Shop/Reception – 8am to 5pm (6pm at peak times, call to confirm)
Check in – 2pm to 5pm (6pm at peak times, call to confirm)
Café – 8am to 2:30pm (5:30pm at peak times, call to confirm)
Cathedrals on Fraser is a privately-owned campground, which means you are not required to have a QPWS camping permit. However, all vehicles entering Fraser Island are required to have a vehicle access permit before arriving. You can get your permit online: Queensland National Parks Booking Service
You will need a 4WD to get to Cathedrals on Fraser. If you don’t have one, you can always hire from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
The Manta Ray barge departs from Inskip Point (15 minutes from Rainbow Beach). Usual hours are from 6:00am to 5:30pm daily. The trip takes about 10 minutes; prices vary dependant on the type of vehicle you’re driving. From hook point, head north up the beach for about 60 km (1.5 hours). Use caution when using navigation systems, which may lead you astray. About 10 minutes north of the Maheno shipwreck, you’ll find Cathedrals on Fraser.
Kingfisher barges depart from River Heads (20 minutes from Hervey Bay). Tickets must be booked in advance. The trip to Wanggoolba creek takes 30 minutes, while the trip to Kingfisher Bay takes 45 minutes. From either landing point, follow the signs to Eurong (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour). Use caution when using navigation systems, which may lead you astray. Turn left onto the beach and drive north for about 35km (45 minutes). Cathedrals on Fraser is located about 10 minutes north of the Maheno shipwreck.
Check the tides for your day of arrival and departure and book your barge accordingly. Be sure to allow enough time to make it up the beach during low tide, as Cathedrals is inaccessible from the beach during high tide. As a general rule, make sure you are off the beach two hours either side of the high tide.
Aim to travel two hours either side of low tide wherever possible. Ensure you are not driving on the beach two hours either side of high tide.
It is recommended that you reduce tyre pressure before you get to Fraser Island. This is even more important if you are towing (don’t forget to reduce your trailer/caravan tyre pressures too!) If you are an inexperienced driver or towing a trailer or caravan, we recommend taking the Mantaray barge out of Rainbow Beach to avoid the need to take an inland track. Generally, the eastern beach route will be a smoother journey. During dry weather the sand at Inskip Point can become very soft and vehicles can easily get bogged getting on and off the barge.
For more tips on sand driving, visit here.
In an emergency, dial 000. If you don’t have mobile reception try 112. Help can be hours away, so carry a well-stocked first aid kit and medical supplies.
Fraser Island Police (Eurong): 4123 7911
Tow Truck Services (Eurong): 0428 353 164
Fraser Island Taxi: 4127 9188