Need to find the best Fraser Island day trips from Hervey Bay, but unsure which one is the right one for you? In this guide, I’m sharing the best tours to K’gari so you can choose which one will suit your budget, time and preference.
Expect to read about the top day tours as well as half-day trips, hidden gems and much more to explore when visiting the world’s largest sand island. This guide is only for day tours from Hervey Bay, not from Rainbow Beach or Sunshine Coast unfortunately.
Why do a tour to Fraser Island?
If you’re not keen on spending multiple days on the island, you can indeed to Fraser Island as a day trip. While you could easily spend a week, if longer on the island, it is possible to see the main sights in one day. Although you won’t get a lot of time at each sight, you’ll still be able to see the amazing crystal clear freshwater lakes and most popular one: Lake Mckenzie, Champagne Pools, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck and much more!
One of the best reasons for doing a tour to Fraser Island is you don’t have to worry about damaging your car or worse off, a hire car.
If you’re not an experienced 4wd driving on sand, you may find it quite tricky and you could send up rolling the car or getting bogged many times. Yes you don’t need to do a tour to see Fraser Island as long as you come prepared with paper maps (Google Maps often mixes up roads), check the tides and properly plan your trip.
We were always more of the do our own adventures kind of people, but since we recently visited Fraser Island on the K’gari Explorer Tour, I’m so glad we didn’t drive ourselves because I think it would have been a bit stressful. You can read all about the 3 day, 2 night tour in my K’gari Explorer Tour Review where I break down absolutely everything you need to know about this tour.
Here are the best Fraser island day tours from Harvey Bay.
1. Book the ultimate day trip from Hervey Bay
If you’re looking to see all of the famous places in K’gari, then you must book this day trip from Hervey Bay with K’gari Explorer Tour. We did the 3 day trip, and you’ll see almost the exact same attractions on the day trip except for Lake Wabby and you’ll miss out on a stay at the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort.
As the most comprehensive tour in (Fraser Island) K’gari, you’ll gain local knowledge from the excellent tour guides and see the best areas: Lake Mckenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, the jaw-dropping ancient rainforest of Central Station, The Pinnacles, Champagne Pools and of course float down the insta worthy Eli Creek.
I highly recommend booking this air conditioned 4WD tour if it’s the only one you have time to do. You won’t regret it! If you want to read our review, check out my 2 night, 3 day K’gari Explore Tour Review before you book.
2. Book a Aussie BBQ cruise to Fraser Island
This five hour half day tour departing from Hervey Bay takes you to the stunning calm waters of the remote Pelican Banks on K’gari (Fraser Island) for a swim, kayak, fish and wildlife spotting adventure. You’ll be given morning tea before tucking into a gourmet BBQ lunch including fresh seafood.
3. Explore the remote western side of Fraser Island
Looking to do something a little different on K’gari, formerly Fraser Island? Why not explore the remote Western side of the World Heritage listed K’gari by jumping on this day tour which includes kayaking, snorkelling, swimming and hiking as well as lunch.
4. Fraser Island 4-Hour Eco-Sailing Adventure
If you’re looking for a chilled our Fraser Island tour, join this four hour eco-sailing adventure to the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait. Here you’ll visit the heart of the dolphin playground while enjoying the pristine waters of Pelican Bank.
You may even spot from humpback whales if you’re visiting between June – November too. This is a fantastic relaxing half-day trip for anyone looking for things to do in Hervey Bay.
5. Book a beautiful sunset sailing tour around Hervey Bay and Fraser Island
If you’re looking for things to do in Hervey Bay at night, why not go on a Champagne Sunset Sailing Tour? This 90 minute tour will see panoramic views of Hervey bay and K’gari as you kick back and enjoy a glass of bubbly with the other guests on board. It’s a fantastic opportunity for those who are short on time, but looking for a memorable experience.
6. Swim with whales in Fraser Island
Hervey Bay and K’gari (Fraser Island) is some to some of the best whale watching tours in Australia. Jump on this affordable 9 hour day trip to swim with whales! You’ll also get an opportunity to kayak in the crystal clear waters of Awinya or Bowarradt Creek while cruising along the pristine Great Sandy Strait in Fraser Island.
7. Book a wildlife cruise and lookout for the infamous dingos
Sit back on this five hour unique wildlife cruise as you go looking for all of the abundant wildlife that sits on the precious eco-systems of K’gari. This is the only day tour that takes you to the southern end of the marine park and Ramsar protected wetlands.
Here you’ll visit the pristine waters of the Great Sandy Straits, as well as Woody Island, North White Cliffs, Ungowa and Garry’s Anchorage. You’ll receive a light lunch and morning tea while enjoying the fantastic scenery and natural beauty that awaits.
Where to stay in Hervey Bay
In need of Hervey Bay accommodation? Check out our top picks!
- Luxury – Grand Mercure Allegra: Metres from the beach offering luxury self-contained apartments with spa bath and a lagoon pool.
- Mid Range – Eden by the Bay: Free parking, shared swimming pool, ocean views and a fully equipped kitchen in your room.
- Mid Range – Ramada Encore by Wyndham Whale Cove: 300m from the beach, you’ll have access to an 25m lagoon pool, free wifi and apartment rooms.
- Budget – Tasman Holiday Parks: 6 acres of tropical landscaped gardens to enjoy a large swimming pool and games room, with spacious bungalow accommodation.
Looking for more Fraser Island travel guides?
If you need help planning your trip to Fraser Island, check out our popular guides below:
- 31 Best Things To Do In Fraser Island (K’gari)
- 7 Best Fraser Island Day Trips From Hervey Bay
- Best Fraser Island Tours vs Tag Along vs Self Drive
- What The K’gari Explorer Tour To Fraser Island Looks Like
- 15 Things To Know About Planning A Fraser Island Trip
- 10 Tips To Know Before Visiting Eli Creek In Fraser Island
- 13 Things You Might Not Know About Lake Mckenzie In Fraser Island
- 12 Crucial Things To Know About The Champagne Pools In Fraser Island
- Tips For Visiting The Famous Maheno Shipwreck On Fraser Island
- My Honest Fraser Island Kingfisher Bay Resort Review
Heading further up the East Coast?
Check out our comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip up the East Coast!
- 25 Best Things To Do In Agnes Water & 1770 2023 Guide
- 11 Best Carnarvon Gorge Walks In Queensland 2023 Guide
- 5 Secret Southern Great Barrier Reef Islands You Might Not Know About
- 35 Best Things To Do In Yeppoon 2023 Guide
- 16 Very Best Whitsunday Tours To Choose From In 2023
- 30 Best Things To Do On Magnetic Island In 2023
- 12 Places To See Great Barrier Reef With The Greyhound Bus
- 25 Best Things To Do In Cairns 2023 Guide
Best Fraser Island day trips from Hervey Bay
Pin it!
