Queensland’s Fraser Island is a heritage listed piece of island paradise. It also happens to be the world’s largest sand island, which means amazing – and very long – stretches of pristine beaches, sand dunes, freshwater lakes, rainforests which grow from sand, untouched habitats and unique wildlife – think wild dingoes, humpback whales close by and a whole heap of bird species.

The island is a true gem of Australia, and with so much to do, see, and learn, you have come to the right place to figure out how to plan the perfect Fraser Island experience.

First things first, how do I get to Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is located along the Sunshine Coast, and due to the size of the island you can get there from a bunch of cities along Queensland’s coast, including Noosa, Hervey Bay (this is the most popular spot to leave from, it’s about a 4 hour drive north of Brisbane), Rainbow Beach and Surfer’s Paradise.

There are no bridges from the mainland, so you’ll be arriving by sea or air. You can take a boat across yourself from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach (if you’re experienced!!), anchor in a little offshore and bring a raft in to the beach. If a 4WD trip is your thing, bring your car with you on a ferry, or hire one when you touch down on the island. Just have a quick look into permits and make sure you’re confident and ready to be driving on sand.

Tours to Fraser Island

While venturing over to the island yourself and figuring out an itinerary as you go is ideal for some travellers, it’s fair to say that a place as special as Fraser Island is best appreciated and seen on a tour, with a guide who guarantees you experience all the true and hidden beauty on offer.

For a short and sharp visit, you can take a 1 Day Fraser Island Tour , departing from Noosa or Rainbow Beach. You will see Lake McKenzie (you won’t want to miss that) and Cooloola National Park, get around in a 20 seat 4WD, be treated to an Aussie BBQ and some stunning scenery.

Is one day long enough in Fraser Island?

You certainly can visit in a day if you are short on time, but given the size and beauty of Fraser Island, it is somewhere you should consider putting 2-3 days aside for. You will only start to scratch the surface in a day, and may very well start planning your trip back before the day is even done!

There are a range of tours on offer, each catering to the type of trip you want.

If you want to get the full Aussie experience, the 2 Day 1 Night Fraser Island Tour gives you the chance to 4WD on the sand yourself (don’t worry, you’ll be briefed in before you take the wheel), camp on the beach and try to spot sharks and whales from Indian Head.

To enjoy as much beach driving as possible, a Tag Along Camping Tour is hard to beat. You drive yourself as part of a group but have access to a guide, and will make memories to last a lifetime.

If camping isn’t your thing, do not stress, the Fraser Island Tour From Rainbow Beach covers all the good stuff over 2 days, including meals and transfers, but you’ll spend the night in Eurong Beach Resort to have a good nights rest before a second full day of activities.

Fraser Island highlights:

We’ve covered a lot of ground today, but if you are lucky enough to get to Fraser Island, just make sure you don’t miss these highlights, have your camera ready to go, and enjoy this unique part of the world:

  • Lake McKenzie
  • 75 Mile Beach
  • Maheno Shipwreck
  • Champagne Pools
  • Indian Head
  • Cooloola National Park
  • Lake Wabby
  • Eli Creek
  • The Pinnacles Colours Sands

For an extensive list of all Fraser Island tour options available, check out One Stop Adventures.

Related article: Choosing the Best Fraser Island Tour

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