K’gari Fraser Island TIDES, PERMITS AND BARGES
K’GARI FRASER ISLAND IS ACCESSIBLE FROM NOOSA, RAINBOW BEACH AND HERVEY BAY BUT ONLY BY 4WD.
directions to fraser island
Getting to the Island is easy when you time it right. Remember to plan your journey around the low tide. Note that 2-3 hours either side of the low tide is the best time to travel the eastern beach.
FROM NOOSA
If you are working out how to get to Fraser Island from Noosa or the Sunshine Coast you have a couple of choices. You can take the beach scenic route, or the road scenic route. To go the beach you will need to head out of Noosa through Tewantin and cross the Noosa River Ferry. Head north to Rainbow Beach. Make sure the tide is low and take Leisha Track around the back of Double Island Point head land. If you are heading up the road, simply punch Rainbow Beach Inskip Point in your GPS and follow the directions.
FROM RAINBOW
Fraser Island is just a stones throw away from Rainbow beach and getting to the Island from Rainbow Beach is easy. Simply take the 15 minute drive out to Inskip Point and catch the Manta Ray Barge. Make sure you pick up your barge ticket from the Fraser Island barge ticket office or book through their website and check that the tide is low before you head off to Fraser Island from Rainbow Beach.
FROM HERVEY BAY
When getting to Fraser Island from Hervey Bay it’s important to be early. The barge leaves from River Heads and is always on time. Allow 40 minutes to do the 25 minute drive out from Hervey Bay to River Heads Barge landing. You have 2 options when taking this barge, it’s best to book Wangoolba Creek landing when you are stay with us.
What you need to bring…
When you stay with us at our Beach Eco Retreat we have most of what you need right here. We provide all eco-friendly toiletries, linens including bath towels and both our kitchens are fully equipped with tables, cookware, BBQs and a wood-fired pizza oven!
Recommended Packing List
- beach bag packed with all the goodies like sunscreen, hats and sunnies!
- torch, camera, phone and charger
- food and drinks (don’t need to bring water)
- re-fillable water bottle
- overnight bag
- BASIC WASH BAG
how to 4WD on Fraser Island
4WDriving on sand can be very tricky but with a little local knowledge you’ll feel like a pro in no time. The type of 4WD you need to get around Fraser Island is a tough 4WD. Do not consider bringing a low 4WD or an AWD as you wont get very far. Here is a link to a great safety video put together by Queensland Park’s and Wildlife Service that we recommend watching before you come to the island for the first time and it’s a great refresher of the rules if you have been before.
things you need
- tyre pressure gauge
- full tank of fuel
- maxtrax, a snatch strap or both
- air compressor
- your driver’s licence
- your ‘best road trip songs’ playlist
If you are hiring a 4WD from us, we provide all the gear you need upon departure from Noosa. We also include a Hema map and Audio Guide too.
CATCHING the BARGE TO K’GARI FRASER ISLAND
