K'gari (Fraser Island) Tours & Vacations

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Fraser Island was officially renamed K'gari in August 2022 after many years of campaigning from the Butchulla people, tourism bodies and government agencies. K'gari means 'paradise' in the Butchulla language.

The pronunciation of K'gari varies among different family groups, but the most common is 'gurrie'. The 'k' is always silent.

It takes a little over four hours to drive from Brisbane to one of the jumping-off points to catch the barge to K'gari. There are barges departing from Inskip Point and River Heads which is a 20-minute drive south of Hervey Bay. It's possible to take your 4WD on the ferry or walk on as a foot passenger.

Remember to get your 4WD vehicle set up to drive on sand before you get off the barge, or you could get bogged.

A 4WD is the only permitted vehicle on K'gari as there are no sealed roads. Driving is only recommended for more experienced 4WD enthusiasts as some of the tracks are steep and the sand can be deep and soft, particularly if there hasn’t been much rain.

Don't fancy driving? Join us on a K'gari tour.

Any time of year is a good time to visit K'gari. Summer is hot and humid and perfect for swimming. Spring and autumn are cooler and the island tends to be quieter. In winter, whales are frequently spotted swimming past the island. 

K'gari is a casual place so you can leave your fancy clothes at home. Layered clothing is the best option as it can be chilly when you set off in the early morning before it warms up. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are a must, even in winter, as the sun reflects off the white sand.

Any shoes you bring will almost certainly get sand in them, so sandals or thongs you can quickly shake the sand out of before you get back in your vehicle are best. Bring all essentials, including basic medications, with you as shops are few and far between on the island.

K'gari is all about action, adventure and enjoying the beauty of your surroundings. If you're going to eat dinner at the resort, as long as what you're wearing is clean and you've got shoes on, you're good to go. 

You'll find wi-fi at major tourist hubs such as Kingfisher Bay Resort, Happy Valley, and Eurong. There's limited or no wi-fi in more remote parts of the island.

Mobile phones work on K'gari near major tourist hubs such as Kingfisher Bay Resort, Happy Valley and Eurong. However, it's unlikely you'll pick up coverage when you get outside of these hubs.

It's safe to swim in K'gari’s recommended swimming spots, but it is not safe to swim in the sea.

It's too dangerous due to powerful currents and the risk of potentially harmful marine life. The ocean around the island is known for powerful riptides that can pull even the strongest swimmers out to sea. It's also home to large numbers of sharks and jellyfish, lifeguards don't patrol the beaches, and medical services are limited.

The only sea swimming you can do is in a collection of natural rock pools known as Champagne Pools. There are also plenty of lakes and creeks that are safe for swimming.

There are many warning signs warning against swimming in the sea. It's important to respect them.

We are committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.