Getting there and getting around

High-clearance 4WD vehicles are essential for driving on K'gari as the roads are all sand.

Photo credit: Tourism Queensland

Vehicle barges run continuously during daylight hours between Inskip and Hook Point at the southern end of K'gari.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

K'gari is about 300km north of Brisbane and 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

• K'gari map (PDF, 570.5KB)
• K'gari conditions report (PDF, 1.6MB) contains critical information for your safety—always check it before you visit.

Vehicle access

K'gari'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

Vehicle access permits (VAPs) must be purchased and displayed on your vehicle windscreen before driving on Fraser Island Recreation Area. Be sure to buy all your permits before you go and ensure vehicle number plate details are correct on your permit.

• 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.

24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use

All vehicles entering and exiting the recreation area may have their vehicle number plates recorded. Vehicle registration details are checked against the Queensland National Parks Booking Service and a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) may be issued to the registered owner of any vehicle entering the recreation area without a valid vehicle access permit. To avoid receiving a PIN, ensure you purchase a vehicle access permit before entering the recreation area. For more information see:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition System (cameras) - FAQs (PDF, 173.1KB)

Other access options

Passenger flights operate daily from Hervey Bay to K'gari. 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 Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek barge landing, Waddy Point, Ungowa and Dundubara camping areas and day-use areas.