K'gari (Fraser Island)

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesNorth Head
FinishEurong
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable For4WD 
Distance391.5 km
Minimum Days3
Average Speed29.64 km/hr
Travel Time13 hrs 12 mins
Page Updated: 7 Jan 2022

Description

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the world's largest sand island. Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, just 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough it is accessible via vehicle barges and passenger ferry (services run daily). The barges carry walk-on passengers but there is no public transport on the island. Accommodation on the island is plentiful and diverse, with privately-run holiday accommodation options from upmarket resorts to budget cabins, plus a diverse range of camping options - both informal beach camping and fenced camping areas with facilities are available. For hikers, there is also the option to camp at "walk-in" only campsites.

A network of scenic drives on sandy tracks allows visitors to explore the island along the beach and throughout inland tracks but high-clearance 4WD vehicles with low range are essential. Trailers and camper trailers are NOT PERMITTED on the inland tracks. All-wheel drive vehicles are not recommended.

When planning your stay we recommend using a number of base camps at various locations. This enables you to spend a few days at a time in each area of Fraser Island to avoid long driving days and to have more leisure time.

If fishing is high on your agenda we would recommended camping further north up the eastern beach towards Eli Creek to enable easier access to other good fishing sports such as the Maheno, Moon Point, Orchid Beach and Sandy Cape.

NOTE: This directions in this route assume you have landed on Fraser Island on the western beach after taking a vehicular barge from River Heads. The route immediately takes the inland route via Central Station and then heads to the eastern beach. If you have taken the barge from Inskip Point instead, you can pick up the route notes from Dilli Village.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

World Heritage K’gari spans 125 km in length and is 30 km wide. It is a unique natural environment and is the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows in sand. K’gari's abundant pristine fresh water lakes and crystal clear creeks are one of the islands major drawcards. There is prolific wildlife throughout the island, with 325 species of birds, wallabies, possums, flying foxes, echidnas, dingo freshwater tortoises, dolphins, turtles and humpback whales (in season).

K’gari dingoes have been exposed to enormous numbers of humans in recent years and their natural instincts have been altered by the constant rubbish left around for them to scavenge upon and hand-feeding. For your safety, please follow dingo safety advice in brochures and signs.

History

The reversion to the name K’gari has happened in stages over a number of years. The first European to sight the island was Captain James Cook in 1770, but it wasn't until 1836 that the first people actually landed and this occurred due to the shipwreck of the Stirling Castle.

Fraser Island was named in honour of Eliza Fraser a formidable survivor. Eliza survived the shipwreck of Stirling Castle; the death of her baby; and 2 months under capture by the island's aboriginals.

In 1870, as a result of a series of shipwrecks, a lighthouse was built at Sandy Cape. This was the first permanent European settlement on the island.

With an estimated Aboriginal population of around 3000 in 1850 this number was reduced to just 300 by 1890 as a result of the usual plights that saw such a massive diminishing of this race at this time - disease, alcohol and abuse from slavery. By the 1930's the island's indigenous population had been totally destroyed.

Since the 1960s K’gari Fraser Island has battled a series of environmental disputes. Firstly sand mining, then logging. The first attempt to establish the island as a National Park was made in the late 1800s but the timber interests which were already on the island managed to dissuade the government and for the next 60 years the island was logged.

Today K’gari is World Heritage listed and almost the entire island is a protected National Park. It preserves ancient Aboriginal sites, a unique rainforest system growing in sand, and a diverse range of wildlife.

TrekID: 16

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
For the latest information we recommend you refer to the Qld Parks & Forests website

Permits

Permits are necessary if you intend camping and must be arranged in advance. You must also have a permit for taking a vehicle onto the island (whether it be hired or your own). These permits must be purchased well in advance (3 months is recommended).

Bookings can be made online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 74 68 with payment by credit card.

Fuel Usage

Available on the island from various locations Orchid Beach, Cathedral Beach Resort, Eurong Beach Resort.
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 64 litres *4cyl 63 litres4cyl 78 litres
6cyl 74 litres *6cyl 93 litres *6cyl 69 litres
8cyl 60 litres8cyl 65 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

All year, although best from April - October. School holidays are extremely busy.

Closest Climatic Station

Hervey Bay Airport
Distance from Trek Mid Point 21.75km NW
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C30.030.028.926.924.121.821.622.524.726.427.929.3
Mean Min. °C22.022.120.517.914.011.89.910.514.217.019.021.1
Mean Rain mm160.3153.1131.771.797.687.549.258.940.673.467.7147.1
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

North Head to Dilli Village
Driving: 44.72 km
Heading: 137°
Avg Speed: 21.05 km/hr
EST Time: 02:07:28
Dilli Village to Hook Point
Driving: 23.08 km
Heading: 185°
Avg Speed: 39.06 km/hr
EST Time: 35:27
Hook Point to Dilli Village
Driving: 23.08 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 39.06 km/hr
EST Time: 35:27
Dilli Village to Lake Boomanjin
Driving: 10.96 km
Heading: 327°
Avg Speed: 17.08 km/hr
EST Time: 38:30
Lake Boomanjin to Lake Birrabeen
Driving: 9.82 km
Heading: 342°
Avg Speed: 19.15 km/hr
EST Time: 30:46
Lake Birrabeen to Eurong
Driving: 11.81 km
Heading: 95°
Avg Speed: 17.77 km/hr
EST Time: 39:52
Eurong to Happy Valley
Driving: 21.26 km
Heading: 22°
Avg Speed: 39.06 km/hr
EST Time: 32:39
Happy Valley to The Declivity
Driving: 15.53 km
Heading: 327°
Avg Speed: 16.86 km/hr
EST Time: 55:16
The Declivity to K'Gari Campground
Driving: 26.17 km
Heading: 96°
Avg Speed: 17.99 km/hr
EST Time: 01:27:16
K'Gari Campground to Cathedrals on Fraser
Driving: 86.83 km
Heading: 17°
Avg Speed: 32.94 km/hr
EST Time: 02:38:09
Cathedrals on Fraser to Dundubara Campground
Driving: 7.59 km
Heading: 26°
Avg Speed: 28.55 km/hr
EST Time: 15:57
Dundubara Campground to Indian Head
Driving: 19.93 km
Heading: 23°
Avg Speed: 47.88 km/hr
EST Time: 24:58
Indian Head to Orchid Beach
Driving: 7.15 km
Heading: 321°
Avg Speed: 18.76 km/hr
EST Time: 22:52
Orchid Beach to Ocean Lake
Driving: 5.7 km
Heading: 318°
Avg Speed: 31.4 km/hr
EST Time: 10:53
Ocean Lake to Orchid Beach
Driving: 5.7 km
Heading: 138°
Avg Speed: 31.4 km/hr
EST Time: 10:53
Orchid Beach to Indian Head
Driving: 7.15 km
Heading: 141°
Avg Speed: 18.76 km/hr
EST Time: 22:52
Indian Head to Dundubara Campground
Driving: 19.93 km
Heading: 203°
Avg Speed: 47.88 km/hr
EST Time: 24:58
Dundubara Campground to Cathedrals on Fraser
Driving: 7.59 km
Heading: 206°
Avg Speed: 28.55 km/hr
EST Time: 15:57
Cathedrals on Fraser to Eli Creek
Driving: 10.67 km
Heading: 201°
Avg Speed: 33.89 km/hr
EST Time: 18:53
Eli Creek to Happy Valley
Driving: 5.57 km
Heading: 202°
Avg Speed: 36.38 km/hr
EST Time: 09:11
Happy Valley to Eurong
Driving: 21.26 km
Heading: 202°
Avg Speed: 39.06 km/hr
EST Time: 32:39
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach

Wildflowers

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