How to get to K'gari

K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) is located in the Great Sandy Strait, about 0.6 miles off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough. If you're self-driving, you'll need to make your way to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, where you can then take a ferry over to the island. K'gari is a remote island with limited amenities and mobile phone coverage, so it's important to plan ahead.

By boat

River Heads in Hervey Bay and Inskip Point in Rainbow Beach are the main launching points for K'gari. There are daily ferry/barge services with the option to travel as a foot passenger (if you're joining a tour) or bring your 4WD across from the mainland.

If you're self-driving, you must purchase a vehicle access permit (VAP) online, at an over-the-counter booking office, or by phone. The VAP must be displayed on your windscreen before driving on the island.

From Hervey Bay

River Heads is a 15-minute drive south of Hervey Bay. SeaLink operates ferries from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek on K'gari. There are daily services from 6.45am to 4pm and the crossing takes 30 to 50 minutes. Booking is required.

From Rainbow Beach

Manta Ray operates barges from Inskip Point to Hook Point on K'gari. There are daily crossings from 6am to 5.30pm and the journey takes about 10 minutes. Booking is not required.

By air

There are no commercial airports on K'gari, but you could fly to Hervey Bay, the closest airport on the mainland, before taking the ferry. There are regular flights from Sydney and Brisbane.

By rail or coach

There are no direct trains to K'gari. However, if you're coming from Brisbane, Cairns or a major town or city between these destinations, you can take a train with Queensland Rail to Maryborough West, and then transfer to Hervey Bay on the RailBus Coach.

If you're traveling from Sydney, you could take a train to Brisbane with NSW TrainLink and then transfer to Maryborough West or Cooroy with Queensland Rail. From here, take the RailBus Coach to Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

There are also no public bus services. However, you could buy a ticket with a private coach company such as Greyhound Australia or Premier. They operate daily services from Childers, Maryborough and Sunshine Coast to Hervey Bay and/or Rainbow Beach.

Getting around K'gari

A 4WD is the only permitted vehicle on K'gari as there are no sealed roads. Driving is only recommended for experienced 4WD drivers as some of the tracks are steep and the sand can be deep and soft, particularly if there hasn’t been much rain.

If you don’t have a 4WD, you can rent one in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

You must purchase a vehicle permit from Queensland National Parks to enter K'gari with a car.

Still want to learn about K'gari? Return to K'gari (Fraser Island) FAQs

Join a K'gari (Fraser Island) tour

Don't fancy four-wheel driving across the sand? Or would you like to journey up the East Coast with a legendary local leader who can show you all the top spots and local secrets? Join us on a K'gari (Fraser Island) tour.

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