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If you’re planning to take a 4WD to K’gari (Fraser Island), one of the first questions you’ll face is: which ferry is better – Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay? I’ve used both ferries on my trips to K’gari, and each has pros and cons. This guide compares the options so you can choose the best one for your itinerary.
Responsible travel tip: Driving on sand is fun but tough on the environment. For a low-impact adventure, consider hiking K’gari’s Great Walk or trekking from the west to east coast. It’s a quieter way to experience this incredible island.
The different Fraser Island ferries
There are two ways to get to K’gari by ferry:
- Hervey Bay (River Heads): ferries land on the west coast of the island, either at Kingfisher Bay or Wanggoolba Creek.
- Rainbow Beach (Inskip Point): ferries land at Hook Point, on the southern end of the east coast.
How to choose between the Fraser Island ferries
1. Where are you coming from?
- Travelling from northern Queensland (north of Hervey Bay)? Hervey Bay is the logical choice.
- Travelling from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, or the Gold Coast? Rainbow Beach usually makes more sense.
But it is not always that simple.
2. Where are you going on K’gari?
Most of the famous sites (Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Wreck) are on the east coast. In that case, Rainbow Beach is the more convenient option because:
- The ferry crossing takes only 10 minutes (vs 30 minutes from Hervey Bay).
- You land directly on the east coast instead of driving 45+ minutes across the island.
- More frequent departures mean less waiting.
- It’s cheaper.
If you’re staying on the west side at Kingfisher Bay Resort, the Hervey Bay ferry is practical. But depending on your route, Rainbow Beach may still be just as fast – especially if you drive via Noosa and the Cooloola Coast rather than the Bruce Highway.
Still looking for accommodation on K’gari? If you’re after a truly wild experience, you can camp right on the beach (permits required), tucked behind the dunes. Just be mindful of the dingoes and secure your food and gear properly. Prefer something with less things to worry about? Enclosed campsites are also available. And if camping isn’t your thing but you still want to stay close to nature, I really enjoyed our stay at The Beachcamp Eco Retreat.
3. Travel style and driving confidence
Rainbow Beach: best for those who want to dive into the 4WD adventure from the very start.
Hervey Bay: best for those who want a smoother trip with fewer sandy inland tracks.
Rainbow Beach vs Hervey Bay comparison
| Criteria | Hervey Bay | Rainbow Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per vehicle | $123 one way (driver included, +$5 per passenger). See prices here. | $140 return (all passengers included). See prices here. |
| Departure | From River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay) | From Inskip Point (3 hours north of Brisbane) |
| Drop off | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Hook Point |
| Crossing time | 45 minutes | 10 minutes |
| Services per day | ~7 | Runs all day from 6:00 am to 5:15 pm, with more barges added in peak times. |
Which ferry did you take to get to K’gari? Share your experience in the comments below!
So, which Fraser Island ferry is better?
- Rainbow Beach: faster, cheaper, and ideal if you’re heading to the east coast.
- Hervey Bay: smoother and convenient if you’re staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Whichever ferry you take, your reward is arriving on K’gari – the world’s largest sand island and one of the most unforgettable places in Australia.
Where you can catch a ferry to K’gari
Inskip Point in Rainbow Beach (south) is approximately 3 hours north of Brisbane (180 km). River Heads in Hervey Bay (north) is approximately 3h45 north of Brisbane (300 km).
