So you’ve decided to head on over to the gorgeous K’gari (formerly Fraser Island)—the world’s largest sand island—but now you’re wondering exactly how to get to K’gari. Well, you’re in the right place because in this guide we’re going to provide everything you need to know about getting to K’gari.
It’s reasonably straightforward to take the ferry to K’gari from Inskip or River Heads, but in this guide, we will cover everything you need to know, such as different barge-to-K’gari options, the ferry times, and ticket prices too.
While this guide will mostly cover how to get to K’gari by car, it will also provide information to those going over without a vehicle. It covers how you can get to Inskip or River Heads from various places, so you’ll know exactly how to get from Brisbane to K’gari, Hervey Bay to K’gari, as well as a few other places.
After reading this guide, you’ll know exactly how to go to K’gari, and you can move on to dreaming about your upcoming island adventure.
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Tips before travelling to K’gari
Before we get into how to get to K’gari, here are a few tips about travelling there.
In 2023, K’gari, a top tourist destination, attracted 460,000 visitors. Holiday markers peak from September to January, Easter holidays from March to April, and public holidays from May to June. So when planning a trip, book in advance, or you may miss out.
When planning a 4WD trip to K’gari, you should consider the tides. At low tide, it is much easier to disembark from the barges.
Planning on driving to K’gari? You are required to obtain a Vehicle Access Permit.
Camping permits are required; no free camping. Camping permits are available through the Queensland National Parks Booking Service. You will need an account if you do not have one.
Dogs are prohibited in the K’gari (Fraser Island) section of Great Sandy National Park, including Fraser Island Recreation Area. Unless it is a certified assistance dog, in which case the dog must wear an identifying coat or harness and have the approved badge or tag. Contact a park ranger for more information at dingo.ranger@des.qld.gov.au or call (07) 4127 9150.
Be aware of dingoes on the island; do not feed. For further information on dingo safety, click here.
Different options for getting to K’gari
Most people travel to K’gari with a 4WD via a barge or ferry. But there are plenty of other options; flying is one. You can also choose to travel by bus or train.
How to Get to K’gari Map
When it comes to how to get on K’gari, it’s relatively straightforward via one of the barges or ferries. You can choose to take either the Inskip-K’gari ferry, or there are two ferries that operate from River Heads. We will provide more detail about both barges below; however, for now, check out the map below; you can see where these ferries operate from.
Taking the Ferry to K’gari
Below we provide you with further detail about all the different ferry K’gari options.
Manta Ray barges to K’gari (Inskip Point)
The most popular barge to take across to K’gari is the Manta Ray Barge, often called the Inskip or Rainbow Beach ferry. From Inskip, it is just a 10-minute journey across to the southern tip of the island at Hook Point.
This boat to K’gari operates daily from 6 am to 5 pm. This car ferry to K’gari has no schedule or booking required; the barges cross the strait continuously. During peak times, 2-3 barges operate. Around 15 vehicles can fit on each barge.
It is quick and easy to get on the barge. As soon as all the cars have disembarked, the barge staff will indicate for you to drive onboard and show you where you should park your car. They’ll ask for tickets or payment if you haven’t bought one once everyone is on board.
Manta Ray Barge to K’gari Pricing
The return ferry cost to K’gari for vehicles and all passengers is as follows:
- 4WD: $140
- 4WD and trailer up to 6FT x 4FT: $240
- 4WD and trailer over 6FT x 4FT: $270
- Motorbikes: $70
Prices are correct as of Jan. 2025.
Where can I buy tickets for the Mantaray barge?
You can pay cash for your ticket on the barge, stop by the Manta Ray Barge and Permit Office, prepay, or you can buy over the internet. The office is located at 66 Rainbow Beach Road and is open weekdays from 6 am to 4 pm and weekends from 6 am to 2 pm. Other options include the local business at Rainbow Beach selling them tickets. The shops selling them have clear signage.
Getting on and off the Mantaray Barge
The beach entrance at Inskip Point has soft sand, but it’s manageable; we’ve successfully navigated it while towing a heavy camper trailer. Once you’re on the peninsula, the sand is reasonably firm. Of course, conditions change all the time.
Hook Point, where you disembark the barge on K’gari, can be quite sandy, and the beach can be quite narrow around high tide. This is why you’ll hear most people advising you to go as close as you can to low tide. We travelled close to the high tide coming back last time, and it was extremely soft, and I wouldn’t recommend it—so avoid it if you can. Around low tide, though, the beach is mostly wide and has loads of firm sand, making it a nice, smooth ride up 75 Mile Beach.
Why Manta Ray Barge might suit you
When travelling from Brisbane or if you’re headed to the eastern side of the island, the Manta Ray barge to K’gari may be the best option. Barges operate throughout the day, making them an excellent option for reaching K’gari, even from Hervey Bay. This schedule offers greater flexibility for planning around tide times, as we’ve discussed. Plus, the ferry ride is significantly shorter.
Ferries From River Heads: Kingfisher Bay Ferry and Sealink K’gari
When travelling from Hervey Bay to K’gari, the easiest option is to take a ferry from River Heads. River Heads is a short 20-minute drive south of Hervey Bay.
From River Heads, there are two different ferry operators: either the Kingfisher Bay Ferry, which arrives at the Kingfisher Bay Resort Jetty, or the Sealink K’gari, which arrives at the Kingfisher Bay Resort Jetty or Wanggolba Creek—both are on the western side of the island. We provide additional details on these options below.
Kingfisher Bay Ferry Times
The Kingfisher Bay Ferry barge times to K’gari are 7 am, 9 am, 1 pm, and 3.45 pm daily. For the return journey, the barges leave daily at 8 am, 10.15 am, 2.30 pm, and 5 pm. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
For those taking vehicles across, you will need to check in at the ticket hut by the ferry ramp at least 20 minutes prior to boarding.
Passengers not taking their vehicle across are required to meet at the Kingfisher Bay Mainland Reception at least 40 minutes prior to departure. A shuttle bus will then ferry passengers down to the ferry.
Secure car parking at Kingfisher Bay Ferry
For those not driving to K’gari, secure parking at the Kingfisher Bay Mainland Reception is available at a cost of $30 for the first night and $25 each night after that. We advise booking parking in advance due to its limited availability. If you’re taking a vehicle to catch the Kingfisher Bay Ferry, you won’t need to drive on sand, either on the mainland or upon arrival at Kingfisher Bay.
Sealink K’gari Ferry Times
The Sealink K’gari ferry times to Kingfisher Bay Resort are either 9 am, 1:00 pm, or 3:45 pm daily. For the return journey, the ferry is daily at 8 am, 10:15 am, 2:30 pm, and 5 pm. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes.
The Sealink Ferry to Wanggolba Creek is not always available, so it is best to contact Sealink or check out their timetable. Please note that this trip can be affected by tides and in some cases will arrive and leave from Kingfisher Bay Resort instead of Wanggoolba Creek—so please keep this in mind when booking. This trip takes 30 minutes.
Please note that you are required to reverse onto the barge from River Heads to K’gari, and then on your return journey, reverse off when you arrive at River Heads. This just means from Fraser Island you are driving off and on the barge in a forward motion.
River Heads Ticket Prices – Sealink and Kingfisher Bay Ferry
Regardless of which ferry you take from River Heads, the ferry to K’gari costs the same. One-way ticket prices are as follows:
- Standard 4WD: $123
- Caravans and trailers up to 5 metres (including a drawbar): $89.40.
- Motorbike: $65.75
The above price includes a vehicle and driver, with each additional passenger costing $5.
For passengers without vehicles, the return price is $80 per adult and $48 per child (4-14) with 3 and under free.
Prices were correct as of January 2025.
Why the River Heads Barge might suit you
If you’re planning a holiday at Kingfisher Bay Resort, then you’re best to take the barge across from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort. You can also take a 2WD or AWD vehicle if you’re only planning on driving around the resort property only. If you plan on leaving the resort, you must take a high-clearance 4WD.
If you’re staying at Eurong Beach Resort and coming from the Hervey Bay region, then the River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek may also be a good option for you, as the resort is just a 45-minute drive (depending on the track conditions) from here.
If you take the barge from River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek, you will need a high clearance 4WD.
Getting to K’gari from ….
So now we know how to get from the mainland to the island, let’s look at how to reach K’gari from both Brisbane and Hervey Bay.
How to get from Brisbane to K’gari
In terms of how to get from Brisbane to K’gari, the easiest way is to self-drive. However, we discuss all options in detail below, including taking a bus, train, or even a flight.
Driving from Brisbane to K’gari via Rainbow Beach
The easiest way to get to K’gari from Brisbane is to self-drive. However, if you don’t own a car and want to hire a 4WD, your best option is to take a bus directly from Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, as there are numerous 4WD rental locations. See below about how to get public transport to Rainbow Beach.
Driving from Brisbane to K’gari Drive, you’ll need to drive to Inskip Point, which is around 3 hours from the city centre. It’s a fairly easy drive as you simply travel north along the Bruce Highway to Gympie and then take the Rainbow Beach exit. Then follow the signs to Rainbow Beach, and once you reach Rainbow Beach, then follow the signs to Inskip Point.
See the previous section for details about getting the ferry across to K’gari from Inskip
Driving from Brisbane to K’gari via River Heads
From Brisbane City to River Heads, it’s around a 3.5-hour drive. Again, it’s a fairly simple drive—heading straight up the Bruce Highway. However, continue past Gympie and take the Maryborough turn-off. Follow the signs to Hervey Bay, but take Booral Road and then River Heads Road down to River Heads all the way until you reach the boat ramp.
See above for details about getting the ferry across to K’gari from River Heads
Brisbane to K’gari by Bus via Rainbow Beach
The easiest way to get a bus from Brisbane to K’gari is by taking a direct bus to Rainbow Beach and then taking the barge across from Inskip Point.
The first step is to get to Brisbane from there. Premier Motor Service Bus offers a daily service to Rainbow Beach, or Greyhound offers a service every few days. The trip takes around 5 hours and costs between $60 and $100 for a return ticket.
Once at Rainbow Beach, you will need to get to Inskip Point; this is 14 km away. There is no public transport from Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point. The options from here are a taxi; most of the local accommodations and tour operators offer shuttles; or you could hire a 4WD to get to the island.
Brisbane to K’gari by Bus via River Heads
Alternatively, if you want to take a barge from River Heads, you’ll first need to take a Greyhound bus from Brisbane to Hervey Bay. If you take GX443, you will need to change buses in Maryborough and take the 705 bus to Hervey Bay.
Buses depart daily, and the entire journey will take approximately 6 hours and a half, with a starting cost of $46.
From Hervey Bay, you will need to hire a car or take a taxi to River Heads, as there is no public transport between Hervey Bay and River Heads. From River Heads, you can take a passenger ferry across to K’gari. See above for details about getting the ferry across to K’gari from River Heads.
Brisbane to K’gari by Train via Inskip Point
If you want to take the train to Inskip, there is no direct way via the train. You’ll need to take the Tilt Train to Cooroy, which is a 2-hour trip and will cost between $16 and $35. From Cooroy, you can take a Greyhound bus to Rainbow Beach, which will take 2.25 hours and cost between $30 and $58.
Once at Rainbow Beach, you will need to get to Inskip Point; this is 14 km away. There is no public transport from Rainbow Beach to Inskip Point. The options from here are a taxi; most of the local accommodations and tour operators offer shuttles; or you could hire a 4WD to get to the island.
Brisbane to K’gari by Train via River Heads
If you’re looking to take the train to River Heads, then you’ll need to take the Tilt Train from Roma Street in Brisbane City to Maryborough West. This journey takes around 3.5 hours and will cost between $35 and $80.
From Maryborough West, you can take a bus to the Maryborough Bus Terminal and then another bus to Hervey Bay. Both bus trips will take around 35 minutes in total and cost between $12 and $25.
From Hervey Bay, you will need to hire a car or take a taxi to River Heads, as there is no public transport between Hervey Bay and River Heads. From River Heads, you can take a passenger ferry across to K’gari. See above for details about getting the ferry across to K’gari from River Heads.
Brisbane-to-K’gari flights
If you want to get a flight from Brisbane to K’gari, then it’s best to fly to Hervey Bay Airport. Qantas has flights daily with the journey being just under 1 hour. Flights are around $400.
From the airport, it’s a short 10-minute drive to River Heads for the ferry across to K’gari. There is no public transport from the airport to the ferry.
As we’ve outlined above in the Brisbane to K’gari section, there is no public transport from Hervey Bay to River Heads for the ferries across to K’gari Island. So you will need to either self-drive, book a tour or take a taxi.
Flights to K’gari
If you’re coming from further afield, you can fly into the Hervey Bay Airport. For flights to K’gari from Sydney, Melbourne, or other Australian cities, you will need to fly into Brisbane, and then from here, Qantaslink flies to Hervey Bay Airport multiple times per day.
From the airport, it’s a short 10-minute drive to River Heads for the ferry across to K’gari. There is no public transport from the airport to the ferry.
Another option is once you’ve landed at the Hervey Bay Airport, you can arrange a flight to K’gari with either Air Fraser Island or Helicopter.
Vehicle Access Permits
If you are driving on K’gari, you will need to arrange a vehicle access permit in advance.
Although you’ll need to drive on the beach at Inskip Point to board the barge, no permit is required for driving on the beach at that location. However, if you intend on driving on the beach in the nearby Cooloola Recreation Area, you will need to get an additional vehicle access permit for this area.
You can purchase a vehicle access permit just for K’gari, or you can buy a combined one that includes access to Cooloola Recreation Area as well.
Prices (Jan 2025) are as follows:
K’gari:
$57.80 for one month, or $291 for one year.
Coololola Recreational Area:
$14.40 for 1 day booked over the internet or
$21.80 not obtained over the internet
The cost is $36.75 for one week
The cost is $57.80 for one month
or $291 for one year
- For both K’gari and Cooloola recreational areas
- $86.15 for one month.
- or $432.30 for 1 year
Click here to book your vehicle permits.
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Hopefully, you found this guide on how to get to K’gari helpful. We’ve got plenty of other K’gari guides including where to camp on K’gari, things to do on K’gari and our review of Cathedrals on Fraser Island here. You might also be interested in our Inskip camping guide here or Rainbow Beach camping guide here.
