Fraser Island - Getting there and getting around - Pelican 4wd Bookings
Getting there and getting around - Pelican 4wd Bookings
Fraser Island is located just off the mainland Queensland cities of Maryborough and Hervey Bay. It forms the eastern boundary of the body of water known as Hervey Bay.
High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for driving on Fraser Island as the roads are all sand. Photo: Tourism Queensland
Vehicle barges run continuously during daylight hours between Inskip and Hook Points at the southern end of Fraser Island. Photo: Queensland Government
Fraser Island is about 300km north of Brisbane and 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
- Fraser Island map
- Fraser Island conditions report contains critical information for your safety—always check it before you visit.
Vehicle access
Fraser Island’s sand tracks are rough and only suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles with low range capacity.
All-wheel drive vehicles are not recommended.
Vehicle barges leave from:
- Inskip Point, 15 minutes drive from Rainbow Beach (east of Gympie) to Hook Point; these barges generally run from 6am to 5.30pm (trip time is about 10 minutes, no bookings required)
- River Heads (east of Maryborough) to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek (trip time is between 30 to 50 minutes, bookings required).
Vehicle access permit
A vehicle access permit must be purchased and displayed on your vehicle windscreen before driving on Fraser Island. Be sure to buy all your permits before you go.
- Buy your vehicle access permit online.
- If you cannot book online, buy your vehicle access permit over the counter.
- Transfer or replace a vehicle access permit.
Other access options
Passenger flights operate daily from Hervey Bay to Fraser Island. Flights are also available from Maroochydore.
Commercial tours of the island leave from Rainbow Beach, the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Brisbane.
Vehicle barges also take walk-on passengers.
Wheelchair accessibility
Wheelchair toilet facilities are available at Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek barge landing, Waddy Point, Ungowa and Dundubara camping areas and day-use areas.
Park features
Spectacular sandblows demonstrate the ongoing geological processes for which Fraser Island was given World Heritage status. Photo: Queensland Government
Lake Wabby, the island's only barrage lake and a sacred men's area to the Butchulla people, is being swallowed by Hammerstone Sandblow at about 1 meter each year. Photo: Queensland Government
Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island and an area of remarkable natural beauty. It was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1992 to recognize the island's internationally significant natural features:
- evolving dune, lake, soil and forest systems, the extent and age of which are outstanding examples of ongoing geological and biological processes
- unique landscapes, which are examples of superlative natural occurrences.
Growing on seemingly infertile sands are a great variety of plant communities ranging from coastal heath, mangrove forests and swamps to subtropical rainforest.
The many archaeological remains found on Fraser Island record thousands of years of culture and tradition, and provide important links to their past for the Butchulla people.
The island is 123km long and covers an area of 166,038ha, so you need to allow plenty of time to explore and appreciate it.
- Read more about the natural environment, culture and history of the Fraser Island World Heritage Area, Great Sandy National Park.
Places to see
Lake Boomanjin
This is the largest perched lake in the world, covering almost 200ha. Its waters are stained brown by tannins leached from the vegetation. Please read water safety.
Central Station
Many memorable walks leave from Central Station. Stroll through the rainforest along Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, visit the peaceful Basin Lake, or stand among the impressive satinay trees in Pile Valley.
Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora)
This inland, a perched lake is a popular site. Its white sand and sparkling blue waters attract many visitors, with busiest times between 10.30am and 3pm. Please read the water safety. There are short walks to the lake from each of the three fenced picnic areas. Popular sites also attract dingoes, so please remember to take no food or drinks (except water) to the lake for safety sake.
Lake Wabby
This is the deepest lake on Fraser Island. Its shore lies at the advancing edge of the Hammerstone Sandblow. Take Cornwell's Break Road up to the ridge above the lake, where a short walk leads to a splendid lookout offering a view of this barrage lake and the sandblow that is slowly engulfing it. It is considered a significant cultural site by the Butchulla people. The water is shallower than it first appears. Do not dive or jump into the lake. Swimming is not recommended. Never run, jump, board, slide, roll or race down the sand dune that leads into the lake, even if you see others doing dangerous things. Many serious spinal injuries have occurred here. Please read about water safety.
Eli Creek
Cool off next to this crystal clear freshwater creek that flows through vegetated banks and right out to the beach. Watch for eels and frogs from the boardwalk, and see small empire gudgeon and jungle perch fish swimming against the current. Please read the water safety.
Kingfisher Bay
Sheltered coastline, impressive views across the Great Sandy Strait and historical sites are all within an easy walking distance of Kingfisher Bay.
Lake Allom
Tucked into a rainforest hollow, this lake offers a cool respite from the salty beach environment. A circuit track around the lake meanders through a variety of plant communities. Wait on the viewing platform and watch for freshwater turtles, but please do not feed them. Please read the water safety.
Wungul Sandblow
Enjoy expansive coastline views from the first dune crest of this sandblow.
Waddy Point headland
Take in a vista of beach and ocean. Watch for sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays coasting along.
Binngih Sandblow (Waddy Point)
Catch sweeping views of Waddy Point headland and north over Marloo Bay to Sandy Cape, the site of the only lighthouse on Fraser Island.
Ocean Lake
Ocean Lake is home to a variety of water birds taking advantage of the reeds and undisturbed sections of the lake. Nearby, an easy walk through cypress, banksia and melaleuca woodland offers a good lookout with panoramic views. Please read the water safety.
Camping and accommodation
Camping
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages a number of camping areas in the Great Sandy National Park. Camping permits are required and fees apply.
- Find out more about camping on Fraser Island.
- Book your campsite online.
- If you cannot book online, see camping bookings for other options.
Read Things to know before you go for information about essentials to bring with you when camping on Fraser Island.
Large organized groups and schools
Organised groups should submit an online group notification. Groups can apply to obtain a special account to book the Fraser Island group sites.
To book a group campsite you need to apply for a special account by:
- logging onto: www.qld.gov.au/camping
- selecting ‘Create account’
- following instructions to create your special account
- using this special account to book your group campsite.
It is recommended that group leaders view the Teachers' and group leaders' package for planning hints and safety information.
Other accommodation
A range of privately-run holiday accommodation is available on Fraser Island.
For more information see the tourism information links.
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