Welcome to Fraser Island
The local Butchulla people call it K’Gari – paradise – and for good reason. Sculpted from wind, sand and surf, the striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests of this gigantic sandbar form an enigmatic island paradise unlike anywhere else. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world (measuring 120km by 15km), and is the only known place where rainforest grows on sand.
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Fraser Island activities
Hervey Bay to Fraser Island 4WD Tour with Lake McKenzie Swim
After pickup at your hotel in Hervey Bay or meeting at Rivers Head, you’ll board the ferry to Fraser Island where you transfer to a comfortable four-wheel drive (4WD) air-conditioned coach. Your expert guide will share stories about the island's history, flora and fauna as you spend the day exploring the natural beauty of the World Heritage-listed island.You’ll travel first to Central Station where you’ll stroll along a boardwalk next to the crystal clear waters of Wanggoolba Creek that stream over white sand through a rainforest valley. Discover idyllic shady spots surrounded by ancient king ferns and towering ghost gum and pine trees.Next you’ll head to Lake McKenzie, a pristine gem with clear water and sandy white beaches. Note how soft your skin and hair feel after bathing in the fresh water of this picture perfect lake.Then you’ll drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, a sandy highway where you can spot birds of prey and humpback whales (migrating July – November). You also can choose to sign up for a 15-minute scenic flight over the island (own expense) while the coach continues down the beach and meets the plane when it lands. You’ll arrive at the spot where Eli Creek’s pours into the ocean. Follow your guide a short distance up the creek then float in the fast-moving water back to the beach. Reboard your coach for photo stops at your next two destinations: the iconic Maheno Shipwreck–which washed ashore during an out-of-season cyclone in 1935–and the colored sand cliffs of the Pinnacles. Your guide will explain how the technicolor sand formations were created and the aboriginal legends about the site. Along the way, you'll pull into a beach resort for a tasty buffet lunch. After your day’s adventures, you’ll catch the ferry back to River Heads and be returned to your hotel.
Fraser Island 4WD Tour from Noosa or Rainbow Beach
Your Fraser Island adventure begins with pickup from your Sunshine Coast accommodation in locations from Mooloolaba to Noosa. Traveling by 4WD you'll head across the Noosa River towards the Cooloola National Park, a significant Aboriginal site and the gateway to Fraser Island. At 75 miles (120 km) long and 15 miles (24 km) wide, Fraser Island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world. It’s home to a diverse range of birds, reptiles and amphibians, including the occasional saltwater crocodile. Stop to collect fellow travelers joining in Rainbow Beach and for morning tea. Next, cross by ferry on to Fraser Island , and drive through beaches and rainforest before arriving at Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Your purpose-built 4WD Warrior allows great off-road access and has large windows, so you won’t miss a thing.Satisfy the hunger pangs you worked up with a healthy lunch of salads, cold meats and wraps before embarking on a self-guided walk through the Pile Valley Rainforest - home of the Fraser Island Satinay. Then jump back into the Warrior and travel down sandy tracks through towering brushbox trees to a remote beach, where you’ll enjoy afternoon tea before returning to Rainbow Beach or the Sunshine Coast.
2-Day Fraser Island Tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach
Named K’Gari (paradise) by the local Aborigines, Fraser Island is a place unlike any other. Created over the millennia from sand drifting off of mainland Australia, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and the only place where rainforest grows in sand. With more than 100 pristine freshwater lakes, numerous creeks, giant sand dunes and extensive rainforest, you’ll have plenty to explore on your 2-day trip. You’ll stay overnight at Eurong Beach Resort located on Seventy-Five Mile beach with apartment-style accommodation in a shared quad room. The resort has two swimming pools, two bars, and a cafe where you can relax after a day of exploring. One breakfast, two lunches and a dinner are included.
5-Day Fraser Island and Great Barrier Reef Tour
Travel with a group of like-minded explorers on a guided tour of Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef, two of Australia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites!Fraser Island is the biggest sand island in the world, created over millennia from sand drifting off of mainland Australia. You'll come to understand why the local Aboriginal people named it K’Gari, or paradise, as you explore freshwater lakes and creeks, giant sand dunes, and lush rainforest, among other natural treasures. The next day, head further north to Kelly's Beach Resort, your home base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Take a full-day boat tour to Lady Musgrave Island on the Great Barrier Reef, where you can snorkel, swim in an area known for turtles, and discover the underwater world. You will stay at beachside resorts in three locations, with your choice of a private room or shared accommodation. See Pricing for a range of lodging options. Each day, you’ll enjoy various included activities, as well as the chance to participate in optional activities (at own expense). Three breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners are included.Please note: Tour pricing does not include National Park and ferry fees and Great Barrier Reef tax (AU$270 per person, cash), which must be paid to the driver on departure.
Fraser Island by Boat from Hervey Bay Including Kayaking and Snorkeling
After pickup from your Hervey Bay hotel, travel to Great Sandy Straits Marina in Hervey Bay to begin your cruise to Fraser Island.Enjoy morning tea on board while cruising across the ocean, past small uninhabited islands and along the coast of picturesque Fraser Island. Keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles and dugongs swimming nearby, and seabirds flying overhead.Arrive on Fraser Island without getting your feet wet, thanks to your boat's amphibious watercraft designed to be driven onto the beach. Your Fraser Island tour reveals the wild and still untouched side to the island on a visit to Wathumba creek. Go kayaking, swimming, snorkeling with the turtles in the crystal-clear waters, relax on the sand or stretch your legs on a relaxed bushwalk.Return to the boat for a delicious buffet lunch. Relax on-board as you cruise to the picturesque Awinya or Bowarrady Creek. Enjoy the natural surrounds while paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming or enjoying other free water sports available. Head back to the marina in comfort -- enjoy the view from the boat's deck or chat to the crew while you enjoy the fruit and antipasto platters served for afternoon tea. Snacks, drinks and souvenirs are available to purchase during your return cruise to Hervey Bay.
Hervey Bay Premium Whale Watching Cruise
Courtesy pick-up from hotel accommodation is available. The cruise departs at 9:30am and returning at approximately 3:30pm each day from late July to the end of October. Board Freedom III at Berth A4, Great Sandy Strait Marina. The vessel is a 17.6-meter power catamaran with maximum 49 passenger per day.Cruise the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay to the Great Sandy Marine Park which is renowned as the playground for visiting humpback whales as they migrate south to the Antarctic waters. Expert commentary from your skipper and on board DVD's entertain and educate about the unique aspects of whale watching in Platypus Bay which is formed by Fraser Island and the mainland. Morning tea is served on the journey out and consists of hot scones jam and cream and decadent profiteroles. Tea, coffee and filtered water is available all day. After morning tea the search for the playful humpback whales gets into full swing. Look out for splashes, the blow, breaches, shiny black backs or tail slapping.Your tropical buffet lunch is served while watching whales play nearby. It consists of warm bread rolls, 2 cold meats, hot chicken wings, 3 salads: coleslaw, potato salad and green salad. Special dietary needs can be accommodated if arranged prior to departure. Several pods of whales will usually be seen as well as dolphins, turtles and sea birds. If you are lucky you may hear the sounds of whale song through the hydrophone. Fabulous views of Fraser Island's western beaches provide a wonderful background to your tour. Afternoon tea of a fresh fruit platter and a cheese platter is served on the return journey. Relax and enjoy the return journey. There may be more whales to see and you can share your photos and whale encounters on social media with our free WIFI.If you used the courtesy bus it will be waiting for you once back in the marina. There is also plenty of free car parking off Buccaneer Drive for the Great Sandy Straits Marina guests.