Whalesong Cruises Fraser Island Beach + BBQ Cruise

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A half-day cruise from Urangan to the secluded western beaches of K'gari (Fraser Island), with 2 hours ashore to swim, kayak, snorkel and relax, morning tea and an Aussie BBQ lunch.

Days

5 hours, half day

Group size

Max 40

Start / finish

Urangan / Urangan

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

M.V. Whalesong, with a RIB tender to the beach

Meals

Morning tea and an Aussie BBQ lunch

Route

Map of Whalesong Cruises Fraser Island Beach + BBQ Cruise

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Included experiences

Great Sandy Strait — cruise looking for dolphins, turtles and dugongs
K'gari west coast — 2 hours on the beach
K'gari beach — kayaking, snorkelling and tube rides
On board — BBQ lunch with commentary on the way back

Whalesong Cruises Fraser Island Beach + BBQ Cruise

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: ACROSS THE GREAT SANDY STRAIT

Board Whalesong at the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan and settle in for a one-hour cruise across to K'gari (Fraser Island). The Great Sandy Strait between the island and the mainland is a maze of sandbanks, mangroves and seagrass beds, and that seagrass is why dugongs graze here. Watch the water for dolphins, turtles and fish, and the sky for ospreys and sea eagles. Morning tea is a fresh fruit platter and cakes, with commentary from the crew on the marine life and the island's Aboriginal history.

MIDDAY: TWO HOURS ON K'GARI'S WEST COAST

Once the boat anchors, the RIB runs you ashore to a quiet beach on the island's west coast, the calm side that few visitors see. K'gari is 123 km long, the largest sand island on earth, and World Heritage-listed since 1992. You have two hours to spend as you like. Paddle a kayak, try the snorkelling gear, ride the inflatable tube, or start a game of beach cricket. Or simply lie on the white sand. Tides and weather decide the spot, and some days you land on Pelican Bank, a sand bank in the strait, instead or as well.

AFTERNOON: BARBECUE ON THE WAY HOME

Back on board, rinse off under the fresh water shower while the barbecue goes on: Hervey Bay king prawns, fillet steak, sausages, three salads and fresh bread. Drinks are at the licensed bar. The boat cruises slowly back to the marina while you eat, and the crew fill in the island's story, its history and the animals of the strait. You're back in Urangan about five hours after you left.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Urangan.
Fitness: Going ashore is by tender, so you need to be physically fit and reasonably coordinated. Shore activities are at your own risk.
Please note: No wheelchair access to the beach, but guests in wheelchairs can stay on the boat and fish. Depending on tides and weather, the beach stop may be Pelican Bank instead of Fraser Island, or both. This is not a dedicated snorkelling trip.

What to bring

Your own snorkelling gear if you like — the boat's supply is limited
Your own fishing gear, if wanted (let the office know 48 hours ahead)

What is included

Commentary on marine life and local Aboriginal history
2 hours of free time on the beach
Kayaks, snorkelling gear, beach games (cricket, frisbees, balls, sandcastle gear) and rides on the inflatable tube
Dive skins if wanted
Morning tea: fresh fruit platter and a variety of cakes
Aussie BBQ lunch: Hervey Bay king prawns, fillet steak, sausages, three salads and fresh bread

Not included

Cold drinks, available at the licensed bar on board

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

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.

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.

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.