Hervey Bay to River Heads barge: Distance, taxi & parking prices

The Hervey Bay to River Heads drive covers a 13.5km distance. Taxis to the Fraser Island barge cost around $37, and River Heads parking costs start at $25 for the first night.

For most travellers, Hervey Bay is the gateway to K’gari/ Fraser Island. What comes as a surprise to many is that the Fraser Island ferry doesn’t actually leave from Hervey Bay.

If you turn up at Urangan Pier expecting to get the ferry over to Fraser Island, you are in for a nasty shock. The ferries depart from River Heads, which is a separate village to the south.

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.

Hervey Bay to River Heads distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Hervey Bay to River Heads is 13.5km. That’s a 12 minute drive from Urangan, which for visitors taking their own 4WD to Fraser Island is just fine.

However, if you’re not taking your own car to Fraser Island, there is the issue of getting from Hervey Bay to the River Heads barge.

The easiest option here is to go with a tour company that offers pick-ups in Hervey Bay. Most do.

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.

Hervey Bay to River Heads taxi cost

Otherwise, a one way taxi journey from Hervey Bay to River Heads costs around $37. Even those who have driven to Hervey Bay but aren’t taking their car to Fraser Island may wish to consider this, as parking at River Heads can be expensive.

River Heads parking prices

There are two options for parking at River Heads. The first is to go with the ferry company’s car park, which is open air and costs $25 for the first night plus $20 for every night after that. Space is limited, and advance booking is advised.

The second parking option at River Heads is with River Heads Security Parking. This is a case of dropping your keys off, and the company driving your car to a secure lock-up facility.

Needless to say, this isn’t especially convenient when picking up your car at the end of the trip to K’gari.

The River Heads parking prices here are $30 for one night, $40 for two nights and $15 per night for any stay of more than four nights.