The Finest Method To See Ok’Gari in 1 Day

This put up could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We could obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, for those who make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.

Visiting Ok’gari, in any other case referred to as Fraser Island, was a kind of moments in life when the world reveals to you ways magically good it’s.

Identified for being the world’s largest sand island the place the one means round is to drive by four-wheel drive down the seventy-five mile seaside, anybody planning to make a journey to Ok’gari is not going to go away dissatisfied.

It’s an adventurer’s paradise.

However what for those who solely have a day free in your Australia itinerary? What’s one of the simplest ways to discover Fraser Island in a day?

On this information, we reveal how one can embark on a Fraser Island day journey and record the perfect day excursions you’ll be able to take.

Is A Fraser Island Day Journey Price it?

However first, is Fraser Island price visiting for at some point? In case you’re solely capable of do a day journey to Fraser Island, you gained’t be capable to see the whole lot, so that you’ll must be pleased with that earlier than visiting.

Nonetheless, many individuals do it, and it’s attainable to see quite a lot of the highlights in at some point for those who’re ready to drive quick and stand up early.

We do suppose that Fraser Island is finest seen over two or three days. In case you have extra time at your disposal, it will be smart to spend extra time right here so you’ll be able to actually take all of it.

Why is Fraser Island so particular?

Fraser Island stretches 123 km lengthy and 23 km vast. The biggest sand island on the earth was dumped over 800,000 years in the past from locations so far as Antarctica when it was nonetheless joined with Australia.

It’s a World Heritage Website as a result of it’s consistently transferring and evolving. Fraser Island is the one place on the earth the place tall rainforests are discovered rising on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.

In a while within the day from above the island by the window of a small Cessna we noticed how the wind and sand have labored to form this island.

A large dune slowly makes its means by the center of the island, claiming the forest because it goes. Useless tree stumps might be seen proudly standing amongst a number of the dunes, the final visible reminder of the forest that was as soon as there.

It’s a forest that grew from a pile of leaves on the sandy flooring. The proper, couldn’t-recreate-it-if-you-tried situations to have towering timber, historic ferns, and the crystal-clear waters operating by streams.

Locations To Go to on Fraser Island

In case you solely have at some point on Fraser Island, remember to go to the beneath locations.

Eli Creek

Water so clear, you solely comprehend it’s there when a leaf floats previous you. It’s water that’s been filtered by the sand for as much as 100 years – OMG the purity!

There are a number of creeks to go to and marvel at. Eli Creek is essentially the most well-known for wading, tubing, or swimming by. Eli pumps almost 3.5 million litres of recent water into the ocean each hour.

There isn’t any place on the earth prefer it.

Lake Mackenzie

In the midst of the island is Lake Mackenzie.

A lake that holds the important thing to youth. Water that’s stated to maintain you youthful.

It was too chilly a day for me to check out that principle, however my ft positive appreciated it. I may see them simply sufficient – not a murky streak to be discovered.

Crystal clear water that glows iridescent blue and white silica sand so powdery comfortable ready so that you can clear your jewelry and exfoliate your pores and skin.

Keep awhile.

Lake Mackenzie, whereas maybe essentially the most particular lake on Fraser, shouldn’t be the one one. The island has over 100 freshwater lakes.

Champagne Swimming pools

The Champagne Swimming pools are a pure swimming gap off 75-mile seaside, between Waddy Level and Indian Head. 

These pure swimming pools sit proper on the water’s edge and are nice for swimming since a rocky formation protects them from the tough waves of the ocean.

Seize your towel and your swimming costume and funky off in these refreshing swimming pools.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are an instance of the pure great thing about Fraser Island. These pure limestone constructions that have been shaped 25,000 – 30,000 years in the past. They have been shaped after the ocean receded again into the ocean, abandoning a deposit of shells.

When the coastal winds eliminated the sand, these distinctive pillars have been left uncovered.

They’re a marvel to witness.

The Nationwide Freeway (75-Mile Seaside)

It was enjoyable to drive up and down 75 Mile Seaside on the jap facet of the ocean, it’s one of many prime issues to do on Fraser Island.

It’s the wild and pounding facet, in distinction to the Western facet the place the clear and calm water laps gently onto the comfortable, white sand.

75 Mile Seaside is classed as a part of the Bruce Freeway so strict street guidelines apply. There are cops round able to nab those that velocity or drink drive.

It’s additionally vital you perceive how the tides work when driving this stretch so that you don’t get lower off. As a result of fixed motion of sea and sand, it’s not at all times precisely 75 miles lengthy and the width adjustments dramatically.

You wish to drive it when it’s flat and laborious, then it turns into simpler driving so long as you’re listening to the regular stream of 4WDs, the roaming dingos, the ambling vacationers, and the enjoyment flights taking off on the seaside.

Fraser is the off-road driver’s dream and it’s strictly solely made for critical 4WDs.

Our Nissan X-Path, while it’s been a pleasant suburban household 4WD didn’t have the mandatory clearance from the bottom to tackle Fraser, which is why we now discovered ourselves on a personalised tour in a Toyota Prado being expertly pushed alongside the sand by Kevin from Fraser Explorer Tours, organized by Kingfisher Bay Resort.

It’s a spotlight tour on an island stuffed with highlights. We solely barely scratched the floor and I’m eager to return to discover a lot Fraser has to supply.

We arrange a picnic at Central Station, as soon as a forestry township for about 150 folks. We took a stroll alongside the boardwalk subsequent to Wanggoolba Creek, which carries clear water by a tranquil rainforest stuffed with historic ferns.

A brief stroll after lunch by the Pile Valley reveals us a number of the older and larger Satinay timber – those that have been spared from the forestry felling.

The Maheno Shipwreck

Fraser’s sand continues to amaze us as we drive alongside The Pinnacles, a small part of colored sandy cliffs alongside the Surf Seaside (I can’t imagine they’re constructed from sand!)

Proper close to right here washed up on shore at Completely happy Valley is among the most photographed and visited websites on Fraser, the Maheno Shipwreck.

The Maheno, a former Trans-Tasman luxurious liner, and a World Battle 1 hospital ship was washed up on shore in 1935 when she was being towed to Japan and a cyclone viciously ripped her from the chain and spewed her up on Fraser.

Sunrises are supposed to be picture-perfect right here with the Maheno within the foreground.

Finest Fraser Island Excursions for One Day

If you wish to take advantage of out of your Fraser Island day journey, then reserving a tour is an effective way to see all of it and be taught in regards to the formation and historical past in a brief period of time.

Plus you get to benefit from the consolation of being taken round, as an alternative of stressing to suit the whole lot in.

Listed here are some excursions we advocate…

Kingfisher Bay Resort Day Excursions

We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort which might organise 4WD excursions of the island or a 4WD rental so you are able to do it your self.

We opted for a guided tour since we have been on restricted time and wished to know as a lot as attainable. As we have been bouncing round in a 4WD alongside the tracks on the white sandy seashores, expertly pushed by our information, Kevin, the ladies squealed within the again, arms within the air as we went down one other dip.

“It’s a curler coaster!”

We drove by an historic forest of towering field brush and satinay timber, their roots digging down into the bottom that deceived you into pondering it was rock-solid grime.

Propping all of it collectively was only a pile of sand. Apart from a few rocks on a couple of factors alongside the seaside, there’s no rock on this island. The surroundings was wonderful.

I can’t imagine Fraser Island is simply sand.

The identical assertion was tossed round many instances all through the day on my own, Craig, and even Kevin. He’s been operating excursions right here for over 15 years and the marvel and awe nonetheless run by him.

“What about how nice my workplace is?” he’d hold asking us.

Yep, it’s fairly particular.

Kingfisher Bay Resort presents the next choices:

• Self drive with Aussie Trax Rent automotive. Rental costs begin from $175.
• Full day Magnificence Spots Tour (4WD bus tour takes in Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Pile Valley, 75-Mile Seaside, Eurong Seaside, Eli Creek, The Maheno, The Pinnacles colored sands). Full day tour contains lunch, morning tea and nationwide park charges. $160 adults, $110 for kids and $495 for a household of 4.
• Full day Champagne Swimming pools Tour (4WD Bus tour takes within the jap seaside websites together with 75-Mile Seaside, Kooloro Sandblow; Indian Head; Champagne Swimming pools; Stonetool Sandblow and Crimson Canyon). Full day tour contains lunch, morning tea and nationwide park charges. $160 adults, $110 for kids and $495 for a household of 4.
• Personalised Tour of Fraser Island is simply restricted by tides and time – if in case you have specific pursuits (like bush strolling, hen watching and so forth), your information will tailor your itinerary to swimsuit. Excursions happen in a Resort 4WD and embody a connoisseur lunch hamper. Value $1100 for full day together with Nationwide Park charges, lunch, private driver, car allow, morning and afternoon tea.

Fraser Explorer Excursions (For these not staying on Fraser Island)

In case you don’t plan on staying on Fraser Island, then Fraser Explorer Tours operates one and two-day excursions of the island leaving from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Seaside, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, and Brisbane.

These are the perfect excursions for these seeking to take a Fraser Island day journey as you might be picked up and dropped off on the place you might be staying.

Every one-day tour of Fraser Island is led by an skilled native information, and takes you to sights corresponding to Lake McKenzie, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic rainforest, Central Station, Eli Creek, The Pinnacles, alongside the 75 Mile Seaside, and to the long-lasting Maheno Shipwreck.

Ok’gari Explorer Excursions (Coach Excursions)

In case you get pleasure from coach excursions, then Ok’Gari Explorer Excursions presents a full day coach tour leaving from Hervey Bay.

Discover the island on a 4WD bus and go to sights corresponding to Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, 75 Mile Seaside, The Pinnacles, and the Maheno Shipwreck.

Whilst you’re exploring, your native information will present skilled commentary on the sights. In case you don’t communicate English, then you’ll be able to obtain a free app that will provide you with a tour in your individual language.

You’ll get to walk alongside the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk and be taught in regards to the historic crops and fauna, corresponding to king ferns, ghost gums, and pine timber.

This tour comes with all of the ferry transfers and transport included. They may choose you up and drop you off at your lodging.

Air Fraser Island (For Scenic Flights)

While you take a scenic pleasure flight with Air Fraser Island, you’ll see the beautiful Butterfly Lake, surrounded by forest that appears like heads of broccoli. Air Fraser run 15 minute pleasure flights from 75 Mile Seaside all day lengthy.

Kalyra was enthusiastic till the airplane started to show. As a result of you realize in a small airplane, you are feeling each inch of the flip, a lot so that you simply suppose it’s going to roll.

“Get me out of right here!” she screamed, barely audible above the noise of the engines.

“I wish to return. The airplane goes to roooolllll.”

You actually shouldn’t wish to chortle at your little one’s terror, however the figuring out she was secure and the look on her face made it so troublesome to regulate the outburst and quick bursts of giggles saved escaping. I quietly talked her out of her worry, letting her know if I used to be not scared then she shouldn’t be.

Fortunately beneath us within the ocean, a child humpback whale swam gracefully subsequent to her Mama.

“I’ve by no means seen a whale like this earlier than Mama.”

A slight little bit of pleasure for the flight returned. (However didn’t final lengthy. She swears she’ll by no means do one other!)

It’s a surprising flight with stunning views over seaside, sand dunes, coastal forest, and even a butterfly formed lake that may solely be seen from above.

Tasman Ventures (Whale Watching Expertise)

In case your plan is to go to Fraser Island for whale watching solely, you then would possibly benefit from the whale watching cruises from Tasman Ventures.

Tasman Enterprise cruises are identified to get you up near the whales (when reserving the tour throughout whale season, in fact).

Departing from Hervey Bay Marina you’ll cross by the Nice Sandy Strait and previous distant islands earlier than heading to a well-liked playground for whales off the coast of Fraser Island.

Preserve your eyes open for dolphins, turtles, dugongs, birds, and dingoes on their amphibious watercraft, which might drive proper onto the seaside.

The watercraft will take you to Wathumba Creek, Awinya, or Bowarrady Creek, adopted by alternatives to snorkel with turtles, go kayaking, tubing, sand dune climbing, or just stroll on the seaside.

In addition they serve morning tea, afternoon tea with biscuits in addition to a full lunch. Snacks, comfortable drinks, and beer can be found on the boat too.

Discovery Fraser Island Excursions from Noosa

In case you’re staying in Noosa and fancy taking a Fraser Island day journey, then the at some point tour by Discovery Fraser Island Excursions could be the most suitable choice for you.

Similar to the opposite excursions on this record, you’ll get pleasure from a 4WD journey on Fraser Island, driving down the 75-mile seaside to take a look at websites like Lake McKenzie, the traditional rainforest, Central Station, Pile Valley, and Wanggoolba Creek.

However this tour has the added thrill of driving alongside the Nice Seaside Drive, a seaside freeway from Rainbow Seaside to Noosa.

Visitors will probably be picked up out of your lodge, and pushed alongside the Nice Seaside Drive by Toolara Forest and Nice Sandy Nationwide Park, earlier than taking the ferry over to Fraser to discover some extra.

Then you’ll journey again to Noosa through the seaside freeway.

What an journey!

FAQs About Visiting Fraser Island

Here’s what folks often ask us about visiting Fraser Island…

The place is The Finest Place to See Dingoes on Fraser Island?

Dingoes journey for 45km a day in quest of meals, so it’s possible you will note them anyplace on Fraser Island.

It’s estimated there are 20-30 packs of dingoes, so you must hold an eye fixed out for them always.

Dingoes are tamer than they need to be right here on Fraser, however do control your youngsters.

Due to the poor selections of people, they’ve realized to not respect folks and so hold their distance. You’re certain to have dingos coming fairly near you on the seashores, significantly close to Eli Creek, sniffing for meals.

Regardless of indicators warning of the hazard everywhere in the island, we see vacationers transferring near them to get their shot of the lovable wild canines. We most well-liked to depend on our 300mm zoom lens to do the trick from afar.

When Is The Finest Time to See Whales on Fraser Island?

In case you’re fortunate sufficient to go to throughout whale season (July – September), you could be fortunate to be greeted by a child whale breaching out of the ocean simply offshore.

Not solely will the land blow your thoughts on Fraser Island, however so will the wildlife.

Humpback whales, dolphins, and tiger sharks prefer to chase the fish simply past the waves. The currents don’t run by right here so that they pool out the again. I wouldn’t deliver your surfboards and I’d save your swimming for the lakes and creeks.

We noticed loads of whales from 75 Mile Seaside, from the lookout at Indian Head, and on a whale watching tour from Hervey Bay – the whale capital of Australia. (It’s on the west facet of Fraser Island)

Remaining Ideas on Fraser Island Day Journeys

All the pieces is picture-perfect on Fraser Island.

You allow behind solely your footprints that rapidly take up into the sand, however in your coronary heart stays the reminiscence of a spot that exposed to you a narrative of a Universe that’s so magical that it conspires to deliver essentially the most good components to create wonderlands that baffle.

It’s a second that attracts your consciousness to miracles – the timber, the air, and naturally, even your self. Someday a tiny sperm met a tiny egg in opposition to all odds – when situations have been simply good. We’re all simply as wonderful because the sand that timber can develop out of.

All of us must journey extra to expertise such awe and marvel. You positive will thrive for those who do.

Video of Fraser Island

Watch our video of our expertise at Fraser Island right here…

Save It On Pinterest: