K'gari

THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE TOK'gari

Featuring stunning white sandy beaches, crystal clear waterways, untouched rainforests and an abundance of wildlife, the World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) truly is a nature lovers’ paradise. Located just off the coast of Hervey Bay, it is the world’s largest sand island stretching for 123km and spanning 166,000 hectares.

The local Butchella people named the island ‘K’gari’ meaning paradise, well before UNESCO defined K’gari as “a place of exceptional natural beauty”. There are plenty of things to see and do on K’gari including 4WD experiences, beach fishing, observing wild roaming dingoes, swimming in Lake Mackenzie and seeing one of the most photographed and visited sites: the Maheno Shipwreck.

Think you know K’gari? Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about Queensland’s unique island and everything else you need to know to plan the ultimate holiday.

Getting to K’gari (Fraser Island)

Fraser Coast is a comfortable three-hour drive north from Brisbane to Hervey Bay. QantasLink also offers multiple daily flights between Brisbane and Hervey Bay Airport. You can then hop aboard the passenger K’gari (Fraser Island) ferry for the 50-minute trip to the island or take the K’gari (Fraser Island) Barge Service if you’re planning a 4WD adventure.

Best things to do on K’gari (Fraser Island)

We’ve narrowed down our pick to the top 10 things to do on K’gari (Fraser Island) to give you a taste of what’s on offer, but the first place to start exploring this slice of paradise is in the water. You’ll find a plethora of water-based activities on the island including remote snorkelling and kayaking spots and take a dip in one of the many beautiful lakes and swimming spots – especially the weird and wonderful Lake McKenzie.

Then spend time getting to know the island on foot. Bushwalking and hiking afford the opportunity to explore walking trails offering the best of the coast and rainforest. Most walking tracks are well defined for self-exploration or opt to join a guided day tour. If you’re going it alone, read the signs at the track entrances and choose walks that suit your level of fitness. Consider your personal safety and beware of natural hazards as well as dingoes and other dangerous wildlife, which may be present in the natural bush setting of K’gari (Fraser Island).

For a taste of adventure on the island, why not conquer the world’s largest sand island in a four-wheel drive? Read our sand driving tips to prepare for the Great Beach Drive road trip from Noosa to Hervey Bay via K’gari (Fraser Island) and tackle it in two parts by following our itinerary from Noosa to Rainbow Beach and then Rainbow Beach to K’gari (Fraser Island).

Best places to stay on K’gari (Fraser Island)

Planning a family holiday, a group getaway or a romantic trip for two to K’gari (Fraser Island)? We’ve tested out the island’s offering to give you our K’gari (Fraser Island) accommodation guide to suit every style and budget. From remote camping spots in the Great Sandy National Park to luxury resorts and hotels, as well as holiday houses large enough to accommodate the whole family.  There’s really too much to see and do here to only come for a day trip, but if you’d rather stay on the mainland we recommend booking one of our favourite stays at Hervey Bay for easy access to the island.

Tours & packages for K’gari (Fraser Island)

With so much to see and do on K’gari (Fraser Island), it’s sometimes best to enlist the help of the experts and join a tour. Whether you’re staying on K’gari or making a day trip from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or Noosa, we’ve collated our top picks for K’gari (Fraser Island) tours to help you get the most out of your visit to the island with experienced local guides.