Bushwacker Eco Tours Fraser Island 4WD Exclusive Tour

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A long, full day from Brisbane to K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD: up the Cooloola beach past the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, across on the ferry, then 75 Mile Beach, the rainforest boardwalk at Central Station and a swim in Lake McKenzie, with a picnic lunch on the island.

Days

Full day, about 11 hours from Brisbane

Group size

Small group with a guide

Start / finish

Brisbane / Rainbow Beach / K'gari / Brisbane
Brisbane City, about 6pm

Return

Brisbane City, about 6pm

Transport

4WD from Brisbane, with the Noosa River and K'gari ferries

Meals

Picnic lunch with cold drinks and fresh fruit

Route

Map of Bushwacker Eco Tours Fraser Island 4WD Exclusive Tour

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Included experiences

Double Island Point — beach drive past the coloured sands
75 Mile Beach — 4WD the surf beach to Hook Point
Central Station — boardwalk along Wanggoolba Creek
Lake McKenzie — swim and picnic lunch

Bushwacker Eco Tours Fraser Island 4WD Exclusive Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

EARLY MORNING: BRISBANE TO THE NOOSA RIVER

It's an early start. From Roma Street the 4WD heads north past the Glass House Mountains, the volcanic plugs Captain Cook named in 1770 because they reminded him of the glass furnaces of Yorkshire, and up Steve Irwin Way, the road that passes Australia Zoo. More travellers join along the way at Caboolture, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. At the Noosa River a small vehicle ferry carries you across to the northern shore, and the bitumen ends. From here on, your road is the beach.

LATE MORNING: THE COOLOOLA BEACH AND INSKIP POINT

Tides permitting, the 4WD runs north along the Cooloola surf beach to Double Island Point, whose lighthouse has stood on the headland since 1884. Beyond it rise the coloured sand cliffs of Rainbow Beach, banded red, orange and yellow by iron oxides. After a short break in town, a sandy track leads out to Inskip Point and the ferry. Ferry tickets and permits are sorted before you arrive. As you cross, look back at the west coast of the island and out to Hervey Bay, and watch the water for dolphins, turtles, dugong and sea eagles.

MIDDAY: 75 MILE BEACH AND CENTRAL STATION

Welcome to K'gari (Fraser Island). At 123 km long it's the largest sand island on earth, World Heritage-listed since 1992. From Hook Point, the island's southern tip, your guide drives the 75 Mile Beach, splashing through as many as eight freshwater creeks while you watch for dingoes, kangaroos and, in season, whales. Inland, the boardwalk at Central Station, once the island's forestry village, follows Wanggoolba Creek, water so clear it's almost invisible over the white sand. Around you grows rainforest rooted in sand, with tall satinay trees whose timber was once shipped to line the Suez Canal.

LAKE MCKENZIE AND LUNCH

The track winds on past Pile Valley, a stand of giant satinay, to Lake McKenzie (or Lake Birrabeen on some days). It's a perched lake, filled only by rain held above the water table by a layer of compacted sand and plant matter, and its sand is almost pure white silica. Swim, take photos or just lie on the beach. Lunch is a picnic with cold drinks and fresh fruit, at the lake or in the rainforest.

AFTERNOON: BACK DOWN THE BEACH TO BRISBANE

The return leg runs back to the surf via Eurong, one of the island's small beach settlements, then south along the beach highway past Govi Creek and Dilli Village, a former sand-mining camp that is now a university research and learning centre. Stop for a last photo of the coloured sands before the ferry back to the mainland, then a break at Rainbow Beach or Noosa. Joining from Noosa or Rainbow Beach, you're dropped off earlier. From Brisbane it's a long day, and you're back in the city around 6pm.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Bus stop 125, Roma Street, Brisbane City (opposite Police Headquarters). Also Caboolture, Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Noosa Information Centre, Gympie and Rainbow Beach, or Surfers Paradise for an extra charge.
Departure time: 6:45am from Brisbane City (9am from Noosa, 11am from Rainbow Beach). Departs several days a week; your pick-up time is confirmed when you book.
Finishes: About 6pm in Brisbane City, earlier at Sunshine Coast and Noosa stops.
Duration: About 11 hours from Brisbane, much of it on the road and beach.
Suits: Travellers short on time who want K'gari's main sights in one day. Child, student and senior fares are offered.
Please note: This is a tidal beach area, so the route and order of stops can change with tides and conditions.

What to bring

Swimmers and towel
Sunscreen and a hat
Water bottle

What is included

Return transport from Brisbane, Caboolture or the Sunshine Coast
Driver and eco guide, with 4WD touring on the island
Noosa River ferry and 75 Mile Beach drive
Picnic lunch with cold drinks and fresh fruit

Not included

Ferry, national park fees and daily permits: $50 per person, paid to your guide on the day
Gold Coast pick-up, if you choose it: $100 extra

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.