Fraser Island Day Trip: The Best Way To See K’Gari in 1 Day

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Visiting Ok’gari, in any other case generally known as Fraser Island, was a kind of moments in life when the world reveals to you ways magically good it’s.

Recognized for being the world’s largest sand island the place the one means round is to drive by four-wheel drive down the seventy-five mile seashore, anybody planning to make a journey to Ok’gari is not going to depart disenchanted.

It’s an adventurer’s paradise.

However what should you solely have a day free in your Australia itinerary? What’s one of the best ways to discover Fraser Island in a day?

On this information, we reveal how one can embark on a Fraser Island day journey and listing the most effective day excursions you possibly can take.

Is A Fraser Island Day Journey Value it?

However first, is Fraser Island price visiting for someday? In the event you’re solely in a position to do a day journey to Fraser Island, you received’t be capable to see all the things, so that you’ll should be comfortable with that earlier than visiting.

Nonetheless, many individuals do it, and it’s doable to see a whole lot of the highlights in someday should you’re ready to drive quick and rise up early.

We do assume that Fraser Island is finest seen over two or three days. When you have extra time at your disposal, it could be smart to spend extra time right here so you possibly can actually take all of it.

Why is Fraser Island so particular?

Fraser Island stretches 123 km lengthy and 23 km broad. The most important sand island on the planet was dumped over 800,000 years in the past from locations so far as Antarctica when it was nonetheless joined with Australia.

It’s a World Heritage Web site as a result of it’s always transferring and evolving. Fraser Island is the one place on the planet the place tall rainforests are discovered rising on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.

In a while within the day from above the island via the window of a small Cessna we noticed how the wind and sand have labored to form this island.

A large dune slowly makes its means via the center of the island, claiming the forest because it goes. Lifeless tree stumps will be seen proudly standing amongst among the dunes, the final visible reminder of the forest that was as soon as there.

It’s a forest that grew from a pile of leaves on the sandy ground. The proper, couldn’t-recreate-it-if-you-tried situations to have towering timber, historical ferns, and the crystal-clear waters working via streams.

Locations To Go to on Fraser Island

In the event you solely have someday on Fraser Island, remember to go to the beneath locations.

Eli Creek

Water so clear, you solely understand it’s there when a leaf floats previous you. It’s water that’s been filtered by the sand for as much as 100 years – OMG the purity!

There are a number of creeks to go to and marvel at. Eli Creek is probably the most well-known for wading, tubing, or swimming via. Eli pumps practically 3.5 million litres of recent water into the ocean each hour.

There isn’t a place on the planet prefer it.

Lake Mackenzie

In the midst of the island is Lake Mackenzie.

A lake that holds the important thing to youth. Water that’s stated to maintain you youthful.

It was too chilly a day for me to check out that principle, however my ft positive preferred it. I might see them simply sufficient – not a murky streak to be discovered.

Crystal clear water that glows iridescent blue and white silica sand so powdery gentle ready so that you can clear your jewelry and exfoliate your pores and skin.

Keep awhile.

Lake Mackenzie, whereas maybe probably the most particular lake on Fraser, shouldn’t be the one one. The island has over 100 freshwater lakes.

Champagne Swimming pools

The Champagne Swimming pools are a pure swimming gap off 75-mile seashore, between Waddy Level and Indian Head. 

These pure swimming pools sit proper on the water’s edge and are nice for swimming since a rocky formation protects them from the tough waves of the ocean.

Seize your towel and your swimming costume and funky off in these refreshing swimming pools.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are an instance of the pure fantastic thing about Fraser Island. These pure limestone constructions that had been fashioned 25,000 – 30,000 years in the past. They had been fashioned after the ocean receded again into the ocean, abandoning a deposit of shells.

When the coastal winds eliminated the sand, these distinctive pillars had been left uncovered.

They’re a marvel to witness.

The Nationwide Freeway (75-Mile Seashore)

It was enjoyable to drive up and down 75 Mile Seashore on the japanese facet of the ocean, it’s one of many prime issues to do on Fraser Island.

It’s the wild and pounding facet, in distinction to the Western facet the place the clear and calm water laps gently onto the gentle, white sand.

75 Mile Seashore is classed as a part of the Bruce Freeway so strict street guidelines apply. There are cops round able to nab those that velocity or drink drive.

It’s additionally necessary you perceive how the tides work when driving this stretch so that you don’t get reduce off. Because of the fixed motion of sea and sand, it’s not at all times precisely 75 miles lengthy and the width adjustments dramatically.

You need to drive it when it’s flat and onerous, then it turns into simpler driving so long as you’re being attentive to the regular stream of 4WDs, the roaming dingos, the ambling vacationers, and the enjoyment flights taking off on the seashore.

Fraser is the off-road driver’s dream and it’s strictly solely made for severe 4WDs.

Our Nissan X-Path, while it’s been a pleasant suburban household 4WD didn’t have the mandatory clearance from the bottom to tackle Fraser, which is why we now discovered ourselves on a customized tour in a Toyota Prado being expertly pushed alongside the sand by Kevin from Fraser Explorer Excursions, organized via Kingfisher Bay Resort.

It’s a spotlight tour on an island stuffed with highlights. We solely barely scratched the floor and I’m eager to return to discover a lot Fraser has to supply.

We arrange a picnic at Central Station, as soon as a forestry township for about 150 folks. We took a stroll alongside the boardwalk subsequent to Wanggoolba Creek, which carries clear water via a tranquil rainforest full of historical ferns.

A brief stroll after lunch via the Pile Valley exhibits us among the older and greater Satinay timber – those that had been spared from the forestry felling.

The Maheno Shipwreck

Fraser’s sand continues to amaze us as we drive alongside The Pinnacles, a small part of colored sandy cliffs alongside the Surf Seashore (I can’t consider they’re constituted of sand!)

Proper close to right here washed up on shore at Comfortable Valley is likely one of the most photographed and visited websites on Fraser, the Maheno Shipwreck.

The Maheno, a former Trans-Tasman luxurious liner, and a World Struggle 1 hospital ship was washed up on shore in 1935 when she was being towed to Japan and a cyclone viciously ripped her from the chain and spewed her up on Fraser.

Sunrises are supposed to be picture-perfect right here with the Maheno within the foreground.

Greatest Fraser Island Excursions for One Day

If you wish to take advantage of out of your Fraser Island day journey, then reserving a tour is an effective way to see all of it and be taught concerning the formation and historical past in a brief period of time.

Plus you get to benefit from the consolation of being taken round, as a substitute of stressing to suit all the things in.

Listed below are some excursions we advocate…

Kingfisher Bay Resort Day Excursions

We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort which might organise 4WD excursions of the island or a 4WD rental so you are able to do it your self.

We opted for a guided tour since we had been on restricted time and wished to know as a lot as doable. As we had been bouncing round in a 4WD alongside the tracks on the white sandy seashores, expertly pushed by our information, Kevin, the ladies squealed within the again, fingers within the air as we went down one other dip.

“It’s a curler coaster!”

We drove via an historical forest of towering field brush and satinay timber, their roots digging down into the bottom that deceived you into pondering it was rock-solid grime.

Propping all of it collectively was only a pile of sand. Aside from a few rocks on a couple of factors alongside the seashore, there’s no rock on this island. The surroundings was wonderful.

I can’t consider Fraser Island is simply sand.

The identical assertion was tossed round many occasions all through the day on my own, Craig, and even Kevin. He’s been working excursions right here for over 15 years and the marvel and awe nonetheless run via him.

“What about how nice my workplace is?” he’d maintain asking us.

Yep, it’s fairly particular.

Kingfisher Bay Resort presents the next choices:

• Self drive with Aussie Trax Rent automobile. Rental costs begin from $175.
• Full day Magnificence Spots Tour (4WD bus tour takes in Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Pile Valley, 75-Mile Seashore, Eurong Seashore, Eli Creek, The Maheno, The Pinnacles colored sands). Full day tour contains lunch, morning tea and nationwide park charges. $160 adults, $110 for youngsters and $495 for a household of 4.
• Full day Champagne Swimming pools Tour (4WD Bus tour takes within the japanese seashore websites together with 75-Mile Seashore, Kooloro Sandblow; Indian Head; Champagne Swimming pools; Stonetool Sandblow and Pink Canyon). Full day tour contains lunch, morning tea and nationwide park charges. $160 adults, $110 for youngsters and $495 for a household of 4.
• Personalised Tour of Fraser Island is simply restricted by tides and time – you probably have specific pursuits (like bush strolling, chook watching and so on), your information will tailor your itinerary to swimsuit. Excursions happen in a Resort 4WD and embody a connoisseur lunch hamper. Value $1100 for full day together with Nationwide Park charges, lunch, private driver, car allow, morning and afternoon tea.

Fraser Explorer Excursions (For these not staying on Fraser Island)

In the event you don’t plan on staying on Fraser Island, then Fraser Explorer Excursions operates one and two-day excursions of the island leaving from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Seashore, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.

These are the most effective excursions for these trying to take a Fraser Island day journey as you will be picked up and dropped off on the place you might be staying.

Each-day tour of Fraser Island is led by an skilled native information, and takes you to sights equivalent to Lake McKenzie, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historical rainforest, Central Station, Eli Creek, The Pinnacles, alongside the 75 Mile Seashore, and to the long-lasting Maheno Shipwreck.

Ok’gari Explorer Excursions (Coach Excursions)

In the event you get pleasure from coach excursions, then Ok’Gari Explorer Excursions presents a full day coach tour leaving from Hervey Bay.

Discover the island on a 4WD bus and go to sights equivalent to Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, 75 Mile Seashore, The Pinnacles, and the Maheno Shipwreck.

When you’re exploring, your native information will present knowledgeable commentary on the sights. In the event you don’t converse English, then you possibly can obtain a free app that will provide you with a tour in your personal language.

You’ll get to walk alongside the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk and be taught concerning the historical crops and fauna, equivalent to king ferns, ghost gums, and pine timber.

This tour comes with all of the ferry transfers and transport included. They are going to choose you up and drop you off at your lodging.

Air Fraser Island (For Scenic Flights)

While you take a scenic pleasure flight with Air Fraser Island, you’ll see the beautiful Butterfly Lake, surrounded by forest that appears like heads of broccoli. Air Fraser run 15 minute pleasure flights from 75 Mile Seashore all day lengthy.

Kalyra was enthusiastic till the aircraft started to show. As a result of you already know in a small aircraft, you are feeling each inch of the flip, a lot so that you just assume it’s going to roll.

“Get me out of right here!” she screamed, barely audible above the noise of the engines.

“I need to return. The aircraft goes to roooolllll.”

You actually shouldn’t need to chortle at your baby’s terror, however the understanding she was protected and the look on her face made it so tough to regulate the outburst and brief bursts of giggles stored escaping. I quietly talked her out of her concern, letting her know if I used to be not scared then she shouldn’t be.

Fortunately beneath us within the ocean, a child humpback whale swam gracefully subsequent to her Mama.

“I’ve by no means seen a whale like this earlier than Mama.”

A slight little bit of pleasure for the flight returned. (However didn’t final lengthy. She swears she’ll by no means do one other!)

It’s a shocking flight with lovely views over seashore, sand dunes, coastal forest, and even a butterfly formed lake that may solely be seen from above.

Tasman Ventures (Whale Watching Expertise)

In case your plan is to go to Fraser Island for whale watching solely, you then may benefit from the whale watching cruises from Tasman Ventures.

Tasman Enterprise cruises are recognized to get you up near the whales (when reserving the tour throughout whale season, after all).

Departing from Hervey Bay Marina you’ll move via the Nice Sandy Strait and previous distant islands earlier than heading to a well-liked playground for whales off the coast of Fraser Island.

Preserve your eyes open for dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes on their amphibious watercraft, which might drive proper onto the seashore.

The watercraft will take you to Wathumba Creek, Awinya, or Bowarrady Creek, adopted by alternatives to snorkel with turtles, go kayaking, tubing, sand dune climbing, or just stroll on the seashore.

Additionally they serve morning tea, afternoon tea with biscuits in addition to a full lunch. Snacks, gentle drinks, and beer can be found on the boat too.

Discovery Fraser Island Excursions from Noosa

In the event you’re staying in Noosa and fancy taking a Fraser Island day journey, then the someday tour by Discovery Fraser Island Excursions could be the most suitable choice for you.

Similar to the opposite excursions on this listing, you’ll get pleasure from a 4WD journey on Fraser Island, driving down the 75-mile seashore to take a look at websites like Lake McKenzie, the traditional rainforest, Central Station, Pile Valley, and Wanggoolba Creek.

However this tour has the added thrill of driving alongside the Nice Seashore Drive, a seashore freeway from Rainbow Seashore to Noosa.

Friends will probably be picked up out of your lodge, and pushed alongside the Nice Seashore Drive via Toolara Forest and Nice Sandy Nationwide Park, earlier than taking the ferry over to Fraser to discover some extra.

Then you’ll journey again to Noosa through the seashore freeway.

What an journey!

FAQs About Visiting Fraser Island

Here’s what folks often ask us about visiting Fraser Island…

The place is The Greatest Place to See Dingoes on Fraser Island?

Dingoes journey for 45km a day seeking meals, so it’s possible you will note them anyplace on Fraser Island.

It’s estimated there are 20-30 packs of dingoes, so it’s best to maintain a watch out for them always.

Dingoes are tamer than they need to be right here on Fraser, however do regulate your kids.

Because of the poor selections of people, they’ve realized to not respect folks and so maintain their distance. You’re sure to have dingos coming fairly near you on the seashores, significantly close to Eli Creek, sniffing for meals.

Regardless of indicators warning of the hazard everywhere in the island, we see vacationers transferring near them to get their shot of the lovable wild canines. We most well-liked to depend on our 300mm zoom lens to do the trick from afar.

When Is The Greatest Time to See Whales on Fraser Island?

In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to go to throughout whale season (July – September), you could be fortunate to be greeted by a child whale breaching out of the ocean simply offshore.

Not solely will the land blow your thoughts on Fraser Island, however so will the wildlife.

Humpback whales, dolphins, and tiger sharks wish to chase the fish simply past the waves. The currents don’t run via right here so that they pool out the again. I wouldn’t deliver your surfboards and I’d save your swimming for the lakes and creeks.

We noticed loads of whales from 75 Mile Seashore, from the lookout at Indian Head, and on a whale watching tour from Hervey Bay – the whale capital of Australia. (It’s on the west facet of Fraser Island)

Remaining Ideas on Fraser Island Day Journeys

Every part is picture-perfect on Fraser Island.

You permit behind solely your footprints that rapidly take up into the sand, however in your coronary heart stays the reminiscence of a spot that exposed to you a narrative of a Universe that’s so magical that it conspires to deliver probably the most good parts to create wonderlands that baffle.

It’s a second that attracts your consciousness to miracles – the timber, the air, and naturally, even your self. Someday a tiny sperm met a tiny egg in opposition to all odds – when situations had been simply good. We’re all simply as wonderful because the sand that timber can develop out of.

All of us have to journey extra to expertise such awe and marvel. You positive will thrive should you do.

Video of Fraser Island

Watch our video of our expertise at Fraser Island right here…

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