In the previous posts, we’ve introduced you to the many landmarks and spots you’d get to enjoy when you visit the amazing Fraser Island. From its unique and clear lakes to its mysterious natural formations and ruins, there is no doubt that this World Heritage-listed jewel has something for every kind of traveller. But here, we’ll take a pause in stirring your travel lust and proceed instead to helping you prepare your vacation to the island by handing out some important information — how to get to Fraser Island!

Reaching the Island

Ferries and barges provide primary access to travellers as well as vehicles to Fraser Island. As featured on the official website of Tourism Fraser Coast, “Fraser Island ferry and barge services, both vehicle and passenger, operate from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach daily to various points on Fraser Island. Private boats can moor off the island with tender transfers to land, or there are jetty facilities dotted around the island.” There are a number of ferry transport services you can choose from. But bear in mind though, that at Fraser Island, 4WDs are the kings of the sand dunes and other types of vehicles aren’t allowed on the island.

The following are Fraser Island ferry services that can bring you straight to your Fraser Island Tours;

  • Manta Ray Fraser Island barge – A locally owned and operated ferry service, Manta Ray Barge takes a 15-minute trip from Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, to Hook Point at Fraser Island’s southern point. Departure times are from 6am to 5:30pm and there is virtually no waiting. The cost is $120 return for vehicles, including its passengers.
  • Fraser Venture – From River Heads, which is located south of Hervey Bay, the Fraser Venture barge runs three return services daily to the Wanggoolba Creek. “Its departure times from River Heads are at 9am, 10:15am and 3:30pm, and returns at 9:30am, 2:30pm and 4pm” according to the company’s official website. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes, but may change depending weather and tide conditions. One way ticket per vehicle, including three passengers and driver, costs $95 whilst return cost is at $160.
  • Fraser Dawn – The company that runs Fraser Venture “also operates the Fraser Dawn Vehicular Ferry from the Urangan marina in Hervey Bay to Moon Point on Fraser Island,” according to Lonely Planet. Crossing time from Hervey Bay boat harbour to Moon Point, which is opposite of Fraser Island’s Happy Valley, is approximately 55 minutes.
  • Kingfisher Bay Ferry – Kingfisher Bay Ferry also departs from River Heads daily, but lands an Fraser Island’s prestigious Kingfisher Bay Resort. This Fraser Island transport service does the 50-minute trip from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay, leaving daily 6:45am, 9am, 12:30pm, 3:30pm, and 6:30pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, they also run a 9:30pm service. “The ferry cruises around the islands of the Great Sandy Strait to Kingfisher Bay jetty. Guests often see dolphins and turtles on this cruise,” says Tourism Fraser Coast. One way costs are at $95, inclusive of three passengers and vehicle driver, and $160 for return costs.

Also don’t forget to secure a driving permit prior to arrival in the island. However, if you join us on one of our tours at Dropbear Adventures, that won’t be necessary as we can arrange and take care of everything, from permits, accommodation, meals and Fraser Island ferry and barge transfers, to make your trip as hassle-free and enjoyable as you want it to be! So what are you waiting for? Speak with our amazing team at Dropbear Adventures today and discover the jewels of Fraser Island with us!