Fraser Coast Drive

Hervey Bay to Fraser Island

Start your journey at Hervey Bay, an aquatic paradise famous for its migrating humpback whales. Humans love this region too for its year-round swimming, diving, sailing, water sports and fishing. There’s also kayaking, yachting, diving, water and jet skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling. The Hervey Bay Esplanade bustles with cafes, shops, parklands, picnic areas, playgrounds and a marina. About 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay, you’ll find River Heads and from there, it’s a short 4WD vehicle ferry ride across to Fraser Island. Even if you don’t own a 4WD, you can hire one, or even take a number of tours once on the island. Ferry services depart River Heads for Fraser several times a day.

• Check out our great 2, 3, and 4-day self-drive 4WD group getaway deals. 

Fraser Island – Central Station to Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek

Begin your island adventure at Central Station, a former logging village which harks back to the times when tree felling was allowed on Fraser Island. It’s also an ideal spot to picnic and camp with its toilet and shower facilities. Considered the pinnacle of the logging industry due to its Satinay and Kauri Pines, it once had 30 houses and a school for loggers’ children.

Take the loop to Lake McKenzie from here to one of the world’s most scenic lakes before continuing on to the villages of Eurong and Dilli. North of Eurong you’ll pass Lake Wabby, the deepest on the island at 12 metres and home to plenty of aquatic life. Rainbow Gorge is another attraction and an easy 2.1km walk from the beach. Here you’ll discover low coastal shrub and sheltered cypress forest before arriving at spectacular coloured sands. Be sure to check out the Kirra Sandblow. Passing Yidney Rocks and Happy Valley you’ll reach the delightful freshwater Eli Creek which is ideal for a cool swim.

Fraser Island – Eli Creek to Champagne Pools

From Eli Creek, drive along 75 Mile Beach from Hook Point to Indian Head passing cliffs, coloured sands and several freshwater creeks. Explore the Maheno Shipwreck and volcanic headland. Accommodation is plentiful along this stretch with a selection of cabins and camping as well as shops and fuel. At Middle Rocks, between Indian Head and Waddy Point (just south of Orchid Beach), explore the Champagne Pools. Local Aborigines once used these pools as natural fish traps as the ocean crashes over the rocks and creates foaming pools. These days, they make an ideal safe, natural, saltwater spa.