Frequently Asked Questions

Driving on the beach is achievable depending on the movement of the tides, the time and height of the tides change by about 1/2 hour to 1 hour every day.

Put quite simply, the beach becomes impassable at high tide, when the water is too far up the beach for safe driving.

Those who drive on the beach at high tide are at a high risk of submerging the vehicle if a wave comes up higher than expected. They are also forced to cross salt water frequently causing damage to the vehicle and often they will be driving through very soft sand.

Do not stress about this, we factor the tides into all pick up and drop off times and we will always help you come up with an itinerary to work around these tides and not have your experience on the Island hindered by them.

In an ideal world we recommend 3 days on K’Gari (Fraser Island), this allows you to experience the main highlights at a relaxing pace without rushing. However we understand that many people have time restrictions while travelling and you can fit in most highlights in a two day trip. One day is possible, but we recommend contacting us first to see what the tides are doing to maximize your time on the island.

We have onsite parking available for one car per hire (this is not secured and at your own risk) if you require additional spaces or secured parking please contact the Rainbow Sands Resort.

From our office it is about a 25 minute drive to Inskip Point where you line up and take the barge. The barge itself is only a 5 – 10 minute ride and drops you off at Hook Point (the most southern end of the island)

The barge operates from 6am – 5pm every day and they run every 30 minutes roughly.

No. The barge is a first come, first serve basis. When you come to collect your car we will help you fill out the necessary paperwork to go get your barge ticket next door. Or you can even just buy a ticket when you are on the barge (with card or eftpos)

We will provide you with a Beach Driving Tuition before your departure where we show you getting the vehicle stuck and show you the correct way of getting yourself out.

One of the benefits of hiring with our company is that we have a full time mechanic and a spare vehicle based on Fraser Island 24/7 as we also own Fraser Island Towing ? If you have any troubles with your vehicle you should call our 24/7 emergency number and we will come help you.

Our vehicles have 2 fuel tanks; this gives you a combined total capacity of roughly 145 litres of fuel. Generally this is enough to get through a 3-day hire without needing to top up. However, you will have access to 4 fuel stations on Fraser Island if need be, they are all marked on your map (Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedral Beach and Kingfisher bay).

If you have a phone on the Telstra network you will occasionally receive some service however it is rather intermittent. Both Eurong and Happy Valley have Telstra tours so you will receive 3G signal there. If you are with any other network provider, you will not receive any service from around Dilli Village onwards unless you are on the western side of the island near Kingfisher Bay.

Unfortunately, there is no free camping on Fraser Island, camping fees in any of the national parks camping areas are $6.55 per person per night. If you are wanting to stay in a privately-owned camping area the prices are higher. If you have a question about where to booking camping please do not hesitate to ask us otherwise please find more information here : http://rainbowbeach4x4hire.com.au/camping-on-fraser-island/

Dundaburra & Central station: both are Dingo Fenced, and have toilets and showers

Lake Boomanjin: Is fenced and has toilets

No, you will need gold coins to operate the showers.

There are stores in Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedral Beach and Kingfisher Bay, however the prices are usually marked up quite considerably in comparison to the main land. Many of the resorts also have restaurant facilities as well. It is recommended that you purchase whatever you may need before heading over to the island. If you have forgotten something you will still have the option of buying it on the island.

The main attractions on Fraser Island are:

• Lake McKenzie
• Lake Birrabeen
• Lake Boomanjin
• Central Station
• Lake Wabby
• Kirrar Sandblow
• Eli Creek
• The Maheno Shipwreck
• The Pinnacles
• Lake Allom
• Woralie Creek (Western Beach)
• Lake Garawongera
• Indian Head
• Champagne Pools

There are a number of accommodation options on Fraser Island, however, just be aware that some of them can only be accessed during the low tide period as they do not have access to any inland tracks.

Kingfisher Bay Resort: ‎ Choice of Self-Contained Villas & Resort Rooms. www.kingfisherbay.com/resort

Fraser Island Beach Houses: (Two night minimum) self-contained houses. https://www.fraserislandbeachhouses.com.au

Eurong Beach Resort: Offers restaurant facilities (overnight accommodation available off peak). https://www.eurong.com.au/

Sailfish: offers restaurant facilities (overnight accommodation available off peak). Located in Happy Valley www.sailfishonfraser.com.au/

Fraser Island Retreat: Located in Happy Valley.                                  www.fraserislandretreatqld.com.au/

Cathedrals On Fraser: Enclosed private camping                                      https://www.cathedralsonfraser.com.au/

Dilli Village: Cabins, bunkhouses, camping sites (no camping permit required if staying in Dilli Village)

http://www.usc.edu.au/learn/theuscexperience/uscspaces/fraserislandresearchandlearningcentre/accommodationbookingandfacilities

Do not try to interact with the animal, while they are quite used to the presence of humans on the island, they are still wild animals and have been known to be aggressive at times. If you see a Dingo just stand back and take some photos. Never feed the Dingoes. Always walk in groups while on Fraser Island and if need be carry a stick with you to make yourself look more intimidating. Always dispose of rubbish in the designated Dingo fenced areas and keep it locked up in the vehicle until you are able to dispose of it. Keep Eskys or other food stores in your vehicle as well, Dingoes are known to raid camps and Eskys if not kept in the vehicle. Do not leave food scraps lying around, always bury them deep in the sand so as not to invite Dingoes to your camping area. If you are attacked by a Dingo, stand your ground and fight back aggressively to discourage the animal. Never run when dingoes are present, running can cause a negative Dingo interaction and they are likely to chase you.

It is not advisable to swim in the ocean on Fraser Island, the beach is unpatrolled and there are many strong rips and currents that can pull you out to sea. There is also a massive population of large sharks off Fraser Island along with various species of jellyfish. In the warmer months of the year there is also the possibility of Marine Stingers (Box Jellyfish) and Irukandji Jellyfish in the waters off Fraser Island.   

Occasionally there are sightings of Salt Water Crocodiles on the western side of the island and throughout the Great Sandy Straights. However, it is quite rare to see them this far south. They generally inhabit areas North of Bundaberg. But this does not mean that you should become complacent, as they can still be around.