Search

K'gari (Fraser Island) with Sunrover Tours

Ali Lucas-Chee
Feb 7, 2019
6 min read

Updated: Oct 1, 2022

This World Heritage listed slice of heaven, is just beautiful. I was only 7 the first time I went to K'gari (Fraser Island) and I went with my best friend and her family. They did the trip yearly and I ended up going with them two years in a row, it was a blast! Over a decade later, I went on a self-drive camping trip and then again in 2010. This year, 2019, my partner and I went on a 2 Day Camping 4WD Adventure Tour with Sunrover.

We went with this tour company as we were limited on time and this was the only two day return tour from Brisbane. Most other tours departed early from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or Noosa. So, in order to get there, it would have meant a 3 - 4 hour drive, accommodation for the night and then also the return drive home. Therefore, it was a no brainier to go with Sunrover for this trip.

Day 1 - Ship Wreck, Eli Creek & Lake Wabby

We met our driver, bright and early outside Roma Street bus station and set off on our two day adventure.

Sometimes Sunrover take multiple vehicles on this trip, but we were lucky to just have the one. Being in a 4WD, it was a bit squashy with all 8 of us in the car. Everyone (well most of the group...there is always that one person that doesn't) moved around in the car over the two day so we all had a turn in different seats.

The drive up was pretty uneventful, stopping at Noosa to pick up one of the members of our group and then again in Hervey Bay to get snacks. We didn't get a chance to check out the beach at either place as they were just quick stops, but I would recommend checking out both of these lovely towns if you have time. After another 15 minute drive, we were at the ferry terminal and boarding the barge. It was only small, with room for probably 10/12 vehicles.

We all got out of the car while on the barge and watched as we got closer to K'gari (Fraser Island), we even had a friendly pod of dolphins pass us by on the way. It wasn't long (only a 30 minute ride) before we were back in the car and ready to drive straight on to the island.

The drive to our campsite was along Seventy Five Mile Beach, aptly named for the stunning, 75 mile stretch of beach along the island. As we drove, our guide explained the rules of driving on the sand and how he watches the tide to make sure he is driving at the best times.

Note: Many 4WDs have been pulled out to sea or gotten stuck in the sand due to inexperienced sand drivers. If you are going to visit, go with a tour, or someone that knows what they are doing. There is also a permit required to drive on the island.

After choosing our tent for the night (these are already pitched so there was no messing around), we had a quick bite to eat and set off again along Seventy Five Mile Beach. We got out and explored the SS Maheno shipwreck that lies on the shores of K'gari (Fraser Island). This ship has a very interesting history and it ended up on K'gari (Fraser Island) in 1935. You can read about it and other shipwrecks the island claimed here.

A few snaps and we were off to float down the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek. This is a small creek that runs from the island out to sea. You can bring flotation devices and relax as the current brings you down the creek. Our guide provided flotation devices for us, so we all took turns and floated down a number of times. As it had become slightly overcast, the water was icy cold, but it was still a lot of fun.

On our way to the Lake Wabby lookout, it had begun to rain. The sand track up to the lookout was super bumpy and our driver, being very familiar with the road (sand track) was going quite fast. The bumps were very apparent in the backseat where we were seated.

As you can imagine, we were glad when we finally got to the lookout carpark. However, as soon as we were at the lookout itself, it started to bucket down again. Our guide gave us the choice of walking down to the lake and then meeting him on the other side near the ocean or going back to camp in the car. We all opted to go to the lake despite the rain, we were already wet, so why not!

By the time we made it to the lake, the rain had stopped again, and we all went for a nice swim. The water was surprisingly warm, and it was very peaceful there. The trek back to the shore to meet our guide was a fair hike, but luckily mostly downhill.

Once back at our camp, we took advantage of the hot showers to warm up and under the camp kitchen, we had dinner and chatted. The camp kitchen was basically just a shelter with fridge, BBQ, seating and tables. All you need when camping really! The itinerary had said that there would be a campfire, however as the rain had been on and off, we didn't bother and turned in for an early night. We were promised that the sunrise was quite spectacular on the shore and as our camp backed onto the beach, we set our alarms for sunrise and went to bed.

Day 2 - Central Station & Lake Mackenzie

It was still dark when our alarm went off, but we got up, dressed and then took the short walk out to the beach to watch the sunrise over the ocean. I am sure, if it had not been overcast, this would have been quite special. However, for us, the clouds made it impossible for the sun to break through and it became a bit of a nightmare as we were attacked by march flies! If you haven't seen a march fly before, count yourself lucky. These things are huge and they were coming at us in swarms. We stayed for a lot longer than we should have, hoping the sun would break through, but it didn't so a bit beaten and bitten, we headed back to camp.

After a light breakfast, we loaded all of our gear and were off to check out Central Station. This is in the center of the island and was once the Butchulla (the Aboriginal tribe who originally occupied this area) woman’s birthing area and then went on to be the central hub for when there was logging on the island. Now, it is a lovely rainforest area with picnic tables and has many displays explaining the history of this site. You can also read up about it here.

After a stroll around the rainforest area, we were back in the car and made our way to Lake Mackenzie. This was to be our last stop on the island before we headed back along Seventy Five Mile Beach to catch the ferry back to the mainland.

As it is a 'perched’ lake, Lake Mackenzie only holds rainwater and is extremely fresh. Situated in the middle of the island, this spot is very popular with its crystal clear water and gorgeous white sand.

It is without doubt my favourite spot on the island, and in my opinion, if you go to K'gari (Fraser Island) without spending time here, then it wasn't worth the trip. It is an absolutely stunning spot and unfortunately the photos don't do it justice. Definitely a spot you have to go and see for yourself!

We spent a decent time relaxing here and just soaking in the atmosphere. Reluctantly we dried off, got changed and were back in the car to begin our trip home.

After we dropped off one of our group members at Hervey Bay, our guide checked the tide forecast and said it would be safe for us to drive on the 'beach' highway to Noosa. So, we got off the road and drove to Noosa on the sand. It was really nice and smooth and a good way to end the trip.

Review of Sunrover Tours

Our tour driver, Alex was very chilled out and really went out of his way to show us as much of the island as possible in the short time we were there. The kitchen facilities were very basic, but the amenities were very clean and had nice hot showers. My only negative was that we had a full car and the back seat was very uncomfortable with 3 people in there. I would definitely recommend this trip to travellers who don't have a 4WD, the guides know what they are doing on the sand, so you are in safe hands!