Sandy Cape, Fraser Island: Getting there & lighthouse walk

The lighthouse walk at Sandy Cape, Fraser Island, shows off a different side to K’Gari, Queensland. The hard part, however, is getting there.

Sandy Cape, Fraser Island, is the northernmost point of the world’s largest sand island.

Because it is so far from the other main attractions on K’gari/ Fraser Island, Sandy Cape receives far fewer visitors than the likes of Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, Central Station, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck.

Very few tours make it to Sandy Cape, either. This is largely because the Fraser Island ferry from River Heads and Manta Ray barge from Inskip Point arrive at the southern end of the island.

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.

Things to do at Sandy Cape, Fraser Island

Top of the list of things to do at Sandy Cape is the lighthouse walk. This 4.8km return walk takes you to Queensland’s tallest lighthouse, and there are plenty of signs exploring the history of the lighthouse and surrounding area.

The stories take in maritime accidents, a World War II bunker used to detect enemy planes and tales about the lighthouse keepers who lived and died here.

The walk is rated as Grade 3, with some steep sections. Queensland Parks and Forests recommends taking two hours of walking time to complete it.

Getting to Sandy Cape

The snag with getting to Sandy Cape is that you need to time it right. Sections of the Eastern Beach drive – particularly those north of Indian Head – are only accessible two hours either side of low tide. The South Ngkala Rocks at the northern end of Orchid Beach is a particularly tricky area.

Because it is not as well-travelled as 75 Mile Beach, 4WD experience is recommended before tackling the northern part of K’gari.