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)
Step 1: Choose your 4WD
Bring your own 4WD (or hire one)
K’gari (Fraser Island) is a sand-driving destination, so you’ll need a capable 4WD to explore safely. If you’re bringing your own, make sure it’s well-maintained, has low range, and you’re confident driving on soft sand. If you’re hiring, book early (especially for school holidays) and confirm what’s included—recovery gear, tyre deflator, and an air compressor make a huge difference.
Quick 4WD checklist
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High-clearance 4WD with low range
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Tyre deflator + compressor (air down for sand, air up again after)
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Recovery basics: shovel, traction boards, snatch strap (rated)
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Full-size spare + tyre repair kit
Step 2: Book your stay
Once you’ve locked in your travel dates, book your accommodation early, especially for QLD/NSW school holidays and long weekends. Cathedrals on Fraser has options for every style of trip, from unpowered camping to villas, so you can choose the comfort level (and budget) that suits your crew.
Quick booking checklist
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Pick your dates + number of guests (and vehicle if you’re camping)
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Choose your accommodation type: Permanent Tents, Cabins, Villas, Powered or Unpowered Sites
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If you have preferences (quiet spot, close to amenities, etc.), add them in the booking notes on the check-out page
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Double-check your confirmation email and keep it handy for check-in
Step 3: Check tide times
Tides are a big deal on the island, your easiest (and safest) beach driving is around low tide. Before you lock in your barge time or plan a big day of exploring, check the tide chart and build your drive around it.
Beach driving tip
Aim to travel about 2 hours either side of low tide for firmer sand and less chance of getting bogged. If it’s high tide, you may need to wait it out, take high tide bypasses, or revise your route, so it’s worth checking in advance.
Step 4: Book your barge
To get to the island you’ll need to travel over by barge, so lock this in once your dates are set.
Choose your departure point
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From Hervey Bay (River Heads) – Kingfisher Barge: Must book in advance. Around 50 mins on the barge, then roughly 1 hr 45 mins drive to Cathedrals.
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From Rainbow Beach (Inskip Point) – Manta Ray Barge: Booking recommended (can pay on the barge). Around 10 mins on the barge, then roughly 1 hr 30 mins drive to Cathedrals.
Tip: Do not use navigation systems, which may lead you astray. Check tide times before choosing your crossing time, arriving around low tide makes beach driving much easier. If you are towing it is recommended you come via Inskip Point (Manta Ray Barge).
Step 5: Get your vehicle access permit
All vehicles driving on the island need a Vehicle Access Permit, so make sure you organise this before you arrive. It’s quick to do online and you’ll want the permit saved on your phone (or printed) in case you’re asked to show it.
What you need to know
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One permit per vehicle (covers your trip dates)
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Buy online via QPWS
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Screenshot or print your permit before heading over (reception can be patchy)
Final Checklist
Before you hit the barge, run through this quick list so your trip is smooth from the start:
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Book your accommodation at Cathedrals on Fraser
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Book your 4WD hire (if needed)
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Check tide times and plan your driving around low tide
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Book your barge crossing
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Get your Vehicle Access Permit (save a screenshot/print it)
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Pack what you need (camping gear if camping, recovery gear + compressor for sand driving)
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Arrive, relax, and enjoy your stay!
