari from Hervey Bay, you’ll want to catch a ride over there from the River Heads ferry terminal located nearby. You must book this ferry trip in advance to secure your spot, and you’ll need to report for check-in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
These ferries are operated by Sealink K’gari and depart daily, dropping passengers off on the island at either Wanggoolba Creek or Kingfisher Bay Resort.
River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort
If you are staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort, the ferry terminal here is by far the most convenient place to disembark. As well as offering direct access to the resort, this ferry terminal is also the only one on the island where passengers can disembark in a 2WD.
However, anyone disembarking here in a 2WD vehicle must still plan to either join a tour or rent a 4WD upon arrival, as you cannot travel around the rest of K’gari any other way.
River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek
The Wanggoolba Creek stop is ideal for travellers who wish to disembark closer to K’gari’s main attractions, such as Lake Mckenzie and the Central Station rainforest. This stop is also ideal for anyone staying at K’gari’s other main resort, Eurong Beach Resort, as it offers a more direct driving route there.
To hop off at this terminal, passengers must disembark the ferry in a 4WD, as the driving conditions here are unsuitable for any other vehicle.
Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island Ferry – Inskip Point Terminal
If you’re making your way to K’gari from Rainbow Beach, you’ll want to head to the ferry terminal at Inskip Point.
These ferries are operated by Manta Ray Barges and depart for K’gari every half-hour from 6 am until 5 pm. Anyone travelling on these ferries is not required to book their trip in advance.
Passengers should note that the Inskip Point ferry terminal is only accessible via 4WD. This could be your own 4WD, one you’ve hired, or a tour vehicle.
The ferry journey from Rainbow Beach to K’gari takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. Upon reaching K’gari, travellers will disembark at Hook Point, which is located at the southern tip of the island on the famous 75 Mile Beach.
As a more remote ferry terminal, Hook Point is ideal for anyone looking to camp on the island and explore more of K’gari’s wild side away from a resort.
Can You Catch the Ferry Without a 4WD?
So, now you know how to get to K’gari, you know where to get the ferry from, and you know where to disembark. Now what? Do you need a 4WD to catch the ferry? Can you get on board without one? If you’re asking yourself these questions, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
As mentioned earlier, the only circumstances where you do not need your own 4WD are:
- If you are disembarking at Kingfisher Bay Resort
- If you are visiting K’gari on a guided tour
Anyone else must have a 4WD to board the ferry. If you don’t own a 4WD or can’t bring it with you for whatever reason, you’re probably wondering what to do. Thankfully, there’s no need to worry!
If you’re confident enough in your off-roading skills, you can hire a 4WD from one of the many rentals around Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. These rentals also often allow you to purchase your vehicle permit at the same time for added convenience.
If you’re planning on driving your own 2WD car to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, you can leave your car parked at any one of the secure parking facilities in Hervey Bay.
If you’re not sure where to park, feel free to ask your 4WD hire company for nearby recommendations. Then, you just need to hop in your designated 4WD and make your way to the ferry from there.
If you can’t or don’t want to drive your own car here, there are a couple of alternative ways you can travel to your chosen hire place.
Catching the Train to Maryborough West
While there aren’t any trains that run directly to K'gari, you can take a train to Maryborough West Station and make your way from there instead.
These trains operate daily from Brisbane, Rockhampton, and Cairns. Once you arrive at Maryborough West, you’ll be able to hop on a RailBus to Hervey Bay and catch the ferry from there.
If you're travelling to K’gari from a state other than Queensland, you’ll first want to take a train to Roma Street Station in Brisbane. From here, you’ll need to transfer to another train that will take you to Maryborough West Station.
If you’re planning on travelling this way, you’ll need to book both your train and RailBus tickets in advance. Find out more about Queensland Rail’s train and RailBus services to Hervey Bay and plan your journey today.
Travelling by Private Coach to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach
If you don’t fancy switching from a train to a RailBus, you can also travel directly to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach on a private coach with a company like Greyhound Australia. These private coaches offer daily services to both locations from multiple towns and cities across Australia.
Check out our selection of Greyhound Bus Passes or plan your journey to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach with Greyhound Australia online.
Flying into the Closest Airport to K’gari (Fraser Island)
While K’gari does not have an airport itself, there is one nearby in Hervey Bay, with flights regularly arriving here from Sydney and Brisbane.
This airport has several 4WD hire places right outside and is located a short 15-minute drive to the River Heads ferry terminal, making it a super convenient way to travel.
Visit K’gari on a Guided Tour from Backpacker Deals!
If you’re looking for the easiest way to get to K’gari, you won’t find a better option than a guided tour. These tours are planned by local experts who take care of everything for you, from the ferry fares and the vehicle permits to the driving and the itineraries.
Take the stress out of planning your K’gari trip, see all the highlights, and gain endlessly fascinating insights into the history and culture of the world’s largest sand island. Check out our vast range of K'gari tours and experiences and book online with Backpacker Deals today!
