9 K'gari tours to help you see the whole island

It’s time to sit back and let the experts show you how to really experience their slice of paradise.

Discovering remote swimming holes, hiking through lush rainforests, exhilarating 4×4 drives on white-sand beaches and diving into a crystalline perched lake. With so much to see and do on K’gari, getting yourself organised can be intimidating!

Instead, treat yourself to some insider knowledge, and book one of these top-billing K’gari tours.

How long to spend on K’gari?

You can definitely see some of K’gari’s highlights on a day trip. But we should warn you: it will be tricky to fit everything in. This is particularly true if your itinerary includes more remote experiences, such as dipping in the Champagne Pools or hiking across the dunes to Lake Waddy.

To fully experience this UNESCO World Heritage-listed location, stretch out your trip to three or more days. As well as being able to see and do more, by sleeping overnight on the island, you get first dibs at famed K’gari’s beauty spots, like Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie when you beat day-trippers there in the morning.

K’gari tours on the island

1. Beauty Spots 4WD tour

Kgari Beauty Spots Tour bus in rainforest — Explore in air-conditioned 4WD coaches. (Image: TEQ)

While the island is all accessible by 4WD, it’s not always easy – especially if you’re not experienced. So jumping on Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Beauty Spots tour is an incredible solution to see all the iconic K’gari spots without the hassle. Your transport for the day will be an air-conditioned, custom-designed 4WD coach.

Taking a full day, take a dip into Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, drive the long stretch of 75 Mile Beach and explore head inland to subtropical rainforests.

2. Personalised 4WD tour

a 4wd driving on a sandy road on k'gari fraser island — Pick your own adventure, without needing to drive. (Image: TEQ)

If you can, this is my absolute top tip for exploring K’gari when you’re not confident to hit the sandy tracks on your own (this option is for a maximum group of four people). It’s not just about being alone on the tour – although it is a bonus – it’s about the freedom to create your own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who will have plenty of stories and expertise to give context to what you’re looking at. It’s also about stopping at the icons between the waves of tourists, and only going where you really want to.

3. Kingfisher Bay Resort ranger tours

aerial of kayakers exploring the mangroves on k'gari fraser island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt)

There are several reasons to stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, but it’s the ranger-led experiences that take the cake. Every day, a selection of ranger-led tours are offered to guests – from day and night walks to discover the history and habitat of the island, to mangrove explorations, to experiences tailored for kids 12 and under.

My personal favourite was the canoe paddle through a nearby mangrove system of Dundonga Creek. As we weaved and wound our way through the narrow waterways of the mangrove, our guide explained how everything here survived and thrived.

K’gari tours from Hervey Bay

The nearest start-off point to K’gari, Hervey Bay, is the other major location to visit for out-of-towners on the Fraser Coast. Once you’ve done the must-do meet-and-greet with the majestic humpback whales this coastline is famous for, it’s time to head to K’gari.

4. Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

whale jumping on Blue Dolphin Marine Tours, k'gari tours — See the marine life around K’gari. (Image: TEQ)

Say ahoy to adventure and hop aboard one of Blue Dolphin Marine Tours’ sailing tours. Explore the coast of the world’s largest sand island and meet local marine residents like whales, dugongs and turtles over a half-day or full-day tour. Top off your day (and your glass) with the sunset yacht tour with all-inclusive bubbly.

5. K’gari Walking Tours

Longing to do a hike on K’gari, but wince at the idea of lugging around tent poles? Fret no longer, because K’gari Walking Tours has the tour for you. Go pack-free with all-inclusive meals over two days or do the Great Walk Transfer in style over four days with deluxe accommodation and catering included. Committed to the burn (and saving dollars)? They also offer a full-on camping tour, with walking groups, hiking equipment and 4WD drop-offs.

6. Tasman Venture

Explore K’gari and the waters nearby. (Image: Picture Co)

Take the path less travelled on this one-day adventure tour of K’gari’s lesser-known spots . Snorkel in search of sting rays at Wathumba Creek, kayak through verdant mangroves, check out the teeming array of birds and dive into secret water holes. In winter, you can add a spot of whale-watching to your itinerary too.

K’gari tours from Rainbow Beach

You can get to K’gari from its south side via the coastal town of Rainbow Beach. From there, visitors can either drive the 14km to the Inskip Peninsula to get to K’gari under their own steam or jump on a tour that has pick-up included.

7. Dingo’s K’gari

line of 4wd on Dingo’s K’gari Adventures tour — Let Dingo’s K’gari lead the way. (Image: TEQ)

Are you itching to get the keys in the ignition of a 4WD … but a tad nervous about getting bogged in all that sand? Dingo’s K’gari offers a 4WD tag-along tour, meaning you’ll be part of a convoy led by the tour guide.

Take the three-day tour and undergo the 4×4 driver training before setting off for an adventure that hits up all the top K’gari sites by day stopping only to camp under the stars at night (learn more about K’gari camping in our guide). Aimed at the 18 to 35 set, this tour is one for the young – or at least, the young at heart!

K’gari tours from Noosa

Coming from the Sunshine Coast will take you just over two-and-a-half hours to a departure point for K’gari. While this may add a bit of extra effort for the average daytripper, it is still very manageable to take a tour from Noosa to K’gari (particularly if you extend it to a few days).

8. Air Fraser Island

Air Fraser Island flight above K'gari fraser island — See K’gari from above. (Image: TEQ)

See the magnificent island and sparkling ocean from the skies, on a flight with Air Fraser Island . Options include a short scenic flight, a one-day flight/4WD exploration combo, and a multi-day island stay with accommodation. Air Fraser Island flights depart from the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay Airport, as well as from the island itself.

9. Drop Bear Adventures

three people floating in water on k'gari fraser island during with Drop Bear Tours — Drop Bear Tours has options for the whole family. (Image: TEQ)

Get in touch with nature with the eco-conscious tour company, Drop Bear Adventures (formerly K’gari Fraser Island Tours). Offering a range of sustainable tours, options include tours that are partially guided (so some wriggle room to do your own thing), tag-along 4WD adventures, ones that focus on sharpening your photography skills, as well as an ‘Eco-Warrior’ conservation tour. Departs Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

This article was originally written by Kate Bettes, with updates by Kassia Byrnes.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

9 K’gari tours to help you see the whole island