Fraser Island permits: How much do vehicle access and camping permits cost?

Fraser Island vehicle access permits cost $54.55, while Fraser Island camping permits cost $6.85 per person per night. But factor in the cost of transport to the island from River Heads or Inskip Point on top of the fees.

Fraser Island/ K’gari in Queensland is the world’s largest sand island, and is the most famous spot in Australia for a 4WD adventure. Many tackling Fraser Island by 4WD will end up camping on the island for a few nights, too.

Fraser Island after taking the Fraser Island barge from Rainbow Beach — You’ll need to sort Fraser Island permits out before arriving on the island. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions

But if you’re planning a Fraser Island camping trip, a little planning won’t go amiss. Those taking a tag-along tour won’t need to worry about most of the detail. The tour company will fix up the boring bits for you. But if you’re going it alone, then there are certain things you’ll need to organise first.

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.

Fraser Island permits: Vehicle access permit cost

First up is a Fraser Island 4WD permit. The Fraser Island vehicle access permits must be booked in advance, and it’s best done online via the national parks system.

The Fraser Island 4WD permit cost varies depending on how long you plan to stay on the island. If it’s one month or less, the price is $54.55. For more than one month, and up to a year, it’s $274.50. Realistically, the latter is aimed at repeat visitors and businesses.

Fraser Island transport

Secondly, you’ll need to arrange transport to Fraser Island. The Fraser Island ferry leaves from River Heads, south of Hervey Bay. This lands on the west coast, at either Wanggoolba Creek or the Kingfisher Bay Resort. The ferry costs $215 per vehicle in peak season, $190 off peak, and $5 per occupant

The other alternative is taking the Manta Ray barge from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. This Inskip Point barge costs $130.

Fraser Island permits: Camping permit cost

The other thing you’ll need before you arrive on Fraser Island is a camping permit. Again, these can be bought through the National Parks booking system. Fraser Island camping fees are $6.85 per person per night, or $27.40 per family per night. The definition of family includes up to two adults and up to six children.

You need to book in advance, display a camping tag and keep all camping structures under the same booking no more than three metres apart. Once on the island, there are 45 camping areas to choose from.