EVERYTHING FROM HOW TO GET TO FRASER ISLAND TO WHAT TO PACK

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED WITH OUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PAGE, BUT IF YOU CAN’T FIND THE ANSWER TO YOUR BURNING QUESTION,  GIVE US A CALL!

MANAGING CORONA VIRUS

IS BEACHAMP OPEN?

Yes we are open, taking all the precautions and following Government guidelines. For any enquiries please do not hesitate to speak with one of our friendly staff on +61 487 333 606.

HOW ARE YOU TAKING PRECAUTIONS WITH COVID-19?

Our retreat common areas are cleaned daily by our island caretakers to ensure a high standard of hygiene is stuck to. We will also ensure that there is soap and hand sanitiser available at all times for our guests to use. Our retreat only sleeps a maximum of 26 people at a time so we will be sticking to the ‘gathering capacity’ outlined by the Government. 

I HAD TO CANCEL/OPEN DATE MY BOOKING DUE TO COVID-19. HOW DO I REBOOK?

If you had a booking with us that has been affected by Covid-19 and want to rebook then please get in touch with us directly on +61 487 333 606 and we will be happy to help! 

TRANSPORT

HOW DO I GET TO FRASER ISLAND?

You can access Fraser Island either from Rainbow Beach/Inskip Point or from Hervey Bay. If you are coming up from Brisbane/Sunshine Coast then it is best to go head to Rainbow Beach and access the island there.

You need to purchase a barge ticket and vehicle access permit and this can be brought on the day at the Rainbow Beach Shell Petrol Station. Once on the island we are a 40 minute drive up the beach.

If you are coming from Hervey Bay then you must book the barge in advance as they only depart 4-5 times a day depending on the time of year. It will then be an hour inland drive to get to our retreat. It is best NOT to do this drive in the dark so please try and catch a day barge rather then the late one for your own safety.

DO I HAVE TO HAVE A 4WD?

In short, yes! Being the world’s largest sand island, there are no roads! Your options are to hire a 4WD, to join a tour from the mainland or book the Fraser Island taxi service. We strongly recommend booking a 4WD to get the most out of your time here on the island.

IS THERE ANY PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON THE ISLAND?

There are no buses on Fraser Island but there is a taxi service ran by our wonderful friends Steve & Lisa. Please get in touch with them directly to sort out transport if you are planning not to hire a 4WD.

CAN I DEPART FROM NOOSA AND END IN HERVEY BAY?

If you are hiring one of our 4WD Vehicles then it must be picked up and returned to our depot near Noosa. If you have your own 4WD then of course you can end in a different location : ) 

IS 4WD DANGEROUS?

Driving any vehicle requires safe practises regardless of whether you are on a road or on sand. 4WD can be technical and there are different skills involved compared to normal 2WD on roads. Our team are dedicated to making sure that you are given a thorough safety briefing before hiring one of our vehicles. We will show you a safety video, go through how the vehicle works and what to do if you get stuck in sand. However, it is down to you the driver to ensure that you are following all safety precautions when driving and concentrating at all times. 

Our hire vehicles are in constant 4WD and have been rated as one of Australia’s most reliable and safe vehicles, the Toyota 80 series. You are also in constant contact with your guide via walkie talking and are never more than 500m behind the lead vehicle. So rest easy little traveller, we’ll look out for you on your island adventure.

If you don’t think self driving is for you then we recommend that you check out a guided tour to the island.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND 4WD WITH YOUNG KIDS?

One of the main attractions for coming to Fraser Island is the 4WD experience. Being the largest sand island in the world means there is a lot of driving involved to get to the different lakes and creeks around the island. We recommend not hiring a 4WD if you have children under the ages of 3 years old unless you are highly experienced. The inland tracks can be very bumpy.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Please check our Terms & Conditions page for details on our cancellation policy.

WHERE DO WE PICK UP OUR 4WD HIRE FROM?

Our depot near Noosa based on the Sunshine Coast.  If you do not have your own transport we offer courtesy pick up or delivery of the vehicle depending on your closest location.

DO YOU SUPPLY CAR SEATS FOR KIDS?

We have child seats from children 4 – 7 years old. If you have a younger child then you will need to bring your own child seat suitable and fit it for them.

HOW LONG WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR EXPLORING FRASER ISLAND?

We recommend at least 3 days/2 nights on Fraser Island so you can see plenty of the beautiful sights and also get that relaxing side to your holiday. Tides and weather can also affect your itinerary massively so it’s best to give yourself 3 days here. But in other words, the longer the better!

HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT IN THE HIRE CAR?

We allow a maximum of 6 people per hire vehicle.

WHERE CAN WE PARK OUR CAR IF WE ARE HIRING A 4WD FROM YOU?

We offer free parking for all guests at our depot near Noosa that are hiring a vehicle from us to Fraser Island.

WILL YOU HELP US WITH AN ITINERARY?

Absolutely! We love to help our guests get the most out of their experience on K’gari. Having lived on the island for many years, running a tour business and our Beachcamp Retreat, it’s safe to say we know a lot about Fraser Island! We will be more than happy to put together an itinerary for you that suits the tide times, weather and what you want from your holiday. 

DO YOU SUPPLY RECOVERY GEAR WITH YOUR 4WDS?

Yes! We make sure you have all the gear when sending you off on your adventures. Our recovery gear includes snatch staps, recovery trax and your tyre pressure gauge. We also supply you with a list of contact numbers incase of emergency.

DO THE HIRE VEHICLES HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING?

None of our vehicles have air-conditioning. Wind your windows down and enjoy the fresh, sea breeze. It’s much better for you! 🙂 

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ACCOMMODATION

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Please check our Terms & Conditions page for details on our cancellation policy.

HOW FAR UP THE BEACH IS THE RETREAT?

Once you land at Hook Point on the southern end of island the retreat is a 40 minute drive north up the beach. You will come into a 40km zone and Second Valley Eurong is the second turn off on the left after that. If you see the entry to Eurong you have gone too far. Turn around, return south along the beach about 200m and as you turn into the Second Valley village, we are the first place on the right hand side. If you are coming from Wangoolba Creek or Kingfisher, follow signs for Eurong and take a right when you hit the beach to the next inland village track.

IS THERE PARKING?

We have plenty of parking at the retreat for all of our guests vehicles 🙂 

IS THE KITCHEN FULLY EQUIPPED?

Our two kitchens are fully equipped with everything you need for your visit to us. We have two gas BBQ’s, two gas hobs, plates, cups and cutlery, chopping boards and knives, pots and pans and two fridge/freezers plus plenty of cupboard storage. We even have a washing machine that you can use complimentary.

DO YOU HAVE KITCHEN APPLIANCES?

Due to our retreat running off solar power we do not have any kitchen appliances as items that generate heat quickly can cause our power to cut off. However, we have stove kettles and you can toast on the BBQs. There is not an oven at our retreat.

DO YOU HAVE OUTDOOR BBQS?

Our two gas BBQ’s are indoors in the communal kitchens. There are no outdoor BBQ’s but our camp fire is there if you wish to cook something over that.

ARE TOILETRIES PROVIDED?

We provide eco-friendly Shampoo, Conditioner and body wash as the facility is on a sceptic and water treatment system so we are conscious about what we put back out in to the environment. Toothpaste is fine so please bring that, we but we kindly ask that you use our toiletries provided to help us look after this beautiful island and our environment as a whole.

DO I NEED TO BRING A SHOWER TOWEL?

Shower towels are provided but please bring a beach towel.

DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN BEDDING?

Nope! All hotel linens are provided in the tents which includes your bottom sheets, top sheets, doona/duvet cover, pillows and pillow cases. Blankets and hot water bottles are provided through the winter months.

DO THE TENTS HAVE POWER POINTS?

All tents have power points that can be used throughout the day and evenings but can’t be left on over night. There are also plenty of power points in the kitchens.

ARE THE TENTS COLD IN WINTER?

June – August is official Australian Winter (also the dry season) and it does get very cold on the island. We advise that you bring warm clothes for the evenings when the temperatures drop. We do provide plenty of blankets and hot water bottles for these cooler months.

IS THEIR AIR CONDITIONING/CEILING FANS IN THE TENTS?

There isn’t due to our Retreat running off Solar Power. However, the tents all have plenty of windows that unzip to allow the sea breeze to come through.

CAN YOU HAVE A CAMP FIRE AT BEACHCAMP?

Yes! We’re super lucky to be able to have a camp fire and it is free for you to use. We supply fire wood and often have some marshmallows 🙂

IS THERE ALWAYS POWER AS IT'S A SOLAR RETREAT?

Of course running off Solar means that we have to rely heavily on the the sun shining, which being in Australia is pretty consistent! However, those rainy days can affect our power but we do have a back up generator that we put on so there is always power.

IS THE WATER DRINKABLE?

Yes! It’s some of the freshest water in the world so please avoid bringing bottles of water.

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FRASER ISLAND

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

Please check our Terms & Conditions page for details on our cancellation policy.

DO YOU GET PHONE SERVICE ON THE ISLAND?

If you are with Telstra then you will get full service and 4G on the island. If you need phone service during your holiday then we recommend purchasing a cheap Telstra Sim for any service station, or if you can then why not enjoy a few days completely switched off from the world! 

IS THERE WIFI AT THE RETREAT?

We do not have WiFi for our guests at the retreat. We really want visitors to immerse themselves in island time and think everyone can survive with a few days away from their screens. If there is an emergency and you need internet access then please find one of our island caretakers and they will be able to assist. 

IS FRASER ISLAND DANGEROUS?

Along with its natural beauty, Fraser Island also has some natural dangers and if you don’t know what your doing it can be an unforgettable experience for the wrong reasons. Listen to our staff when they brief you about the dingos and wildlife and stick to the rules of the island and you will be fine.

IS IT SAFE TO GO TO THE WEST SIDE OF THE ISLAND?

If you are hiring a 4WD from us then it is in your Terms & Conditions that you are not allowed to drive to the West Side or past Champagne Pools. You are allowed to drive to Kingfisher Resort (which is on the west side) with one of our hire vehicles but must be back before dark. 

ARE YOU SITUATED WITHIN THE DINGO FENCE?

Beachcamp is safely situated within the Dingo Fence so you can relax and enjoy your time here. There is a black gate that surrounds the community and we have our own private access to the beach if you want to walk down there. You will drive over an electric cattle grid when you enter the “dingo safe” area.

CAN I SWIM IN THE SEA?

You are strongly advised to NOT swim on Fraser Island due to the extremely strong rip tides, jellyfish and those big old sharks. Please do not swim when you are staying with us at Beachcamp. There are plenty of lovely freshwater lakes that are perfectly safe to swim in.

ARE THE MOSQUITOS BAD ON FRASER ISLAND?

Mosquitos and March Flies are pretty persistent on the island during the summer month so it’s always best to bring insect repellent!

ARE THE LAKES SAFE TO SWIM IN?

Fraser Island is home to some of the most beautiful, freshwater lakes in the world which are all safe to swim in. Only a few lakes are home to some wildlife but nothing that is going to hurt you. 

IS THERE A FUEL STATION ON THE ISLAND?

There is a small fuel station in Eurong where you can fill up but it is more expensive then the mainland fuel prices and we recommend that you have a full tank before coming to the island.

IS THERE A RESTAURANT NEAR THE BEACHCAMP?

Our retreat is based in Eurong Second Valley which is just a short walk from Eurong Resort. They offer a limited lunch and dinner menu and you can walk there within the dingo fence too.

IS THERE A SHOP ON THE ISLAND?

There is a small shop in Eurong that offers a small selection of fresh and dry foods, confectionary, alcohol and tobacco and souvenirs. We do advise that you purchase your food from the mainland though as it will be cheaper for you.

WHAT IF WE ARE A FAMILY OF 5 AND WANT TO BOOK A KING OR QUEEN TENT?

Unfortunately due to fire and safety regulations we can only add in two additional camp beds for children. If you are a family of 5 then we would recommend booking one of our 6 Bed Bunks or if your eldest child is 15 years + then you can put the kids in a 6 bed bunk and book yourselves a King/Queen tent for a bit of peace and quiet 🙂 

WHERE'S THE CLOSEST LAKE TO THE RETREAT?

Lake Wabby is situated 5km up the beach from us and is a 2km walk inland to get to. Lake McKenzie and Lake Birrabeen are around a 45-1 hour drive inland to get to.

HOW CLOSE TO THE BEACH ARE YOU?

Super close! No more then 100 meters from 75 mile beach and there are beautiful sea views to be seen from Beachcamp Retreat.

IS THERE ANYTHING WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE?

Although we are situated centrally on Fraser Island, the nearest sight is Lake Wabby which is 5km up the beach. This is the only sight that is walkable. You need a 4WD or to organise with Fraser Island Taxi Service to take you to the sights on the island.

CAN YOU BOOK OUT THE WHOLE RETREAT?

Yes! We often get guests booking the whole retreat out for their families and it is the perfect spot to have a get together! We offer 10% off when you book all the tents and so if this is something that’ll interest you then please get in touch with us directly.

WHAT IF I HAVE A QUESTION THAT ISN'T LISTED HERE?

Then ring our super friendly and helpful team on +61 487 333 606 or pop them an email to hello@kgarifraserisland.com.au. We’re always super happy to help!

Lake Wabby Fraser Island
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Dingo Fraser Island

ACTIVITIES & HIRE OF EQUIPMENT

HOW MUCH IS THE HIRE OF EQUIPMENT?
  • Stand Up Paddleboard – $25 a day/10 hours
  • Fishing Rod – $15 a day/10 hours
  • Floaty/Body board/Beach game/Sand castle kit – $5 a day/10 hours
WHAT IF WE DAMAGE/LOSE THE HIRE EQUIPMENT?

Our ‘Hire of equipment terms and conditions’ form must be signed by guests before taking use of the hire. For any damaged/broken or lost hired equipment there will be a fee to pay either by card or cash.

  • SUP – $250
  • Fishing Rod – $50 
  • Eski (Cool box) – $50 
  • iPod Audio Guide – $200 
  • Floatie/Body board/Beach game/Sand castle kit – $50 
CAN WE USE THE SUPS IN THE SEA?

Our Stand Up Paddleboards are for use in the freshwater lakes ONLY. You are not allowed to use these in the sea.

WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WE USE THE SUPS/FLOATIES?

Lake McKenzie & Lake Birrabeen are two of the most beautiful lakes on the island. It is highly recommended to take the SUPS to either (or both!) and to enjoy the serenity they have to offer. You could also take them in to Lake Allom and Lake Boomanjin but we recommend not taking them to Lake Wabby due to the 2km walk inland to get to the lak.

Eli Creek is known as the lazy river of Fraser Island. She pumps out 4 million litres of fresh water in to the ocean every hour. It is the perfect place to float down and to take in the peaceful surroundings. The adults will love it just as much as the kids!

DO YOU SUPPLY BAIT WITH THE FISHING RODS?

We will either supply you with bait or inform you where you can get some from locally.

WHAT IS ON THE AUDIO GUIDE?

Fraser Island has an incredible history and there is a lot of hidden culture here that not many visitors get to discover. Having ran tours to the island for 10 years we are extremely passionate about making sure our guests get to discover the true K’gari – Fraser Island. 

Our audio guides share with you the stories of the land. Discover what is so sacred about Indian Head, which lake is the deepest, how many colours there are in the Rainbow Beach coloured sands and why K’gari is more commonly known as Fraser Island. One of our legendary guides will have you immersed in the stories of Fraser as you drive through the towering rainforest and along the scenic 75 mile beach. 

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