Hotel profile: Kingfisher Bay Resort

Whales, local experts and location make a stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort unforgettable.

You’d be hard-pressed to find accommodation with a more idyllic setting than Kingfisher Bay Resort. Nestled on the edge of World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), it’s got everything you need to make this remote island feel connected.

When the sun melts into the horizon, K’gari turns to gold.

BYO four-wheel-drive for unscheduled adventures of the world’s largest sand island (the scale of which is hard to comprehend until you’re there). Zip around the island’s unbelievably scenic freshwater wild swimming spots, catch sight of dingoes, wander into forest groves and adventure over sand dunes. No 4WD? No problem. Discover a huge range of Kingfisher Bay Resorts tours and events – truly its crowning glory.

Location

woman standing on balcony of room at Kingfisher Bay Resort k'gari accommodation — Some resort rooms have views of the ocean. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Location, location, location: a catchcry made famous by real estate, but exemplified by Kingfisher Bay Resort. It’s quite literally the gateway to the Fraser Coast’s World Heritage-listed K’gari Island. An easy 50-minute ferry ride from Hervey Bay will dock you right onto the resort’s jetty (shared with the island).

Right on the sand of Kingfisher Bay (hence, the name), guests can take a very short walk, or an even shorter ride on the resort’s courtesy van, to reception. This is also the main dining area, with several restaurants within the main building, and where you’ll find the main pool. Hotel rooms sprawl across the property, and wooden boardwalks will make it easy to walk between them all.

Facilities

Island Day Spa

If you’re looking for bliss, you’ll find it at Island Day Spa. With a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques, it’s the ultimate place on K’gari to unwind and settle into the holiday vibe.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and you feel the welcome as you walk into the reception. All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. Indulge in a spa package, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Pools

kid running into pool at kingfisher bay resort — Enjoy food and drinks by the main pool. (Image: TEQ)

Dive into one of two lagoon-style pools, the main of which sits right behind the main resort centre. Here you can enjoy poolside cocktails and other beverages, as well as snacks, from Sand & Wood.

K’gari Discovery Centre

You can get to know the island at the K’gari Discovery Centre. Designed to gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the island’s natural beauty, learn about K’gari’s unique ecology through stunning photographs and informative displays.

The Village Store

Forgot something back on the mainland? The Village Store has you covered. From souvenirs to sunscreen and floaties to snacks, pop into the resort’s own convenience store.

Rooms

interior of a resort room at Kingfisher Bay Resort — The resort rooms have everything you need. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Kingfisher Bay Resort has three accommodation styles to choose from: resort rooms, villas and holiday homes. Resort rooms are your standard hotel room with a variety of room formations and sizes to accommodate solo travellers and couples, up to groups of four. They’re simple, with a bathroom, a kettle and storage cupboards. All come with a balcony, and the prize view – if you can score it – is looking out towards the ocean.

couple inside Kingfisher Bay Resort Villa — Upgrade to a villa for more privacy and space. (Image: TEQ)

To add more style to your stay, upgrade to one of the self-contained villas. Created for larger groups of up to six who are hoping for a bit more space, enjoy a spacious living area, a fully functional kitchen and a bit more privacy than the resort rooms offer. Even the decor steps up a notch, with bright, beachy tones lightening up the space.

But for a true piece of K’gari that feels like your own, try one of the private holiday houses. Here, you are truly nestled amongst the natural landscape and away from other guests (while still being close enough to enjoy all the resort facilities). These spacious three- to six-bedroom houses cater to up to 15 people.

Food and drink

Kingfisher Bay Resort Dune Resturant — Dine at Dune restaurant. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Kingfisher Bay Resort offers two restaurants and two bars of different flavours in the resort centre. All perfect for a decent feed, and even better for a nice cold drink or tasty cocktail at the end of a day exploring the island.

The casual Sand & Wood restaurant, looking out to the resort’s main pool, offers a morning breakfast buffet and a range of pub-style fare for lunch and dinner. Try the nachos, they are hearty, tasty and oh-so-satisfying.

For a slightly elevated dining experience, pop into Dune for vibrant Asian-fusion meals. Drunken Noodles are listed as a house speciality, and I can confirm they were a personal favourite. Right next door sits the cosy Rainforest Bar for a pre- or post-dinner aperitif.

The real winner, however, is the ultimate beachfront Sunset Bar. Get there by 4:30pm to settle in at a table or stool along the pier with groovy beats setting the mood. Order from a range of beers, wines or pre-made cocktails and watch as the sun makes its journey to the horizon.

Experiences

Self-guided walks

aerial view of Wallum Boardwalk on k'gari island — Wander Wallum Boardwalk. (Image: Cathy Finch)

Explore a range of self-guided walking trails around the resort, from short scenic strolls – like the picturesque Wallum Boardwalk – to longer day hikes – like the two-hour Lake McKenzie Circuit. Download the resort’s walking map and get going.

Ranger-led tours

kingfisher bay resort ranger led tour through the mangroves on k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: TEQ)

Besides location, it’s the ranger-led experiences that make Kingfisher Bay Resort absolutely worth the stay. 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.

Ranger-guided experiences range in price from complimentary to $55.

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.

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.

Access for guests with disabilities?

While the resort does offer some accessible facilities – like paved parking and ramps around the resort centre – some areas may present challenges for those with mobility limitations. The rest of the island is also fairly untouched and requires a 4WD to get around, so exploring may also prove difficult.

Family-friendly?

a family enjoying the sunset in front of kingfisher bay resort on k'gar fraser island — Families are front and centre at Kingfisher Bay Resort. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Absolutely, Kingfisher Beach Resort is designed with families in mind, and you’ll find plenty of kids running around.

Details

Address: Kingfisher Bay, K’gari Island
Website: Visit kingfisherbay.com
Contact: 1800 372 737
Cost: Rates start at $229 per night.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island from Kingfisher Bay Resort