Can I bring my car or 4WD on the ferry?

Yes, but only 4WD vehicles are allowed on Fraser Island. You must have a valid vehicle permit (issued by Queensland Parks) and book a vehicle ferry ticket separately. Standard 2WD vehicles are not suitable due to the island’s sandy terrain.

Where exactly does the ferry depart from?

Ferries leave from River Heads, about a 25–30 minute drive south of Hervey Bay. There are two main services: one to Kingfisher Bay Resort and another to Wanggoolba Creek, depending on your accommodation or tour.

How long is the ferry ride to Fraser Island?

The ferry crossing takes approximately **30 to 50 minutes**, depending on tides and your destination (Kingfisher Bay or Wanggoolba Creek). It’s a scenic journey across the Great Sandy Strait with plenty to see.

Is there parking available at River Heads terminal?

Yes, there is secure, paid parking at River Heads for those leaving their vehicles behind.

Guide to taking the Ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island

K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island and if you’re visiting Brisbane or the Fraser Coast, it’s well worth the trip. This is a place where rainforests grow out of dunes, freshwater lakes shimmer under the sun, and wild dingoes still roam freely. But before you reach this World Heritage-listed paradise, you’ll need to cross the Great Sandy Strait. The easiest way? Catch a ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island. In this article, we’ll take you through the best ways to make the crossing.

Ferry options: How to get there

There are two main routes for catching a ferry from the Hervey Bay region to Fraser Island:

4WD vehicle on a sandy beach with ocean view, part of Noosa kayak and beach adventure tour.

Departure point: River Heads (about 20 minutes' drive south of Hervey Bay town)

If you’re heading to K’gari, most ferries leave from River Heads, a riverside port that serves as the main departure point to the island. From here, you’ve got two options depending on where you’re headed:

Wanggoolba Creek: This is the go-to drop-off for self-drivers with a 4WD permit. Nestled near the heart of the island, it gives you direct access to internal sand tracks that lead to top spots like Central Station and Lake McKenzie. Some tours also use this route for more central inland itineraries.
Kingfisher Bay Resort: This is the best choice if you’re staying overnight or joining a guided day tour. The resort ferry lands on the western side of the island and is the main hub for visitors without a 4WD.

Travel time: Between 30 to 50 minutes, depending on where you’re headed and the tidal conditions.

Hervey Bay tours that include ferry transfers

If you're not bringing your own vehicle, a guided tour is the easiest and honestly, most relaxing way to explore K’gari. This means that you don’t have to plan logistics separately, just show up at the marina or shuttle pickup point and let the pros handle the rest. Here are your tour options:

From Hervey Bay: K’gari 1-Day Classic Coach Tour

Ferry included from River Heads
Ride in a custom 4WD coach across the island’s top attractions like Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Central Station, and more
Perfect for first-timers and non-drivers

Book your tour now

From Hervey Bay: Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

Boat transfer to K’gari’s remote western coast
Combines whale watching with kayaking, snorkeling, and beach time
Great for wildlife lovers and active travellers

Book your tour now

Getting to River Heads

River Heads sits around 18–29 km south of Hervey Bay, depending on your exact starting point. It’s the main departure terminal for ferries to K’gari (Fraser Island), and getting there is pretty straightforward:

Drive yourself

It’s a 24–30 minute drive from Hervey Bay. From Boat Harbour Drive, turn onto Elizabeth Street near the Urangan Woolworths roundabout. Follow signs past the airport, then continue down River Heads Road (sometimes Ariadne Road on GPS) until you reach the ferry terminal at 54 Ariadne Street, River Heads QLD 4655. There's secure paid parking available if you're not taking your vehicle across.

Taxi or rideshare

A taxi from central Hervey Bay takes about 24 minutes, with fares ranging from $70–$90, or $30–$40 from the airport. Uber and other rideshare services also operate locally.

Shuttle service

If you're booking a guided tour, this part is often sorted for you. Most day tours include hotel pickup and drop-off with a smooth transfer to the ferry terminal.

What you’ll see on the crossing

As the ferry glides across the Great Sandy Strait, you'll pass calm, aquamarine waters that stretch between the mainland and the island’s wild west coast.

Look out for dugongs grazing on seagrass beds, dolphins riding the wake, and turtles surfacing near the ferry path. During July to October, there’s even a chance to spot humpback whales breaching in the distance as they pass through Hervey Bay.

Along the shores, saltwater mangroves and bird-filled wetlands edge the coastline, with sea eagles and wading birds circling overhead. And then towards the end of the journey you’ll see the inland dunes and lush forest cover of K’gari rising on the horizon.

Frequently asked questions on taking the ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended especially during school holidays or whale season (July–October).

Explore K’gari’s iconic sights with a local guide—includes round-trip hotel transfers & lunch.

Starting point: Meet at the Mainland Reception at River Heads where you'll take the ferry to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: See K’gari’s must-visit spots—Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, and more—on a comfortable 4WD tour with expert commentary.
Don’t miss: Seeing the satinay and kauri pines grow directly from the sand—a rare phenomenon while strolling on the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk.

Inclusions #

1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
Lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If unavailable, contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
The ferry will depart from River Heads at 8.30am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spend 3 days on K'gari—drive 4WDs, camp for two nights under the stars, & hike sand dunes.

Starting point: Start your trip at Freedom Hostel with an introduction and driving safety session before getting on the ferry to K’gari.
Everything you get: 3-day self drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert local guide, 2 nights stay in an enclosed campsite, round-trip ferry transfers, meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 2 dinners), camping equipment, National Park fees & fuel levies, activities such as tubing and swimming.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Champagne Pools, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck & Pile Valley.
Why choose this: With three days on the island, you won’t just visit K’gari—you’ll live it. Swim in creeks, 4WD drive on the beach, and campfire hangouts by the ocean without rushing.
Don’t miss: Stop at Lake Wabby Lookout to get a bird’s eye view of the lake between the sandblow and lush rainforest.

Inclusions #

3-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
2 nights stay in an enclosed campsite
Expert local guide
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 2 dinners)
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

Guests aged 21 or older with a valid national driver’s license and a manual driver’s license held for at least one year are allowed to drive during the tour. Those who do not meet all the requirements are not allowed to drive.
Guests with asthma, diabetes or a severe allergy must notify the staff and the guide before the tour.
This experience is not recommended for pregnant women beyond 28 weeks. However, consult a doctor to check if the tour is suitable for you.
The tour provides luggage storage facilities in Rainbow Beach.
The tour provides lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the second day, and breakfast and lunch on the third day.
Guests must inform the operator of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
The experience will be at a beach camping site with a camp-style kitchen set-up and a communal dining area.
The camping equipment includes a twin-sharing tent, a camp mat, and a sleeping bag.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

All-in-one K’gari day tour—ferry, lunch, local guide, & round-trip hotel transport from Rainbow Beach

Starting point: Begin your journey at Inskip Point, where you'll take the ferry across the Great Sandy Strait to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: Departing from Rainbow Beach, this tour takes you to K’gari’s must-see spots like Lake McKenzie and Maheno Shipwreck with expert insights along the way.
Don’t miss: The old wooden structures and huts used by the local logging community back in the day, along with informative exhibits detailing the island's history at Central Station.
Upgrades: Choose the 2-day or 3-day self-drive 4WD tour for a more immersive experience—stay overnight at a beachside campsite, enjoy extra meals, and take your time exploring more of K’gari’s hidden gems.

Inclusions #

1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Rainbow Beach
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
Lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

2-day self-drive 4WD tour (as per option selected)

2-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Expert local guide
1 night’s stay in an enclosed campsite
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

3-day self-drive 4WD tour (as per option selected)

3-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
2 nights' stay in an enclosed campsite
Expert local guide
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If unavailable, contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
The ferry will depart from Inskip Point, Rainbow Beach at 7:45am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If you don’t have one, please contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
Dinner will be at the guest's own expense.
The ferry will depart from River Heads at 9am.

Inclusions #

2-day guided coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
1 night’s stay in a single, twin/ double, or triple sharing room at K’gari Beach Resort(as per option selected)
1 breakfast, daily morning tea, 1 picnic lunch & 1 lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore K’gari’s wild west—guided kayaking, snorkeling, & secluded beaches.

Starting point: Get a safety briefing and a rundown of the day's plan at Hervey Bay Marina before taking the ferry to K'gari's western coast.
Everything you get: Full-day boat tour of the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert guide, round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, guided walk, guided kayaking tour, snorkelling & tube ride, watersport equipment, lunch, morning & afternoon tea.
Sights covered: Wathumba Creek, Awinya Creek, & Bowarrady Creek.
Why choose this: See the remote western side of K’gari, only reachable by boat. Snorkel, kayak, and explore unspoiled beaches away from the crowds.
Don’t miss: Spot dugongs and sea turtles in the waters of the Great Sandy Strait, especially near seagrass meadows during the boat ride.
Upgrades: Choose the whale watching experience between July to October to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat off K'gari's coast.

Inclusions #

Full-day boat tour of the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Expert local guide
Whale watching (as per option selected)
Guided walk
Guided kayaking tour
Snorkelling & tube ride
Watersport equipment
Lunch
Morning & afternoon tea

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 35 people.
Write down your dietary requirements at the time of booking.
The whale season is from July to October.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spot dolphins on this 4-hour cruise—no rush, small group, expert commentary, & tea.

Starting point: Kick off your cruise at Great Sandy Straits Marina, where you’ll go through a safety briefing before setting sail along K'gari's coastline.
Everything you get: 4-hour dolphin watching cruise, small group of up to 24 people, expert skipper, live commentary, morning tea & fruit platter.
Sights covered: Hervey Bay’s sparkling waters, K'gari (Fraser Island) coastline, Great Sandy Strait, Pelican Bank.
Why choose this: A relaxed way to see dolphins and marine life up close—an intimate, eco-friendly experience perfect for families and nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Enjoy a fun ride in the boom net or or test your core on the Aqua Mat at Pelican Bank.

Inclusions #

4-hour dolphin watching cruise
Small group of up to 24 people
Expert skipper
Live commentary
Morning tea & fruit platter

Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
The cruise will depart from Great Sandy Straits Marina at 8.30 am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore K’gari’s iconic sights with a local guide—includes round-trip hotel transfers & lunch.

Starting point: Meet at the Mainland Reception at River Heads where you'll take the ferry to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: See K’gari’s must-visit spots—Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, and more—on a comfortable 4WD tour with expert commentary.
Don’t miss: Seeing the satinay and kauri pines grow directly from the sand—a rare phenomenon while strolling on the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk.

Inclusions #

1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
Lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If unavailable, contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
The ferry will depart from River Heads at 8.30am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spend 3 days on K'gari—drive 4WDs, camp for two nights under the stars, & hike sand dunes.

Starting point: Start your trip at Freedom Hostel with an introduction and driving safety session before getting on the ferry to K’gari.
Everything you get: 3-day self drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert local guide, 2 nights stay in an enclosed campsite, round-trip ferry transfers, meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 2 dinners), camping equipment, National Park fees & fuel levies, activities such as tubing and swimming.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Champagne Pools, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck & Pile Valley.
Why choose this: With three days on the island, you won’t just visit K’gari—you’ll live it. Swim in creeks, 4WD drive on the beach, and campfire hangouts by the ocean without rushing.
Don’t miss: Stop at Lake Wabby Lookout to get a bird’s eye view of the lake between the sandblow and lush rainforest.

Inclusions #

3-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
2 nights stay in an enclosed campsite
Expert local guide
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 2 dinners)
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

Guests aged 21 or older with a valid national driver’s license and a manual driver’s license held for at least one year are allowed to drive during the tour. Those who do not meet all the requirements are not allowed to drive.
Guests with asthma, diabetes or a severe allergy must notify the staff and the guide before the tour.
This experience is not recommended for pregnant women beyond 28 weeks. However, consult a doctor to check if the tour is suitable for you.
The tour provides luggage storage facilities in Rainbow Beach.
The tour provides lunch and dinner on the first day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the second day, and breakfast and lunch on the third day.
Guests must inform the operator of any dietary requirements at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before departure.
The experience will be at a beach camping site with a camp-style kitchen set-up and a communal dining area.
The camping equipment includes a twin-sharing tent, a camp mat, and a sleeping bag.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

All-in-one K’gari day tour—ferry, lunch, local guide, & round-trip hotel transport from Rainbow Beach

Starting point: Begin your journey at Inskip Point, where you'll take the ferry across the Great Sandy Strait to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: Departing from Rainbow Beach, this tour takes you to K’gari’s must-see spots like Lake McKenzie and Maheno Shipwreck with expert insights along the way.
Don’t miss: The old wooden structures and huts used by the local logging community back in the day, along with informative exhibits detailing the island's history at Central Station.
Upgrades: Choose the 2-day or 3-day self-drive 4WD tour for a more immersive experience—stay overnight at a beachside campsite, enjoy extra meals, and take your time exploring more of K’gari’s hidden gems.

Inclusions #

1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Rainbow Beach
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
Lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

2-day self-drive 4WD tour (as per option selected)

2-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Expert local guide
1 night’s stay in an enclosed campsite
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

3-day self-drive 4WD tour (as per option selected)

3-day self-drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
2 nights' stay in an enclosed campsite
Expert local guide
Round-trip ferry transfers
Meals
Camping equipment
National Park fees & fuel levies

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If unavailable, contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
The ferry will depart from Inskip Point, Rainbow Beach at 7:45am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If you don’t have one, please contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
Dinner will be at the guest's own expense.
The ferry will depart from River Heads at 9am.

Inclusions #

2-day guided coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Round-trip ferry transfers
Expert local guide
1 night’s stay in a single, twin/ double, or triple sharing room at K’gari Beach Resort(as per option selected)
1 breakfast, daily morning tea, 1 picnic lunch & 1 lunch at K’gari Beach Resort
Foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese
National Park fees & fuel levies

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Explore K’gari’s wild west—guided kayaking, snorkeling, & secluded beaches.

Starting point: Get a safety briefing and a rundown of the day's plan at Hervey Bay Marina before taking the ferry to K'gari's western coast.
Everything you get: Full-day boat tour of the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert guide, round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, guided walk, guided kayaking tour, snorkelling & tube ride, watersport equipment, lunch, morning & afternoon tea.
Sights covered: Wathumba Creek, Awinya Creek, & Bowarrady Creek.
Why choose this: See the remote western side of K’gari, only reachable by boat. Snorkel, kayak, and explore unspoiled beaches away from the crowds.
Don’t miss: Spot dugongs and sea turtles in the waters of the Great Sandy Strait, especially near seagrass meadows during the boat ride.
Upgrades: Choose the whale watching experience between July to October to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat off K'gari's coast.

Inclusions #

Full-day boat tour of the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island)
Round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay
Expert local guide
Whale watching (as per option selected)
Guided walk
Guided kayaking tour
Snorkelling & tube ride
Watersport equipment
Lunch
Morning & afternoon tea

The tour can accommodate a maximum of 35 people.
Write down your dietary requirements at the time of booking.
The whale season is from July to October.

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Spot dolphins on this 4-hour cruise—no rush, small group, expert commentary, & tea.

Starting point: Kick off your cruise at Great Sandy Straits Marina, where you’ll go through a safety briefing before setting sail along K'gari's coastline.
Everything you get: 4-hour dolphin watching cruise, small group of up to 24 people, expert skipper, live commentary, morning tea & fruit platter.
Sights covered: Hervey Bay’s sparkling waters, K'gari (Fraser Island) coastline, Great Sandy Strait, Pelican Bank.
Why choose this: A relaxed way to see dolphins and marine life up close—an intimate, eco-friendly experience perfect for families and nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Enjoy a fun ride in the boom net or or test your core on the Aqua Mat at Pelican Bank.

Inclusions #

4-hour dolphin watching cruise
Small group of up to 24 people
Expert skipper
Live commentary
Morning tea & fruit platter

Children must be supervised by adults at all times.
The cruise will depart from Great Sandy Straits Marina at 8.30 am.

You can cancel these tickets up to 7 days before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Coach Tour with Lunch

Explore K’gari’s iconic sights with a local guide—includes round-trip hotel transfers & lunch.

Starting point: Meet at the Mainland Reception at River Heads where you'll take the ferry to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: See K’gari’s must-visit spots—Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, and more—on a comfortable 4WD tour with expert commentary.
Don’t miss: Seeing the satinay and kauri pines grow directly from the sand—a rare phenomenon while strolling on the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

11 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Multi-Day Tours

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari (Fraser Island) 3-Day Self-Drive 4WD Tour

Spend 3 days on K'gari—drive 4WDs, camp for two nights under the stars, & hike sand dunes.

Starting point: Start your trip at Freedom Hostel with an introduction and driving safety session before getting on the ferry to K’gari.
Everything you get: 3-day self drive 4WD tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert local guide, 2 nights stay in an enclosed campsite, round-trip ferry transfers, meals (2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, & 2 dinners), camping equipment, National Park fees & fuel levies, activities such as tubing and swimming.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Champagne Pools, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck & Pile Valley.
Why choose this: With three days on the island, you won’t just visit K’gari—you’ll live it. Swim in creeks, 4WD drive on the beach, and campfire hangouts by the ocean without rushing.
Don’t miss: Stop at Lake Wabby Lookout to get a bird’s eye view of the lake between the sandblow and lush rainforest.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

57 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Meals included

Day Trips

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Tour

All-in-one K’gari day tour—ferry, lunch, local guide, & round-trip hotel transport from Rainbow Beach

Starting point: Begin your journey at Inskip Point, where you'll take the ferry across the Great Sandy Strait to K’gari (Fraser Island).
Everything you get: 1-day coach tour of K'gari (Fraser Island), round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, round-trip ferry transfers, expert local guide, lunch at K’gari Beach Resort, foreign language app available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German & Chinese, national park fees & fuel levies.
Sights covered: 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck, & The Pinnacles Coloured Sands.
Why choose this: Departing from Rainbow Beach, this tour takes you to K’gari’s must-see spots like Lake McKenzie and Maheno Shipwreck with expert insights along the way.
Don’t miss: The old wooden structures and huts used by the local logging community back in the day, along with informative exhibits detailing the island's history at Central Station.
Upgrades: Choose the 2-day or 3-day self-drive 4WD tour for a more immersive experience—stay overnight at a beachside campsite, enjoy extra meals, and take your time exploring more of K’gari’s hidden gems.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

10 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Multi-Day Tours

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 2-Day Guided Coach Tour

Pregnant women and guests with back or neck issues are advised to consult a doctor before booking this tour due to the island’s rough terrain and sand tracks.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Guests traveling with children under 8 must bring their own car seats. If you don’t have one, please contact the operator for assistance.
This tour offers round-trip transfers from select hotels in Hervey Bay. Please select the hotel name during the time of booking.
Dinner will be at the guest's own expense.
The ferry will depart from River Heads at 9am.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Pickup available

Guided Tours

From Hervey Bay: Remote K'Gari (Fraser Island) Boat Tour with Lunch

Explore K’gari’s wild west—guided kayaking, snorkeling, & secluded beaches.

Starting point: Get a safety briefing and a rundown of the day's plan at Hervey Bay Marina before taking the ferry to K'gari's western coast.
Everything you get: Full-day boat tour of the western side of K'gari (Fraser Island), expert guide, round-trip hotel transfers from Hervey Bay, guided walk, guided kayaking tour, snorkelling & tube ride, watersport equipment, lunch, morning & afternoon tea.
Sights covered: Wathumba Creek, Awinya Creek, & Bowarrady Creek.
Why choose this: See the remote western side of K’gari, only reachable by boat. Snorkel, kayak, and explore unspoiled beaches away from the crowds.
Don’t miss: Spot dugongs and sea turtles in the waters of the Great Sandy Strait, especially near seagrass meadows during the boat ride.
Upgrades: Choose the whale watching experience between July to October to spot humpback whales in their natural habitat off K'gari's coast.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

9 hr.

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meals included

Sightseeing Cruises

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) Dolphin Eco-Sailing Cruise

Spot dolphins on this 4-hour cruise—no rush, small group, expert commentary, & tea.

Starting point: Kick off your cruise at Great Sandy Straits Marina, where you’ll go through a safety briefing before setting sail along K'gari's coastline.
Everything you get: 4-hour dolphin watching cruise, small group of up to 24 people, expert skipper, live commentary, morning tea & fruit platter.
Sights covered: Hervey Bay’s sparkling waters, K'gari (Fraser Island) coastline, Great Sandy Strait, Pelican Bank.
Why choose this: A relaxed way to see dolphins and marine life up close—an intimate, eco-friendly experience perfect for families and nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Enjoy a fun ride in the boom net or or test your core on the Aqua Mat at Pelican Bank.

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Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr.

Top things to do in Brisbane

Ferry options: How to get there

Hervey Bay tours that include ferry transfers

From Hervey Bay: K’gari 1-Day Classic Coach Tour

From Hervey Bay: Full-Day Whale Watching Cruise with Lunch

Getting to River Heads

Drive yourself

Taxi or rideshare

Shuttle service

What you’ll see on the crossing

Frequently asked questions on taking the ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island

Do I need to book the ferry from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island in advance?

Can I bring my car or 4WD on the ferry?

Where exactly does the ferry depart from?

How long is the ferry ride to Fraser Island?

Is there parking available at River Heads terminal?

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Coach Tour with Lunch

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari (Fraser Island) 3-Day Self-Drive 4WD Tour

From Rainbow Beach: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Tour

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 2-Day Guided Coach Tour

From Hervey Bay: Remote K'Gari (Fraser Island) Boat Tour with Lunch

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) Dolphin Eco-Sailing Cruise