Top 31 Things To Do Fraser Island

There are many things to do and explore on Fraser Island and its scenic landscape. You will be amazed by the beauty of Lake McKenzie (a freshwater lake), delighted to see the Maheno (one of the island’s legendary shipwrecks) and The Pinnacles (coloured sands), all these and more.

Below we have listed 31 of the top things to do and visit while on Fraser Island to help you better book your vacation. Whether you choose to take the ferry over and stay for the day or plan a longer trip these are our top recommended places to see.

1. Fishing Off Of Fraser Island

Considering that most accommodation places are located beachside, fishing is something to absolutely partake in! Fraser Island and the Fraser Coastline on the mainland of Australia are well known for their peak fishing spots!

You can fish right off the beaches of Fraser Island, but please take note that some beaches can have large surf and strong currents so please stay safe if fishing in these areas.

For recreational fishing, you do not need a permit for private fishing on the Island, but you still must make sure you follow the rules on fishing bags and fish size limits. Check the rules and regulations when fishing on Fraser Island.

• Fishing is allowed in many zones, except marine national park zones.
• Please keep all fish stored away from dingoes the same goes for any bait or burley you have with you.
• Any fish remains or unwanted bait needs to be buried below the high tide mark on the beach.
• It’s best not to bury the fish waste when any dingoes are around, we don’t want them to rely on finding the waste with humans around.
• Don’t leave fish bait bags or old fishing lines around, please use the bins provided to keep the Island clean.
• Cleaning of any fish is not allowed in any of the camping areas on the Island.
• Freshwater fishing is not allowed on Fraser Island, all the lakes are protected which means no taking bait from the lakes or streams.

2. Go Boating Around Fraser Island

All levels of fishermen are welcome to tackle the waters for a relaxing day of fishing or even a more competitive approach to obtaining a great catch!

Watch out for the sea life below the waters, there are a few rules to follow if you have your boat in the water. In all of the signed areas, you must follow the rules and keep the speed at a slow pace.

The Island has areas marked as go-slow zones to keep impact to any turtles or dugongs to a minimum. Follow these boating tips when you are in designated areas:

• Use a non-planning or low displacement mode.
• Watch for all marine wildlife like dugongs or turtles.
• High speed can kill the local wildlife if they get hit by a boat, take care when you are over seagrass and coral reefs.
• When you need to anchor only do so on the sand as seagrass or coral reefs are easily damaged by anchors.
• You can easily remove delicate seagrass and break up the coral reef, be sure to use the right anchor for the area you are fishing in, and motor up your boat to stop it from dragging the anchor when retrieving.

3. Four-wheel Driving Around Fraser Island

The beaches on the Island are only to be used by high clearance four-wheel drives, and it’s best to use low range. Before you drive on the sand put it in 4×4 and if you need to lock your hubs in please do so.

Watch for all road signs, just as you would on the road, the same rules apply for Queensland roads as they do here on the beach.

Most of the walking tracks and the Island’s scenic features can be accessed from these drives, All camper trailers have to be of high clearance and suit the four-wheel-drive that’s going to tow them.

Fraser Island does not suit caravans so please do not bring them or other trailers. Road conditions can change at any time.

After long periods of dry spells or a lot of rain, you will experience some difficulties travelling on the Island tracks. Please check on the beaches or the condition of the road before you travel.

4. Try Out Fraser Island Bushwalking

One of the best ways to see the Island up close is on the walking tracks. With many tracks to choose from starting with the boardwalks in the rain forest, short walks around the lakes or treks to the sand blows. Some of the walks that you can explore are:

• Beerillbee Trail
• Boardwalk at Wangoolba Creek
• Lake Wabby

Each track has its own skill level and it’s always best to check the parks and forests maps to find out which tracks are suitable for your skill level. If you are new to the tracks it’s best to go on a guided tour as it’s easy to get lost for even the most skilled hiker.

5. Freshwater Lakes On Fraser Island

Lake Wabby is home to a giant sand blow and is considered the deepest lake on the island. The island’s deepest lake is rich in fish and surrounded by ancient melaleucas. Not only is it great for swimming, but the view of the sand blow is a plus as well! Lake Wabby and its sand dunes are not to be used for rolling or sliding down as spinal injuries can happen.

Lake Allom is known for its turtles and surrounding forest area. Located right next to the rain forest you can cool off in this shady hollow, and watch for the freshwater turtles from the platform, but please keep in mind that no feeding of the turtles is allowed.

Lake Boomanjin which is almost 200 hectares, it’s claimed to be the biggest water lake in the world.

Ocean Lake is home to many types of water birds, you can watch them in the reeds and other parts of the nearby lake. Close by you will also see Banksia trees and Melaleuca woodlands.

Lake Bowarrady is surrounded by rainforest, including eucalyptus trees as well as wallum banksia heathlands. Because of its surroundings, the lake has tannin-coloured water. It sits 120 metres above sea level.

The Basin is a lake that isn’t as large as some of the others on Fraser Island but is known to be as deep as 8 metres. Even though the size of the lake is smaller, it is still a perched lake.

Lake Birrabeen is the second most popular lake to visit on Fraser Island, it too is a perched lake and is known for its pure clean water and is favoured for its swimming opportunities.

Please follow these few safety tips while swimming at the lakes, for the safety of not only you but those around you and the ecosystem on Fraser Island. Never leave children in the water alone. Although the water is clear the depth of the water is a danger.

No diving in the water, quite a few injuries have taken place from doing so. Take UV-rated shirts it’s advisable not to use sunscreen in the lakes for pollution purposes.

6. Have A Picnic On Fraser Island

You will find many day areas on the Island have picnic benches, drinking water at the locations is not always the best so it’s better to bring your own, toilets are also found in most of the picnic areas.

Some offer the use of sheds for shelter, barbecues for cooking, plus sinks for washing your dishes. This is because some are also designated camping areas. Click here is a full list of all the recreation areas that can be used.

7. Take A Guided Tour Of The Islands

There are many tour operators you will find they offer everything from one day tours, up to 2-7 day tours ( more info coming soon), There are many tours also available if you’re staying at Rainbow Beach or for all Fraser Island Accommodation click to go to our accommodation page for Fraser Island.

8. Go Camping On Fraser Island

If you’d like to extend your adventure further than a day on Fraser Island, then we highly recommend taking a camping trip to Fraser Island. There are many safe areas to camp on Fraser Island regardless of the threat of dingo attacks, the council is working hard to put up better fencing to protect the thousands of people that visit every year.

The ideal time to spend camping on Fraser Island is between 3-5 days, this allows you to fully experience what there is to offer on Fraser Island. A full list of camping spots can be found on our camping page.

9. Observe The Wildlife On Fraser Island

As mentioned before Fraser Island is home to many different species of animals. Whether it be the famous dingoes or home to the migrating humpback whales. You will truly be able to see some type of wildlife that lives here on the island.

Some of the many other species include but are not limited to, echidnas, lace monitors, 350 different species of birds, rainbow fish, tailor, kingfishers, hummingbirds, white-bellied sea eagles, sharks, dolphins, dugongs, sea turtles (loggerhead and green sea turtles), as well as many other sea creatures.

So on your next visit to Fraser Island keep your eyes peeled for the many species of wildlife that live here and call Fraser Island home.

10. Fraser Island Has Several Watersport Opportunities

If you’re the adventurous type and want to really enjoy the water around and on Fraser Island, then taking the avenue of watersports could be just the ticket. Whether you fancy a bit of kayaking, Stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, boating, or raft riding, then all these opportunities are right at your fingertips.

There are many different tours you can book below that will allow you to take on any of these adventures. Or if you going over to camp or stay at one of the many resorts you can also bring your own gear. Although we do advise you to make yourself aware of the dangers at hand on Fraser Island.

When taking on any water sports you must be aware of the wildlife and sealife dangers as well as knowing there are no nets to keep out unwelcome visitors or lifeguards on duty. So you enter the water at your own risk.

11. Go Out Whale Watching

Now, this is one adventure you definitely don’t want to miss out on while on Fraser Island, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the Humpback whales that come to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island to give birth to their young. This is an experience that can be enjoyed by all ages and will have them talking about it for years to come.

With so many different companies that operate yearly to take you out to see this great sight at affordable prices, it’s definitely not one to miss. You of course can also take out your own boat if you so choose, but be sure to keep the safety of the whales in mind, as you never know where they will pop up around you.

If you do spot the whales with your own craft be sure to turn off your engine or go into idle so that your prop does not injure the whales. The whales can be quite curious and most times you find they will come up quite close to check you out.

12. Go Swimming On The Beaches

Although swimming isn’t necessarily advisable there are still a few beaches that you can enjoy as long as you are water-wise keep an eye out while swimming and use swim safety.

Some of the beaches you can enjoy include the beach at the pier where the ferry comes in from River Heads at Kingfisher Bay Resort. There is also the beach along Moon Point which stays shallow most of the year, you can reach this beach by either 4WD or by boat.

Manaan Beach is another beach to check out that stretches for 18km on the eastern side of Fraser Island towards the tip and north of Ngkala rocks.

Orchid Beach is located almost directly in front of Eurong Beach resort and is another popular beach for tourists to have a dip in.

Do be mindful that at any of these beaches, you do need to keep an eye out for stingrays, jellyfish, and sharks as there is always the possibility of them being in the area. Also, none of the beaches are patrolled by lifeguards so you enter at your own risk.

13. Visit Lake McKenzie

Lake McKenzie is absolutely stunning and should be on every guest’s list of places to visit! It is a freshwater lake that is a prime swimming location. It is also surrounded by the Great Sandy National Park, giving guests the opportunity to explore everything around it as well!

Lake McKenzie is clearly one of the most spoken about lakes on Fraser Island and it’s clear to see why, but many overlook or are unaware of the many other lakes on Fraser Island. Listed below are the Lakes on Fraser Island and should be considered for your next trip to Fraser Island.

14. Cathedrals On Fraser Island

The Cathedrals on Fraser are coloured sands named because they resemble European cathedrals. These cliffs have been eroded away due to the wind and the rain blowing off the Pacific Ocean into colourful spires and peaks.

The colouration is a result of iron oxide staining and the colours – red, brown, yellow and orange – are spectacular.

15. Check Out The Pinnacles On Fraser Island

These are arguably the best sculptured coloured sands on Fraser Island, although the colours are more subdued than the Cathedrals. The size of the cliff faces is a reminder of how large the sand dunes on the island are.

Check out the amazing formations of sand known as The Pinnacles(The Coloured Sands) on Fraser Island, these formations allow you to see the layers of sand that form the island, with a variety of colours. There are over 72 different colours within the pinnacles.

The Pinnacles are considered to be sand dunes and are not permitted to be climbed on. They are located on the Eastern side of Fraser Island, about 20 km south of Indian Heads and 3 km north of the Maheno Shipwreck.

They are most definitely a sight to see and not one to miss, so as you’re driving along the 75-mile beach keep your eye on them and snap a shot of these incredible sand dune formations.

16. Sand Blows On Fraser Island

Corrigin Sand Blow is only about 1.5km inland and is a spectacular sight to behold. These amazing formations of sand are Mother Nature’s own artwork. They are created by ferocious winds that blow sand inland from the ocean’s shoreline. They are truly magical to see!

Wungul Sandblow is a natural sand blow that offers the best coastline viewing from its dune crest.

Binngih Sandblow (Waddy Point) here you will see views of the famous lighthouse at Sandy Cape on K’Gari Fraser Island, Marloo Bay and Waddy Point.

Stone tool Sandblow located off the eastern beach of Fraser Island was aptly named after the aboriginal artifacts that were found in the area. It rises over 125 metres above sea level and stretches as far as 2km inland.

Hammerstone Sandblow (Lake Wabby) located on the trek to Lake Wabby lies this sand blow, there is no sand sledding or rolling down this blow aloud, however, don’t let that deter you from checking out the incredible views.

Kirrar Sandblow (Rainbow Gorge) is located approximately 17 kilometres from Eurong on the Eastern side of Fraser Island. To get to it you have to take the 200-meter walk through Rainbow Gorge. On this particular sand blow, you can see the rippling effect on the sand that comes from the wind.

17. Fraser Island Great Walk

The Fraser Island Great Walk starts at the historic sand miners’ camp at Dilli Village and provides a continuous walking track with facilities from Dilli Village north to Happy Valley.

While the entire 90km Great Walk can take from 6 to 8 days to do, there are many short walks featuring from just half a day to longer full-day treks. To walk the Great Walk track you will need a topographic map and compass to do the whole 90km trek.

If you are up for a much longer walk you could always try the 90km Fraser Island Great Walk, it has many campsites along the way for a great campout experience. You will see the untouched landscape and vast natural beauty along the Great Walk.

18. Catch A Great View At Indian Head

This little historical lookout spot was given its namesake by James Cook back around the late 1700s. There is much to see from the lookout, especially turtles, but even sharks can be seen here as well! It is a vantage point for seascape views too!

Indian Head is definitely not one place you want to miss, located on the tip of Fraser Island and along 75-mile beach sits a vantage viewing point like no other.

So many great opportunities are to be had here whether you are an amateur photographer or have been in the trade for a while. There are simply so many breathtaking views to see from Indian Head.

19. Visit Central Station Fraser Island

Central Station is tucked away amongst the rainforests of Fraser Island and is much loved by all who live there and visit. The central station gives you views of what makes Fraser Island so beautiful and unique. The rainforests of Central Station are believed to have been growing for thousands of years out of the sand dunes.

Central Station, was formerly a logging camp back in the early 1920s. Logging was outlawed, and the site is now one of Fraser Island’s popular tourist information centres and camping grounds. Complete with showers, picnic areas and toilets, you can pitch your tent among the beautiful tall hoop pines and amazing wildlife in the national park.

Central Station is where many walkers leave to start their walk, in the rain forest using the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, also see Basin Lake and visit Pile Valley.

The wildlife is abundant here and many come to explore it by walking the difficult 10.5km trek that takes around 4.5 hours to walk, so if you’re an avid hiker this is definitely something that should be on your bucket list. It is advised that only experienced hikers do this trek due to being rated a Grade 4 in difficulty.

20. The Maheno Shipwreck On Fraser Island

75-Mile Beach is famous for its beautiful sands, but ultimately, the Maheno Wreck is the star attraction. After thirty years of service in Australian waters the Maheno, a huge cruise vessel, was being towed to Japan as scrap when it hit cyclonic conditions off the coast and was washed ashore on the 9th July 1935.

The past 60 years of waves and weathering have reduced this once huge vessel to a rusting skeleton but it is still an imposing landmark.

The skeleton of a ship is a rich historical piece and draws attention from all guests as it’s truly amazing to see in person. It makes for a great picture opportunity as well. Although the Maheno has deteriorated over the years, every single year it makes the wreck that much more beautiful to photograph.

21. Champagne Pools Of Fraser Island

The Champagne Pools are located between Indian Head and Waddy Point and are a very popular destination to stop at while driving along 75-Mile beach. It’s known for its clear volcanic rock pools, the best time to visit the pools is during low tide to truly be able to experience why it’s so popular amongst tourists.

A great place to take a dip, consisting of two pools to take a swim in. One large pool and one smaller pool. Take advantage of the pools to their fullest and bring along a pair of goggles to view below and catch a glimpse of any sea life that may inhabit the pools.

Take a dip or grab a tan at the well-visited Champagne Pools (pictured below). The Champagne pools are situated near Indian Head.

There are timber walking tracks and steps to enable easier access. The Champagne Pools are a natural rock formation that causes the tides to form rock pools. Their beautiful crystal clear look has earned them their name.

22. Float Down Eli Creek Fraser Island

Eli Creek is iconic for grabbing a floaty or your swimmers and taking a float down the creek and allowing the current to carry you. This freshwater creek flows along the banks and right out to the beaches, it’s a naturally flowing creek. It’s a great spot to cool off and have a picnic along the banks of the creek.

While at the creek take a chance to check out the abundance of wildlife here, there are plenty of signs along the boardwalk at Eli Creek to advise you of what type of wildlife you may see.

23. Explore The Fraser Island Rainforest

Fraser Islands rainforests are truly unique in the way that it’s one not only the world’s largest sand island but that the rainforest itself grows right out of the sand. This makes it truly a magnificent sight to see for all who travel here.

A great way to experience the rainforest is by taking a guided tour through the forest to learn all about its natural wonders. Also if you are lucky enough to stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort they offer a ranger-guided night walk.

Fraser Islands Rainforest is filled with an abundance of wildlife and over 350 species of birds can be found here. Along the beaches, you can see dotterels, pied oystercatchers, pelicans, terns and gulls while overhead skies are prowled by magnificent birds of prey – brahminy kites, white-breasted sea eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons.

The island’s heathlands are home to one of Australia’s rarest birds – the ground parrot, as well as honey-eaters, kingfishers and cockatoos. The lakes and wetlands are the habitats of curlews, jabirus and brolgas.

Not only that but the fruit bats use the rainforest as a source of food and fresh water every single day and you can see them travelling out just before 6 o’clock.

Over thousands of years, nutrients have gradually been stockpiled with plants harnessing tiny amounts of windblown elements and capturing and recycling nutrients from decaying trees and shrubs. This tedious process has resulted in a stunning array of plant life.

Pile Valley was a site at which some of the tallest and largest trees on Fraser Island grow up to 70 metres high, the huge Satinay trees are home to many birds and other wildlife on the island.

24. Fraser Islands’ 75 Mile Beach

The name says it all, 75 miles of sand to drive on, known as the sand highway on Fraser Island. There is no better experience than taking your 4WD vehicle out for a drive on the sand as your vehicle feels as if it’s floating on the water driving down this massive stretch of sand.

There are several places to camp all along this stretch of beach, or just cast a line out, and if you’re truly lucky to see the wildlife, whether it be the whales or dingoes you are sure to see something to remember Fraser Island by.

This sand highway is the road to all the sights that you can see on Fraser Island, such as Eli Creek, Champagne Pools, The Maheno Shipwreck, Entrance to the Great Walk, Eurong Resort, The sand blows, Indian Head, The Pinnacles and Waddy Point Headland.

So it’s no wonder thousands upon thousands of people visit every single year. This makes Fraser Island a top tourist attraction.

25. South Ngkala Rocks Fraser Island

Not only is South Ngkala Rocks one of the ultimate challenges for 4WD enthusiasts but there is so much more on offer in the area. If you enjoy fishing or even more exhilarating spearfishing then taking a drive to this area should be on the top of your list.

Many choose not to cross over the rocks as its 500-metre crossing is extremely challenging leaving many people stuck. So much so that tourists will actually drive to this location park their cars hike in and watch the many that get stuck.

Do plan ahead though if you choose to cross the rocks as the lineup can sometimes last hours before you get your turn in crossing. This track is best suited for only high-clearance vehicles. Although low clearance can attempt be prepared to have recovery equipment handy.

26. Riverways, Creeks, And Lagoons Of Fraser Island

Despite Fraser Island having many Freshwater lakes streams and rock pools, it also has an abundance of riverways and lagoons amongst the island. You can find them all along your 4WD travels or while taking your boat around the outskirts.

The riverways can be great places to catch fish have a little swim or float down. Most of the riverways are stained by the tea trees that inhabit the banks of K’gari Fraser Island’s abundant rainforest. One notable creek is Orange Creek located between South Ngkala Rocks and Orchid Beach.

There are only a small amount of lagoons on K’gari Fraser Island there are Red Lagoon (located South of Lake Boomanjin), Calarga Lagoon, Goochee Lagoon, and Moondoora Lagoon, Boola Lagoons, Woocoo Lagoons, and Wang-ann lagoons. Although most are not accessible there are some that you can visit.

27. Check Out The Resorts At Fraser

Kingfisher Bay Resort is a very popular place for many people to take a day trip to go visit, not only for the beach and bushwalk that is around the resort but for the many activities it has to offer.

It’s best to check out their things to do page for a full list of activities that they offer but to name a few they have archery, a bush tucker experience, Segway Adventures, and a Ranger Guided Nightwalk Tour.

All of these are incredible choices and unique ways to explore and see Fraser Island from a different view. Whether it’s to get in touch with the bushtucker that the Aboriginals still today eat and prepare and to learn of the history, or to see Fraser Island at night and all the nocturnal animals that are out and about.

Alternatively, there’s Eurong Resort that offers a wide variety of accommodation, and shopping and where most tours stop and use the accommodation. Tour groups such as Fraser Explorer tours can be found in the link below through getting your guide.

28. Sandy Cape Lighthouse On Fraser Island

One very interesting fact about the Sandy Cape Lighthouse on K’Gari Fraser Island is that it is in fact the tallest lighthouse in all of Queensland. If you are travelling to Fraser Island by your own vessel it is a very short hike to the top to check out the wondrous views.

If you are a photographer it’s well worth taking a visit to capture some great shots of not only the island and the lighthouse itself but of the views out in the distance.

If you are lucky enough to be visiting the lighthouse during whale watching season then you may be able to see some incredible glimpses of these whales as they are passing through and while their calves frolic and play around their moms.

The lighthouse itself is made of cast iron pieces and is the first of its kind to have been made this way. Over time, it has proven to withstand the weather and time. Sandy Cape Lighthouse was built in 1870 after the formation of the Queensland Government.

29. Red Canyon Fraser Island

Red Canyon is another formation of colourful sands that make up the banks along Fraser Island. You can find them located on the Eastern side of K’Gari Fraser Island between Dundubara Camping Ground and Camping Zone 7.

To get to the formation itself you do have to do a very short little trek to see the formation as they are not widely visible from the shoreline.

You must use a 4WD to access the track or if you are using your own boat just simply pull up put the anchor down and walk up. Do be advised that you can not climb Red Canyon which is prohibited. But feel free to take as many photos as you like and the amazing formation.

30. Sumaro Head Fraser Island

Sumaro Head is located at the easternmost point on K’Gari Fraser Island, it is an incredible lookout not to be missed. If you are coming during tailor season then staying at the Fraser Island fishing units will give you direct access to the lookout.

Although there is not a lot of information to be had about the lookout itself should not deter you from making it one of your stops along with your journey driving along the coast of K’Gari. If you are driving on your way to the Champagne Pools then check it out as they are not far from each other along the Fraser Island Beach Track Road.

Whatever you choose to do to make your experience on Fraser Island the best it can be, it’s obvious that there are so many opportunities at hand. Everyone who visits Fraser Island, many call it the best adventure they’ve been on in their lives and you will find many will make multiple trips to come back.

31. See K’gari From The Air

There are many ways to see the amazing sights of Fraser Island but one of the best ways is from the air!

You can see the wonderful colours of the island from the oceans to the sands hills and rainforests. Air Fraser Island offers flights right off the beaches of K’gari along 75-mile beach for bookings and more info can be found here. Phone 1300 172 706.

More Maps of Fraser Island

Park map

Walking map

Conditions map