Average Winter Temp: 20°C
Average Summer Temp: 28°C
Traditionally inhabited by: Butchulla Aboriginal people
‘K-gari’ – meaning ‘Paradise’ – was the name given thousands of years ago to a surreal island just off the eastern coast of present-day Queensland. Today, it goes by the name of Fraser Island, but remains every bit of that paradise that its Aboriginal inhabitants deemed it to be. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island flaunts 1840 square kilometres of beaches, dunes rising to heights of over 200m, majestic rainforests growing atop these dunes, and pristine lakes filling the spaces between them. What is unseen in the rest of the world is the norm in Fraser Island, which is why it finds a place on the World Heritage List and functions as one of the most coveted ecotourism destinations on the planet.
Fascinating scenery isn’t the only reason why you should visit Fraser Island. This is also where you sight Australia’s purest strain of dingoes and humpback whales, in addition to rare shorebirds, turtles, and ant-blue butterflies. Dramatic sand blows, driving 4WDs along the stunning 75 mile beach, discovering the underwater kingdoms of the island’s rainwater lakes, and observing its rare fauna on night-time walks, are just some of the experiences you can expect here. And all this with the full range of creature comforts to return to, thanks to Fraser Island’s excellent, resort-like hospitality.
Fraser Island is located about 300km north of Brisbane, and 15km east of Hervey Bay. It is accessible via flights from all major cities (you would have to take a ferry to the island from the Fraser Coast). You can also drive up to the coast in your 4WD, and board a barge to Fraser Island from Inskip Point or River Heads.
Attractions & Activities:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Beach Camping
- 4WD Beach Drives
- Rainforest Walks
- Bird Watching
- Whale Watch Cruises
- Night-Time Wildlife Walks
- Lake McKenzie
- Wanggoolba Creek
- Lake Wabby
- Valley of the Giants
- Fraser Island Great Walk
- 75 Mile Beach
- Cool Dingo Tours
Caravan Parks:
There are no caravan parks within Fraser Island. Staying on the island will involve opting for one of its many well-appointed ecotourism resorts. Caravanning tourists can, however, put up at any of the several caravan parks on the Fraser coast, some of which are listed below:
Harbour View Caravan Park
Urangan, QLD
Located in the Hervey Bay marina precinct, just off the Hervey Bay Boat Club, Harbour View Caravan Park is closest to Fraser Island, and offers affordable and well-managed camping facilities for caravanning tourists. The pet-friendly property has sunny, shady and drive-through caravan sites, supported by a camp kitchen with free BBQs, a swimming pool, grocery shop, LPG outlet, modern amenities and laundry facilities. Proximity to restaurants, clubs and shopping areas in Hervey Bay makes this an even more convenient choice.
$26/night for 2 persons, unpowered sites
$36/night for 2 persons, powered sites
(Cabins and villas are also available.)
Fraser Lodge Holiday Park
Torquay, QLD
Just a 15-minute drive from River Heads, and 5 minutes from Hervey Bay Airport, Fraser Lodge Holiday Park is ideally located for caravanning tourists ferrying to Fraser Island. The property itself is a beautiful ensemble of villas, cabins and camping sites, with tons of fun activities that guests can engage in. Facilities include 2 camp kitchens, modern amenities blocks, tennis courts, and kids’ recreation areas of all kinds. Well-tended gardens add to the picturesque setting and lovely views of the property, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
$35/night for 2 persons, unpowered sites; $8 for every additional person
$40/night for 2 persons, powered sites (slab/grass); $8 for every additional person
$45/night for 2 persons, en-suite sites; $8 for every additional person
(Cabins and villas are also available.)
BIG4 Point Vernon Holiday Park
Point Vernon, QLD
About a half-hour’s drive from River Heads, this caravan park is located in the serene Point Vernon suburb, amid lush palms and ocean views. Powered caravan and camping sites here are backed by well-managed infrastructure including a camp kitchen and barbecue area, modern toilets and hot showers, swimming pools and a playground.
$36/night for 2 persons, powered grass/slab sites (seasonal fluctuations in tariffs)
(Cabins are also available.)
Free Camping / Low Cost Camping:
Besides Queensland’s Roadside Rest Areas, caravanning tourists can find a few overnight free camping facilities on their way to the Fraser Coast, especially towards the south and south west. The Boonooroo Golf Course & Tavern, and the Petrie Park Picnic Area in Tiaro, are both about an hour’s drive from River Heads, and permit free overnight camping for self-contained vehicles.
DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.