From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Coach Tour with Lunch

Take a full-day guided tour from Hervey Bay to K'gari (Fraser Island), exploring its iconic freshwater lakes, pristine beaches, and historic shipwrecks on the world’s largest sand island.

Getting started

Start your day with pickup from your Hervey Bay accommodation and head to the Kingfisher Bay Mainland Reception at River Heads. After check-in and a short briefing, board the ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island). Relax on deck during the crossing and keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life in the Great Sandy Strait.

What to expect

• Central Station & Wanggoolba Creek: Explore this former bustling logging hub and stroll along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, surrounded by ancient King Ferns and towering Flooded Gums.

• Lake McKenzie: Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie, renowned for its white silica sandy beaches and vibrant blue waters

• Seventy-Five Mile Beach: Travel along this beach that runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Soak in the views and keep an eye out for dingoes and humpback whales during migration season (July–October).

• Eli Creek: Wade or float through this freshwater stream that pours millions of liters of clear water into the ocean every hour—an ideal spot to cool off.

• Maheno Shipwreck: Stop for photos at the rusting remains of the SS Maheno, a trans-Tasman luxury liner turned WWI hospital ship that washed ashore during a cyclone in 1935

• The Pinnacles: Learn how these technicolor sand cliffs were formed, with striking layers of reds, yellows, and oranges that hold spiritual significance to the Butchulla people.

• Return ferry & drop-off: After a full day exploring K'gari, board the ferry and return to River Heads, followed by drop-off at your accommodation.

From Hervey Bay: K'gari (Fraser Island) 1-Day Classic Coach Tour with Lunch

Discover the natural wonders and cultural heritage of K'gari (Fraser Island), a UNESCO World Heritage site, on this full-day guided tour from Hervey Bay. The tour includes round-trip ferry transfers from Urangan Boat Harbour, hotel pick-up in Hervey Bay, and a delicious lunch at a scenic location. Highlights include Lake McKenzie's crystal-clear waters, the picturesque Eli Creek, the historic Maheno Shipwreck, and the vibrant colors of The Pinnacles. With an expert local guide sharing stories about the island’s unique ecosystem and Aboriginal heritage, you'll spend approximately 8 hours exploring this remarkable sand island which covers over 150 kilometers in length and spans across 162 square miles. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Hervey Bay to Urangan Boat Harbour where you board your ferry for a 45-minute ride to K'gari, also known as Fraser Island.

Explore Great Sandy Straits Marina Urangan

Your tour stops at the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan where you'll embark on your journey to K'gari (Fraser Island). Established in 1985, this bustling marina covers an area of approximately 20 acres and serves as a hub for both recreational boating enthusiasts and commercial fishing operations. The marina features over 400 berths, multiple fuel docks, and amenities including a cafe and souvenir shop. Guests can spend about 30 minutes here before boarding the ferry to K'gari. This stop is crucial not only for logistical reasons but also because it provides an opportunity to learn about the local marine life and the historical significance of the area in relation to early European settlement.

Marvel at Lake McKenzie

At Lake McKenzie, guests can take a dip in its pristine waters that stretch over 20 acres. This freshwater lake is one of the most iconic spots on K'gari and attracts thousands of visitors each year due to its crystal-clear water and white silica sand beach. The lake was formed around 750 years ago when rainwater collected in a natural depression surrounded by dense forest. Visitors typically spend about an hour here, enjoying activities like swimming and relaxing along the shoreline. Lake McKenzie stands out from other beaches on K'gari because of its unique ecosystem that supports rare plant species such as the banksia tree and the sheoak.

Experience Eli Creek

Your tour takes you to Eli Creek, a freshwater stream where guests can float down the gentle current for about 1.5 kilometers through lush rainforest vegetation. This creek has been a popular spot on K'gari since the early 20th century when it was first discovered by European settlers exploring the island's interior. The total length of Eli Creek measures approximately 8 kilometers, but your guided tour focuses on its most scenic section which is about 15 minutes each way walking and floating. This experience offers a serene break from the beach activities and provides insights into Fraser Island’s diverse flora and fauna.

Witness Maheno Shipwreck

Your tour stops at the Maheno Shipwreck, an iconic landmark along K'gari's eastern coastline that has been stranded since 1935. This ship is approximately 120 meters long and was originally built in Scotland in 1904 for trans-Pacific passenger service before being repurposed as a hospital ship during World War I. The Maheno Shipwreck stands out from other wrecks around the world due to its historical significance and the dramatic way it sits half-submerged on the beach, rusting over time while becoming an integral part of the island's landscape. Guests spend about 30 minutes here learning about its history and taking photos.

Admire The Pinnacles

The tour concludes at The Pinnacles, a unique geological formation that showcases vibrant colored sands due to iron oxide deposits giving hues ranging from reds to purples. This site covers an area of approximately 10 acres and is one of the most photographed spots on K'gari. Visitors typically spend around 45 minutes here exploring the natural beauty and hearing about local Aboriginal stories associated with these formations, which date back thousands of years. The Pinnacles are particularly unique compared to other sand dunes because they have been shaped by wind patterns over millennia into distinctive shapes.

Tour Highlights

• Travel across K'gari in a custom 4WD coach with an expert local guide
• Round-trip ferry and hotel transfers from Hervey Bay for a smooth adventure
• Dip in Lake McKenzie’s bright blue waters and float down Eli Creek stream
• See the rusting Maheno Shipwreck stranded since 1935 on K'gari's coast
• Explore vibrant colored sands at The Pinnacles with Aboriginal stories
• Learn about Fraser Island’s natural wonders and cultural heritage throughout
• Access to scenic locations including Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan
• Convenience of hotel pick-up and drop-off services included

Perfect for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and families, this full-day guided tour provides an immersive experience through K'gari's diverse landscapes. The 8-hour format allows you to explore Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, witness the Maheno Shipwreck, and admire The Pinnacles, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Fraser Island’s unique ecosystem while enjoying its breathtaking natural beauty.