Best Way to Visit Fraser Island from Brisbane?

lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 12:56
Last edited 20/10/2022 - 12:57

Hi OzBargainers,

I have never been to Fraser Island and thinking of visiting in the next couple of weeks on a whim and am hoping to ask couple of questions.

  1. From what I researched, it seems like the best way of getting to Fraser Island from Brisbane is to..
    > Drive to Harvey Bay with my own car, park it somewhere
    > Rent a 4WD vehicle from Harvey Bay
    > Get a ferry with the rental car

or would renting a 4WD vehicle from Brisbane be better?

  1. How many nights should I book to see everything? I am assuming 2-3 nights should be enough?
  2. What are the must-see things? Any recommendations on accommodation?

If you could share your tips and experiences, would appreciate it very much!

Thank you.

Travel

Comments

  • onetwothreefour on 20/10/2022 - 13:07

    I can't answer your first set of questions but don't forget to factor in petrol costs if you are hiring a big 4WD from Brissie.

    I went as a backpacker in 2005 and we did a 2 night/3 day tour. Some of the highlights were:

    • Indian Head
    • Lake Mckenzie
    • Champagne Pools

    We went to a few other places but I can't remember the names. Overall I loved it and want to go back one day.

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 13:25

      Thanks mate. I'd figured that driving my own car is just as pricey. And, wasn't sure if there is an easy place to park in Harvey Bay for 3 nights. Thanks for sharing the highlights. Keen to check them out.

  • barbarella on 20/10/2022 - 13:16

    Have you looked for an organised tour instead?

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 13:24

      I haven't thought about an organised tour to be honest. I look into them too. Thanks mate.

      • YadaYadaYada on 20/10/2022 - 14:23

        I went with an organised tour for a few days a few years ago because I had no 4WD experience and also no 4WD. You pretty much need one to get around, and need to know how to use one (where to drive, where not to drive, what tyre pressure to use etc). They let us rotate around driving the automatic 4WDs they had, but it was a bit of follow the leader (with further advice as conditions got trickier) so you wouldn't get stuck. I think I went for 3 or 4 days. Was probably enough for me.

  • pharkurnell on 20/10/2022 - 13:53

    How many nights should I book to see everything? I am assuming 2-3 nights should be enough?

    we were there a week and didnt want to leave. also define see everything

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 17:18

      Wow, it must be magical. Very looking forward to visit!

  • Cheaplikethebird on 20/10/2022 - 15:07

    Wherever you hire the 4WD you'll want to make sure they allow you to take it over to Fraser Island. If you look here it seems that most of the majors don't.

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 17:19

      Seems like it might be better to hire a 4WD near Fraser Island then! Cheers for the advice. Ruled out hiring a 4WD from Brisbane.

  • TurboTortoise on 20/10/2022 - 15:27

    I can recommend Fleetcrew in Brisbane. They are a terrific family run 4wd hire company. Very high quality fleet. As suggested make sure you check that Fraser island is approved.

  • Mechz on 20/10/2022 - 15:48

    Easiest to go with somewhere like this

    https://www.fraserisland4wd.com.au/

    It's also very important to understand how to drive along the beach, with all the fresh water creeks flowing into the ocean, that are essentialy invisible untill you're driving into them. Sometimes it's 1cm of water, other times it's a 50-75cm drop.

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 17:18

      This indeed seems like a great option. I will give them a ring tomorrow, their motel+4WD package seems to be really good price. Thanks mate!

  • payless69 on 20/10/2022 - 16:41

    Get there by plane!
    Small planes land on the beaches and that is just super duper.
    No sunken car and you save heaps of time!

    • pharkurnell on 20/10/2022 - 18:06

      until you want to go to anywhere else on the island…lol

      • payless69 on 20/10/2022 - 21:53
        -2

        Had no issues driving a Subaru to most places there. The 2.2l with lift up shocks were doing a good job zipping past bogged Pajeros.
        Next we hired a small Daihatsu. Only slightly better traction.
        Then took a Toyota 4 runner: Went absolutely everywhere with no issues.
        Next time I will use a plane and organize transport. World's largest sand island, must be nice view from the air?

        • pharkurnell on 21/10/2022 - 10:08
          +1

          You cant fly a subaru in by plane.

        • jamesorion on 21/10/2022 - 14:42

          I guarantee your Subaru is far less capable than a Pajero. I've effortlessly gone past many bogged 200 series in my Pajero. Doesn't mean I have the delusion that Pajeros are more capable than Landcruisers. A lot of it has to do with the driver.

          • payless69 on 21/10/2022 - 21:57

            @jamesorion: On my first visit I did get stuck a few times. Landcruisers proved to be the king. Just past midday the sand can get so soft that your gear matters most. Best value for money was the 4 runner, but Subaru owners usually do learn how to get the most out of them.
            Yeah some will learn and some just try to show off. Nothing against Pajeros, just some try to tell me off in the Subaru but at the end I was laughing.
            For the die hard 4WD expert Fraser is not hard at all but stupidity can also show off the most damage.

  • altomic on 20/10/2022 - 16:51
    -1

    drive to Rainbow Beach and hire a 4wd there

    • payless69 on 20/10/2022 - 21:56

      Good idea to practice sand driving off the island and the handling with different tyre pressures.
      Get a compressor and a deflator. Tide tables and common sense!

    • altomic on 20/10/2022 - 22:08
      +1

      why would someone downvote this?? rainbow beach (well, inskip point a couple of kms north) is the southern entry point via ferry to fraser. and the town is geared up for the 100s of 4wd's that pass through every week.

  • CurlCurl on 20/10/2022 - 17:21

    I can see the headlines know.

    Another 4WD lost to the surf on Fraser Island. Local towing company spokesman said the driver had no 4WD driving experience and had hired a 4WD, a recipe for disaster.

    The recovery cost exceed $3,900.

    • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 17:31

      Thanks for your valuable contribution, I will now, at least, be extra careful when driving ;)

    • pharkurnell on 20/10/2022 - 18:06

      https://www.facebook.com/igotboggedatinskippoint1/

      hours of entertainment :D

      • lookingforTV on 20/10/2022 - 18:18

        Some of these videos are horrifying to watch!! Can I avoid those rocky areas? LOL

      • CurlCurl on 20/10/2022 - 19:08

        Not to mention the woopsies when when you land front axle first pushing it back under the driver.

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