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About K'gari (Fraser Island)


World Heritage-listed K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island and is a haven for 4WD enthusiasts from across the globe.

75 Mile Beach is a gazetted highway that runs up the surf side (eastern side) of the island and provides access to the townships of Eurong, Dilli Village, Happy Valley, Orchid Beach and Cathedral Beach. More than 1500km of sand tracks crisscross the island taking you to some of the best natural attractions Australia has to offer including Lake McKenzie - a freshwater lake perched high in the sand dunes.

We urge visitors to spend a few days exploring the beautiful freshwater lakes and creeks, ancient rainforests, massive sand blows and coloured sands. 75 Mile Beach also provides some of the best beach fishing. But don't take our word for it...

  • Kingfisher Bay Resort was named as one of the top family resorts in 2022 in Holidays with Kids Magazine
  • Lake Wabby was named in the Best Australian Beaches 2022 (Top 20) by Tourism Australia
  • K'gari was named in Out & About with Kids Magazine’s 100 Best Family Travel Experiences in Australia Top 5 (2021)
  • The Australian has compiled Australia’s best inland swimming spots and waterholes - including Lake McKenzie at the top of the list (2021)
  • K'gari was named in Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Ways to Holiday Here This Year (2020)
  • Kingfisher Bay Resort named in Australian Traveller Magazine’s Top Destinations to Reclaim Summer (2020)
  • Kingfisher Bay Resort named a Best of Queensland experience (2018-2022)
  • K'gari’s 75 Mile Beach was named one of the top ten beaches in Australia - 101 Best Australian Beaches (2012)

Our friends at Queensland Parks and Wildlife urge you to please be Dingo Safe in the Great Sandy National Park.

Travel Information for K'gari

  • The only way to drive onto the island is via a 4WD, where you are greeted with an off-road adventure, get ready to experience sandy roads and travel along the most picturesque highway Australia - the 75 mile Beach. The highway has views of the ocean on one side and the amazing natural wonder of K'gari on the other side, as you travel along the sand highway.

  • Travel north on Bruce Highway to Maryborough then follow the signs to Hervey Bay. You will come to a well signposted right hand turn to River Heads. Follow this road and signs to River Heads. You will end up in the ferry ramp car park, the ticket office is on the right of the River Heads Ferry Terminal area.

  • Follow the Bruce Highway south. Turn off the highway at Torbanlea following signs to Hervey Bay. You will come to a T junction, turn left and then, almost immediately, turn right which is signed River Heads and Kingfisher Bay Resort ferry ramp. Follow this road and signs to River Heads. You will end up in the ferry ramp car park, the ticket office is on the right.

  • Driving on K’gari’s 75 Mile Beach is subject to tides. The general rule is to make sure you are off the beach for two hours on either side of the high tide (although some hire car companies' terms and conditions may differ). Tide times are available on the Bureau of Meteorology website (use Urangan for tide times on the western side and Waddy Pt for timings on the eastern beach).

  • Vehicle access permits are required for all vehicles entering The Great Sandy National Park on K'gari and can be obtained in advance online or from Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service offices in Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Rainbow Beach. Permits are also required in advance for camping.

    Our friends from Queensland Parks and Wildlife request all visitors to please follow the Dingo Safe guidelines when in the Great Sandy National Park.

  • General stores at K'gari Beach Resort (formerly Eurong Beach Resort, on the eastern beach) and Kingfisher Bay Resort (on the western side) provide groceries, bread, alcohol, fuel, bait, ice, meat, vegetables, souvenirs, resort wear, camping equipment, fishing gear, postage facilities and telephones. These resorts also have restaurants, bars, bakeries and coffee shops available for guests.

    A local Police Station is situated near the Ranger Station at Eurong. First aid and emergency medical assistance can also be obtained from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Ranger Stations. In the event of an emergency please call 000.

FAQs

  • The ferry takes approximately 50 minutes, departing from River Heads (Hervey Bay), arriving at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Click here to find out more information, and to view our ferry schedule.

  • For independent travel you will need a 4WD, plus permit if you plan to drive in the Great Sandy National Park. You can pre-purchase your permit at the Queensland National Parks website.

    We also have guided 4WD tours that depart the resort daily, exploring the island's most iconic sights.

  • Yes, you require a vehicle permit if you plan to drive in the Great Sandy National Park. You can pre-purchase your permit at the Queensland National Parks website.

  • Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a securely dingo-fenced property with interconnecting rooms, 2 and 3-bedroom villas, as well as a suite of holiday houses. You can view family-friendly options and current deals here.

    K'gari Beach Resort offers a securely dingo-fenced property with resort hotel rooms and 2-bedroom apartments. You can view family-friendly options and current deals here.

  • K’gari has a subtropical climate, meaning warm to hot temperatures year-round, with wet, humid summers (especially January-March) and drier, milder winters (June-August).

    The average summer temperature on K'gari is 29°C (86°F), average winter temperature is 22°C (72°F). Bring warmer clothing for cooler winter nights.

  • There are ample locations to fill up your tank once you get to K'gari. Locations include K'gari Beach Resort, Happy Valley, Cathedrals on Fraser, Orchid Beach and Kingfisher Bay Resort. Both resorts have stores with essential supplies, baits, and souvenirs.

  • The world's largest sand island requires a few 4WD tips and tricks to help plan your visit.

    1. Tyre pressure – Set it low, around 18 PSI when driving in the sand, as it increases the surface area for your tyre to grip, especially in softer sand conditions.
    2. Momentum – Keeping a steady pace is key, particularly when driving uphill on the tracks, to ensure that your tyres don’t sink into the sand.
    3. Technique – Drive to the conditions, and slowly work up your speed. The inland tracks have a limit of 30km/h - keep an eye out for pits and fallen tree branches. 75 Mile Beach has an 80km/h speed limit in some areas, however, it’s important to monitor the beach ahead of you and be cautious of washouts or run-off from nearby creeks.
    4. Planning – Travel along 75 Mile Beach travel during low tide times, where more of the beach is exposed and easier to navigate, and avoid driving two hours on either side of high tide.
    5. Recovery – Always pack a set of MAXTRAX + a snatch strap as your 4WD essentials.
    6. Courtesy – The inland tracks have a series of pull-off bays, allowing other vehicles to pass through. Be sure to give way to convoys and larger vehicles or coaches.