Fraser Island ferry, Hervey Bay: River Heads barge costs & times

The Fraser Island ferry from Hervey Bay costs from $190 per vehicle and $5 per passenger. Both the Fraser Venture to Wanggoolba Creek and Kingfisher Bay Ferry to the Kingfisher Bay Resort leave from River Heads, 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay.

Most visitors to Fraser Island/ K’gari in Queensland won’t really care how much the Fraser Island ferry from Hervey Bay costs. It will be included as part of their 4WD tour, or their accommodation package.

K’gari tours from Hervey Bay include one day all-inclusive outings, more in-depth two day tours and three day self-drive tagalong tours.

Pick the best K’gari/ Fraser Island tour for you

HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE: One day coach tour from Hervey Bay.
FROM THE SOUTH: One day 4WD tour from Rainbow Beach.
PACK MORE IN: Two day tour, staying at K’gari Beach Resort.
BEACHY: Boat cruise with west coast beach stops.
BACKPACKERS: Three day, drive-yourself camping adventure from Hervey Bay. Or similar from Rainbow Beach.
MORE LUXURIOUS: Three day adventure, staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.

But if you’re planning to go the DIY route, taking your own 4WD across and camping on the world’s largest sand island, then the cost of the Fraser Island ferry suddenly becomes important.

The first important point to consider is that there’s more than one Fraser Island ferry. One leaves from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. The other two depart from River Heads, near Hervey Bay – not, as many assume, Urangan harbour.

The drive from Brisbane to River Heads is 301km long, and should take around three hours and 34 minutes.

The River Heads barge to Fraser Island. Photo courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.

Fraser Island ferry from Hervey Bay: Wanggoolba Creek or Kingfisher Bay?

The Fraser Island ferry from Hervey Bay is run by Fraser Island Barges. There are two separate destinations, however. The Fraser Venture goes from River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek on the west coast of Fraser Island. There are usually three departures a day to Wanggoolba Creek.

More frequent is the ferry to the Kingfisher Bay Resort, which largely services guests staying at the resort. Given the limited roadside parking at the ferry departure point in River Heads, the Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle service from secure parking. Kingfisher Bay is where you’ll find the K’Gari World Heritage Discovery Centre and bush food walks.

The Fraser Island ferry to Wanggoolba Creek is generally designed for drivers, and departure times are dependent on the tides. Check the Fraser Island Barges Facebook page for up-to-date details.

The crossing takes around 30 minutes.

Fraser Island ferry costs

During peak season, the Fraser Island ferry to Wanggoolba Creek costs $215 per vehicle, and $5 per occupant. Off-peak, that price goes down to $190 for the vehicle. This is for a return journey. If, for some unfathomable reason, you’re going as a walk-on passenger, it’ll cost $60 for adults and $30 for children.

It’s strict 4WD driving territory the moment you reach Wanggoolba Creek. Fraser Island vehicle access permits are required from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for driving and camping on the island.

River Heads barge departure times

The Kingfisher Bay ferry generally departs five times a day, with the first departure from River Heads at 6.45am. The return ticket prices are the same as on the Fraser Venture – $215 per vehicle in peak season, $190 off peak, and $5 per occupant. Given it lands at the Kingfisher Bay Resort, this ferry crossing is more foot passenger-friendly. It costs $60 for adults and $30 for children.

Highlights on Fraser Island once there include bush food tours, Lake McKenzie and the Maheno Shipwreck. The Fraser Island weather is at its best in September.

Book these 8 Hervey Bay experiences now

1. Great Sandy Strait wildlife cruise – with a great chance of spotting dingos or dugongs.
2. All-inclusive Fraser Island day tour – with pick-up at your accommodation.
3. Fraser Island two day tour – see much more.
4. Fun cruise – get close to dolphins and turtles while lounging in the boom netting.
5. Sunset cruise.
6. Dolphin sailing adventure.
7. Whale-watching – this is arguably the best place in Australia to spot humpback whales.
8. Fraser Island west coast cruise – with lunch & kayaking.