K'gari Explorer Tours K'gari Ultimate - Double/Twin Occupancy

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Five days on K'gari (Fraser Island) from Hervey Bay: a guided two-day 4WD tour of the lakes, rainforest and 75 Mile Beach, with a night at K'gari Beach Resort and three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort around it. Choose a double or twin room, a single room or a triple room.

Days

5 days, 4 nights

Age

Children over one welcome; car seat needed under 8

Group size

Small group, up to 40 on the touring days

Start / finish

Hervey Bay (River Heads) / Hervey Bay (River Heads)
River Heads on your chosen ferry, 5pm at the latest

Return

River Heads on your chosen ferry, 5pm at the latest

Accommodation

3 nights Kingfisher Bay Resort, 1 night K'gari Beach Resort

Transport

Ferry from River Heads and an air-conditioned 4WD coach

Meals

4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, morning tea on tour; dinners not included

Route

Map of K'gari Explorer Tours K'gari Ultimate - Double/Twin Occupancy

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Included experiences

Lake McKenzie — swim in a freshwater lake ringed by white sand
Central Station and Pile Valley — rainforest boardwalk beside Wanggoolba Creek
75 Mile Beach — drive the beach to Eli Creek, the Maheno wreck and the Pinnacles
Champagne Pools — swim in rock pools filled by breaking waves
Lake Wabby — optional 4 km return walk over the Hammerstone Sandblow
Kingfisher Bay Resort — sunset bar, pools and ranger-guided walks

K'gari Explorer Tours K'gari Ultimate - Double/Twin Occupancy

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Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: HERVEY BAY TO KINGFISHER BAY RESORT

Your trip starts with a courtesy pick-up in Hervey Bay, or at Hervey Bay Airport, and the drive to River Heads at the mouth of the Mary River. If you're driving, there's a secure car park beside the mainland reception. You pick your ferry time when you book, and the crossing of the Great Sandy Strait, a maze of mangroves and sand banks protected as a wetland of international importance, lands you at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the calm western side of K'gari (Fraser Island). The island is 123 km long, the largest sand island on earth. Settle in, then catch the sunset at the Sunset Bar or join a ranger-guided walk or talk.

Overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort

DAY 2: RAINFOREST, LAKE MCKENZIE AND 75 MILE BEACH

Pack an overnight bag and leave the rest in your room. Mid-morning your guide's air-conditioned 4WD coach leaves for two days of touring, the order set by the tides. Central Station was the island's forestry camp; its boardwalk follows Wanggoolba Creek, so clear over white sand it can be hard to see. Pile Valley has satinay trees centuries old, a timber used to line the Suez Canal. Swim in Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora), a "perched" lake of rainwater on white silica sand. On 75 Mile Beach, float down Eli Creek, see the Maheno, driven ashore by a cyclone in 1935, and the coloured cliffs of The Pinnacles.

Lunch is a buffet at K'gari Beach Resort, and in the late afternoon you check in there for the night. Dinner is at your own cost at McKenzie's on 75, where the bar stays open late.

Overnight: K'gari Beach Resort

DAY 3: INDIAN HEAD, CHAMPAGNE POOLS AND LAKE WABBY

The coach leaves early, with a picnic lunch and morning and afternoon tea on the road. Today reaches three places the day tours don't. Indian Head, the island's most easterly point, was named by James Cook in 1770 after the Aboriginal people he saw on the rocks; from the top, look down for turtles and rays. Just north, at the Champagne Pools, waves foam over volcanic rock into sheltered pools where you can swim. For Lake Wabby, the island's deepest lake, you can walk about 4 km return over the Hammerstone Sandblow, a dune slowly burying it. You're back at Kingfisher Bay at about 5pm.

Overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort

DAY 4: A FREE DAY AT KINGFISHER BAY

A buffet breakfast, then the day is yours. Kingfisher Bay Resort has four lagoon-style pools, a calm western beach and ranger-guided activities through the day and after dark. Or book an extra: the Bush Tucker Talk and Taste, the Island Day Spa, a sunset session, a west coast eco-marine cruise, or, between August and October, whale watching in Hervey Bay, where humpbacks rest with their calves on their way south.

Overnight: Kingfisher Bay Resort

DAY 5: KINGFISHER BAY TO HERVEY BAY

After breakfast you keep the run of the resort until your ferry, at a time you choose, back to River Heads, 5pm at the latest. The courtesy coach drops you at set points in Hervey Bay.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Courtesy pick-up from set points in Hervey Bay or Hervey Bay Airport, or check in at the Mainland Reception, 54 Ariadne Street, River Heads. Enter your pick-up point when you book.
Departure time: You choose your ferry time on day 1 when you book; rooms at Kingfisher Bay are ready from 2pm. The two-day tour leaves Kingfisher Bay at 9:45am on day 2.
Finishes: Back at River Heads on your chosen ferry, 5pm at the latest, with drop-off at set points in Hervey Bay.
Minimum age: Children over one are welcome. Children under 8 need a car seat by Queensland law; bring one or request one when you book. Children under one cannot travel on the tour coaches.
Fitness: The Lake Wabby walk is about 4 km return over soft sand and needs moderate fitness, but it is optional. The sand tracks are bumpy, so if you are pregnant or have back or neck problems, check with your doctor first.
Accommodation note: A double or twin room is for two travellers, with one queen bed and one king single bed. A single room is for one traveller, with one queen bed. A triple room is for three travellers, with one queen bed and one king single bed, and up to two children aged 4 to 14 can share it with an adult. Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort (one before and two after the tour) and one night at K'gari Beach Resort, all in standard hotel rooms; upgrades can be requested at check-in for an extra charge.
Please note: Tours run in rain, but may be cancelled in extreme weather. Summer days average about 29°C and winter days about 22°C. A free app gives the guide's commentary in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Chinese. Please follow the dingo-safe rules on the island.

What to bring

Swimmers and a towel
Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Insect repellent
Comfortable walking shoes or thongs
Any medication you need
A reusable water bottle (water is supplied)
Warmer clothes for winter evenings
A car seat for children under 8, unless you request one when you book

What is included

One night before and two nights after the tour at Kingfisher Bay Resort (double, twin, single or triple room)
One night at K'gari Beach Resort (double, twin, single or triple room)
Two full days of guided 4WD coach touring with commentary
Four breakfasts, morning tea on both touring days, one buffet lunch at K'gari Beach Resort and one picnic lunch
Courtesy pick-up and drop-off from set points in Hervey Bay, including Hervey Bay Airport
Return ferry between River Heads and Kingfisher Bay
National park fees and fuel levies
Commentary app in six languages

Not included

Dinners and drinks
Room upgrades, including air-conditioning at K'gari Beach Resort
Pre-booked resort extras such as the day spa, eco-marine cruise, whale watching and the Illumina light show
Optional scenic flight over the island with Air Fraser

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.