9 K'gari tours to help you see the whole island

It’s time to sit back and let the experts show you how to really experience their slice of paradise.

Discovering remote swimming holes, hiking through lush rainforests, exhilarating 4×4 drives on white-sand beaches and diving into a crystalline perched lake. With so much to see and do on K’gari, getting yourself organised can be intimidating!

Instead, treat yourself to some insider knowledge, and book one of these top-billing K’gari tours.

How long to spend on K’gari?

You can definitely see some of K’gari’s highlights on a day trip. But we should warn you: it will be tricky to fit everything in. This is particularly true if your itinerary includes more remote experiences, such as dipping in the Champagne Pools or hiking across the dunes to Lake Waddy.

To fully experience this UNESCO World Heritage-listed location, stretch out your trip to three or more days. As well as being able to see and do more, by sleeping overnight on the island, you get first dibs at famed K’gari’s beauty spots, like Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie when you beat day-trippers there in the morning.

K’gari tours on the island

1. Beauty Spots 4WD tour

Kgari Beauty Spots Tour bus in rainforest — Explore in air-conditioned 4WD coaches. (Image: TEQ)

While the island is all accessible by 4WD, it’s not always easy – especially if you’re not experienced. So jumping on Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Beauty Spots tour is an incredible solution to see all the iconic K’gari spots without the hassle. Your transport for the day will be an air-conditioned, custom-designed 4WD coach.

Taking a full day, take a dip into Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, drive the long stretch of 75 Mile Beach and explore head inland to subtropical rainforests.

2. Personalised 4WD tour

a 4wd driving on a sandy road on k'gari fraser island — Pick your own adventure, without needing to drive. (Image: TEQ)

If you can, this is my absolute top tip for exploring K’gari when you’re not confident to hit the sandy tracks on your own (this option is for a maximum group of four people). It’s not just about being alone on the tour – although it is a bonus – it’s about the freedom to create your own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who will have plenty of stories and expertise to give context to what you’re looking at. It’s also about stopping at the icons between the waves of tourists, and only going where you really want to.

3. Kingfisher Bay Resort ranger tours

aerial of kayakers exploring the mangroves on k'gari fraser island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt)

There are several reasons to stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, but it’s the ranger-led experiences that take the cake. Every day, a selection of ranger-led tours are offered to guests – from day and night walks to discover the history and habitat of the island, to mangrove explorations, to experiences tailored for kids 12 and under.

My personal favourite was the canoe paddle through a nearby mangrove system of Dundonga Creek. As we weaved and wound our way through the narrow waterways of the mangrove, our guide explained how everything here survived and thrived.

K’gari tours from Hervey Bay

The nearest start-off point to K’gari, Hervey Bay, is the other major location to visit for out-of-towners on the Fraser Coast. Once you’ve done the must-do meet-and-greet with the majestic humpback whales this coastline is famous for, it’s time to head to K’gari.

4. Blue Dolphin Marine Tours

whale jumping on Blue Dolphin Marine Tours, k'gari tours — See the marine life around K’gari. (Image: TEQ)

Say ahoy to adventure and hop aboard one of Blue Dolphin Marine Tours’ sailing tours. Explore the coast of the world’s largest sand island and meet local marine residents like whales, dugongs and turtles over a half-day or full-day tour. Top off your day (and your glass) with the sunset yacht tour with all-inclusive bubbly.

5. K’gari Walking Tours

Longing to do a hike on K’gari, but wince at the idea of lugging around tent poles? Fret no longer, because K’gari Walking Tours has the tour for you. Go pack-free with all-inclusive meals over two days or do the Great Walk Transfer in style over four days with deluxe accommodation and catering included. Committed to the burn (and saving dollars)? They also offer a full-on camping tour, with walking groups, hiking equipment and 4WD drop-offs.

6. Tasman Venture

Explore K’gari and the waters nearby. (Image: Picture Co)

Take the path less travelled on this one-day adventure tour of K’gari’s lesser-known spots . Snorkel in search of sting rays at Wathumba Creek, kayak through verdant mangroves, check out the teeming array of birds and dive into secret water holes. In winter, you can add a spot of whale-watching to your itinerary too.

K’gari tours from Rainbow Beach

You can get to K’gari from its south side via the coastal town of Rainbow Beach. From there, visitors can either drive the 14km to the Inskip Peninsula to get to K’gari under their own steam or jump on a tour that has pick-up included.

7. Dingo’s K’gari

line of 4wd on Dingo’s K’gari Adventures tour — Let Dingo’s K’gari lead the way. (Image: TEQ)

Are you itching to get the keys in the ignition of a 4WD … but a tad nervous about getting bogged in all that sand? Dingo’s K’gari offers a 4WD tag-along tour, meaning you’ll be part of a convoy led by the tour guide.

Take the three-day tour and undergo the 4×4 driver training before setting off for an adventure that hits up all the top K’gari sites by day stopping only to camp under the stars at night (learn more about K’gari camping in our guide). Aimed at the 18 to 35 set, this tour is one for the young – or at least, the young at heart!

K’gari tours from Noosa

Coming from the Sunshine Coast will take you just over two-and-a-half hours to a departure point for K’gari. While this may add a bit of extra effort for the average daytripper, it is still very manageable to take a tour from Noosa to K’gari (particularly if you extend it to a few days).

8. Air Fraser Island

Air Fraser Island flight above K'gari fraser island — See K’gari from above. (Image: TEQ)

See the magnificent island and sparkling ocean from the skies, on a flight with Air Fraser Island . Options include a short scenic flight, a one-day flight/4WD exploration combo, and a multi-day island stay with accommodation. Air Fraser Island flights depart from the Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay Airport, as well as from the island itself.

9. Drop Bear Adventures

three people floating in water on k'gari fraser island during with Drop Bear Tours — Drop Bear Tours has options for the whole family. (Image: TEQ)

Get in touch with nature with the eco-conscious tour company, Drop Bear Adventures (formerly K’gari Fraser Island Tours). Offering a range of sustainable tours, options include tours that are partially guided (so some wriggle room to do your own thing), tag-along 4WD adventures, ones that focus on sharpening your photography skills, as well as an ‘Eco-Warrior’ conservation tour. Departs Noosa and Rainbow Beach.

This article was originally written by Kate Bettes, with updates by Kassia Byrnes.

From the moment you arrive in Moreton Bay, stunning natural vistas, fresh and tasty dining, history and more invite you to stay and play.

Untouched national park, mirror-like lagoons and endless stretches of beaches all make Moreton Bay experiences feel like you’ve stumbled across a secret Queenslanders collectively vowed not to tell. Yet it’s easily accessible. Explore further and discover hinterland farms, ancient rainforest, fresh seafood and more: there’s something on offer for every pace, interest and generation.

Just 20 minutes from Brisbane Airport, it’s hard to believe how underrated this Queensland getaway is. Here’s your ultimate guide to rediscover play with unmissable experiences in Moreton Bay.

1. G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island

G’Day Adventure Tours’ Sea to Table Experience should be your first agenda item in Moreton Bay. Take a 4WD journey through the sandy tracks of Bribie Island’s beaches to the still, glassy waters of the island’s lagoons. Glide over perfect replicas of paperbarks and fluffy blue clouds mirrored in the lagoon waters in your kayak. Listen as native birdsong echoes around you.

Then, it’s on to Fort Bribie. During the Second World War, these concrete bunkers – now slowly being enveloped by the dunes – were the last line of defence for Moreton Bay.

End the day with a sun-dappled beach picnic of locally caught Queensland prawns and famous Moreton Bay bugs. As you head home, watch the dolphins playfully dart in and out of the surf.

2. Morgan’s Seafood at Scarborough

Right on the Scarborough Boat Harbour, you’ll find Morgan’s Seafood . Between the luxury yachts, you’ll also spot trawlers and fishermen delivering their day’s catch right to Morgan’s. The family-owned and operated spot is one of the best places to try the region’s eponymous Moreton Bay bug. Or, sample more of the area’s direct-from-the-boat seafood fresh at their oyster and sushi bar. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with a day they’ve caught tuna.

Picture fish caught that day, prepared and then served to you as fresh sashimi as the sun sets over the unique silhouette of the Glasshouse Mountains.

3. Woorim Beach, Bribie Island

On Bribie’s eastern coastline, you’ll find Woorim Beach : aka the closest surf beach to Brisbane. Find a place on the sand by the patrolled area or wander further south to find a quiet spot and while the day away between the shaded dunes, the pages of your book and the peaceful sound of rolling waves.

Ask any local where to grab lunch, and they’ll direct you to Bribie Island Surf Club Bistro . Tuck into a fresh, local seafood platter, just metres from the beach.

4. D’Aguilar National Park

D’Aguilar National Park is a 40,000-hectare slice of greenery that stretches from urban Brisbane right up to Woodford (home of the Woodford Folk Festival). The vast expanse of park is home to ancient rainforests, eucalypt forests and shaded swimming spots hidden within gorges and under waterfalls. The area is significant for the Jinibara and Turrbal people, with ceremonial bora rings and dreaming trails all found within the park.

Carve out some time in your itinerary to explore the park’s many trails. The Maiala day-use area is the perfect starting point for walks for all levels of ability.

5. Arcade Wine Bar

arcade wine bar moreton bay — Sit down to a menu inspired by Italy.

Opposite the Redcliffe Jetty and down a laneway, you’ll find an unassuming wine bar. Venture inside and quickly fall in love with Arcade Wine Bar , one of the region’s most beloved local haunts.

Owners Danilo and Matt have a combined 50 years of sommelier experience, which they have poured into the menu, styling and wine list. More than just a hole-in-the-wall wine bar, Arcade Wine is an enoteca (a wine repository), whose walls are lined with bottles upon bottles of Italian wine varietals from every corner of Italy.

Settle in with a wine and work your way through the menu inspired by Danilo’s native Italy: traditional meatballs, their quick-to-sell-out terrine, or a selection of Italian cheeses, charcuterie and arancini.

6. Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail

Away from the ocean, tucked in the hinterland, is the Wamuran & Loop Rail Trail . Perfect for cyclists or walkers, the trail was built to showcase the history of the Caboolture to Kilcoy rail corridor (last operating in 1964) and makes for the perfect family day out. The trail runs for 10.5km and connects Wamuran and Caboolture via an accessible path.

Pass through former railroad, bridges and shaded bushland as you cut from A to B. Plus, visit in winter for a detour along the way to one of the many pick-your-own strawberry farms.

7. Farm Visits

Beaches, mountains and history make an enticing combination. But Moreton Bay also brings hinterland, family-friendly farms to the table. Trevena Glen is one of the area’s most loved, with bunnies, ponies, sheep, alpacas (and more) available to visit for the kids. For the adults, book a horse-riding session and be treated to a grazing platter as you watch the sun set over the mountains of D’Aguilar National Park.

At White Ridge Farm , find camels, putt-putt, train and tractor rides and all kinds of animals. The entire farm is paved, making it accessible for all.

8. Miss Sprinkles

Miss Sprinkles Gelato moreton bay — Pick your scoop at Miss Sprinkles Gelato.

An ice cream at the beach is one of life’s most perfect pleasures. While in town, stop by Miss Sprinkles for the locals’ pick of homemade gelato on the Scarborough foreshore.

The gelato here is made the authentic Italian way and scooped up just across from the beach. Or, settle in at their kitschy pink wooden tables for traditional gelato in the sunshine. Aside from the homemade gelato, you’ll also find tarts, pies and even doggie gelato.

To start planning your Moreton Bay trip, or for more information, head to visitmoretonbay.com.au.

9 K’gari tours to help you see the whole island