Discovery K'gari Adventures K'gari 2 Day Tour - Rainbow Beach to Rainbow Beach

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A 2-day small group tour of K'gari from Rainbow Beach, the world's largest sand island, with a night in a permanent bell tent. A way to see K'gari's highlights in just two days.

Days

2 days, 1 night

Age

Group size

Small group, max 11

Start / finish

Rainbow Beach / Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach, 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Return

Rainbow Beach, 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Accommodation

1 night in a permanent bell tent on K'gari

Transport

All-terrain 4WD coach and return ferry to K'gari

Meals

Breakfast, 2 lunches, a sunset platter and a BBQ dinner

Route

Map of Discovery K'gari Adventures K'gari 2 Day Tour - Rainbow Beach to Rainbow Beach

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Included experiences

75 Mile Beach — drive the beach highway
Eli Creek — float down the creek
SS Maheno — shipwreck
Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) — swim
Pile Valley and Central Station — rainforest walk
Wanggoolba Creek — creekside walk
Lake Birrabeen — weather and tide permitting

Discovery K'gari Adventures K'gari 2 Day Tour - Rainbow Beach to Rainbow Beach

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: RAINBOW BEACH TO K'GARI

Pick-up is from Freedom Hostel in Rainbow Beach, then a short drive to the ferry at Inskip Point. On the crossing, look for dolphins and dugongs in the shallows. K'gari (Fraser Island) is 123 km long, the largest sand island on earth, World Heritage-listed since 1992, and its Butchulla name means "paradise". You travel in an all-terrain 4WD coach with no more than 11 people, so there's room to see out both sides. Once on the sand you're on 75 Mile Beach, the island's highway, where light planes land beside the cars.

Overnight: K'gari (permanent bell tent)

ON THE ISLAND: LAKES, RAINFOREST AND THE BEACH

Over the two days your guide plans the route around tides and weather. Inland, you swim at Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), a "perched" lake of pure rainwater on white silica sand, and, conditions allowing, at quieter Lake Birrabeen, another perched lake with fewer visitors. At Central Station, the old forestry base, logging ran from the 1860s until 1991. Walk through rainforest at Pile Valley, where satinay trees grow from the sand, and beside Wanggoolba Creek, so clear it looks empty. On the east coast you float down Eli Creek and stop at the SS Maheno, a hospital ship driven ashore by a cyclone in 1935.

EVENING AT CAMP

At the end of the first day you settle into your permanent bell tent, then head down to the beach for a sunset platter as the light goes. After dark there's a campfire and a hearty Aussie barbecue dinner under the stars, which on an island with almost no lights can be very bright indeed. Listen out for dingoes, wongari, calling at night. They are the purest dingoes left in eastern Australia, so keep food out of reach.

DAY 2: BACK TO RAINBOW BEACH

After breakfast at camp you have the rest of the day on the island, then the coach heads back down the beach to the ferry. You're dropped in Rainbow Beach in the mid to late afternoon.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Rainbow Beach pick-up at 7:30am from Freedom Hostel; times may vary with tides and conditions.
Finishes: Drop-off in Rainbow Beach between 3:00pm and 4:30pm, or in Noosa between 6:00pm and 7:00pm for passengers continuing on.
Minimum age: 5 years.
Fitness: Relaxed — 2 out of 5.
Dietary needs: Please tell us any dietary requirements when booking.
Please note: Luggage is limited to one soft bag plus a small day pack; hard suitcases are not permitted. Tours need a minimum of 4 passengers.
Cancellation: Cancellations and changes are not permitted within 7 days of departure.

What to bring

Soft bag (no hard cases) plus a small day pack
Reusable water bottle
Lightweight, breathable clothing, plus long sleeves and long pants for sun protection
Warm layers, puffer jacket, gloves and beanie for winter nights (5–10°C in June to August)
Comfortable closed-in hiking shoes
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellent
Torch or headlamp
Power bank and chargers
Toiletries, personal medication and a towel

What is included

Return ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island)
National park entrance fees and permits
Tour guide
Multilingual audio guide via mobile app
Central Station and the Pile Valley rainforest walk
Wanggoolba Creek, Lake McKenzie and Lake Birrabeen
75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek and the Maheno shipwreck
One night in a permanent bell tent
Sunset platter and BBQ dinner

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.