Expect four-wheel drives, freezing lakes, and friends for life. From overnight trips to day tours, there are numerous ways to explore the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island now officially known as K’gari, meaning ‘paradise,’ the island was originally named by the Butchulla people, its Traditional Owners.
Previously referred to as Fraser Island, K’gari is home to an array of transparent lakes, expansive white sand beaches, and dense rainforests. This is a stop on your east coast trip that you don’t want to miss.
Tour Companies
Choosing a Tour: The first step is to pick a tour. If you’re looking for a jam-packed day excursion, Tripadvisor’s top-rated K’gari Explorer Tours might be the one for you. With stops at the vibrant blue Lake McKenzie, the Maheno Shipwreck, Central Station rainforest, and more, you’ll hit all the iconic sights from the comfort of a 4WD coach.
For a More Immersive Experience: A three-day tag-along tour is ideal if you want to get up close to nature and navigate the bumpy rainforest terrain. Popular choices for backpackers include Dingos and Pippies, which offer private campsites for your tour group, a knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to drive yourself (and fellow passengers) in a 4WD along stunning stretches of sand. Fraser Island tours often include these activities and more.
I opted for Pippies K’Gari Adventures. This three-day and two-night trip commenced at Rainbow Beach Pippies Beachhouse hostel. A short ferry ride brought us to Fraser Islands Australia and days filled with camping, group cooking, and sceptical trips to the infamous ‘rave cave’ followed.
Sleeping Arrangements on Fraser Island
If you’ve settled on an overnight Fraser Islands tour, then your next question may be, where will I be sleeping? And if the presence of dingoes and spiders are anything to go by, this could be a pressing concern.
Both Pippies and Dingos overnight group tours offer private campsites, with two people sharing one tent. In my experience with Pippies, we were given yoga mats, sleeping bags, and pillows, which made for a comfortable night’s sleep (even with the looming paranoia of insects sharing my tent). Though rumours have circulated about another Fraser Island tour group (naming no names) failing to provide pillows for guests, this has now been rectified, so restful nights all around.
If a bed above ground height is what you’re after, plenty of tour groups offer shared accommodation or even private huts. The Sunrover Resort Guided Tour provides luxury resort accommodation, including hotels and villas, while visitors on K’gari Fraser Islands Australia Adventures can enjoy hotel-like nights at The Eco Retreat.
To Drive or Not to Drive
Let’s say you’ve chosen your trip, gone for a tag-along Fraser Islands tour, and want to try your hand at a bit of beach driving but are unsure where to start. All my tour required was that drivers were over the age of 21, with physical proof of their driver’s license. Nervous about getting behind the wheel? Fear not, we could drive as much or as little as we wanted, so sit back, relax, and be a passenger princess if you prefer.
Navigation not your forte? Worry not, the clue is in the name of ‘tag-along tour’; you simply cruise behind the car ahead and hope your tour guide doesn’t get you lost. Our trip included a mixture of beach and rainforest driving in an automatic 4WD. Around seven passengers were in each car, with at least three drivers, and if you want to nab the front seat, then ensure you’ve curated an unskippable playlist for your car—they’ll always want you on aux.
Activities on Fraser Island
Now for the best part, activities. Sightseeing may vary depending on who you book your Fraser Islands tour with, but given the natural beauty of K’gari, I’m sure the attractions won’t disappoint.
Lake McKenzie Fraser Island
A vibrant pale blue turned deep navy colour, this rainwater lake serves as an idyllic relaxation spot. Coupled with clear white sand and views of lush vegetation, we spent the day playing catch in the sky blue lake.
Champagne Pools
Best to visit at high tide, the natural rock pools are fittingly named ‘champagne pools’ as foamy bubbles fill the water when large waves crash against the neighbouring rocks. Bordering the ocean, the pools allow visitors to swim on Fraser Islands Australia without the risk of riptides or the threat of sharks.
Maheno Shipwreck Fraser Island
Gradually eroding away on Fraser Island’s coastline, the SS Maheno Shipwreck embodies a significant history for the island. Claimed by a large storm on what would be her final journey from Australia to Japan, the ship, overcome by waves, ultimately beached on K’gari, where she resides to this day.
Eli Creek
This freshwater creek offers the ultimate spot to cool down after a busy day of driving in the heat. Although we were graced with the rain during our visit, our Fraser Islands tour grabbed doughnut rings and floated down the largest creek on the eastern beach.
Central Station
A canopy of leafy foliage and home to a variety of wildlife, the beautiful rainforest is also conveniently located near Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and Lake Birrabeen.
Other notable sights during my Fraser Islands Australia visit included dingo spotting—many ran alongside our cars, an enormous whale skeleton, frogs greeting me on my winding walk to the showers, and a spider that decided to hop onto my head upon our arrival at camp. All part of the experience. As with the rest of Australia, K’gari is inundated with awe-inspiring natural beauty and is sure to be a trip that you won’t forget!
Massive thanks to our guest author Amy Larsen. Keep your eye out for more great articles from Amy coming soon!
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