Fraser Island with Kids | Fraser Island Review

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and is listed as a World Heritage site.  It is ideal for a week-long getaway, with plenty of attractions to keep the family busy.  Temperatures are enjoyable throughout the year with winter months between 14 and 25 degrees; summer between 23 and 30 degrees.

Getting There

After a three hour drive from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, there is a ferry over to the island which takes about 45 minutes to an hour depending on the weather.  Be sure to check the times of the ferry before you make plans.

You can take your own car across on the ferry as well, but keep in mind that you must have a 4WD to travel on Fraser Island as there are no sealed roads. Otherwise rental cars are an option.  You need to arrange National Park permits and Vehicle Access from the barge landing sites.

Hervey Bay itself has a lot of attractions for families, so it is a good place to stopover before and after a trip to Fraser Island.

Day trip or overnight?

There are many bus tours and private tours of Fraser Island available if you want help seeing all the main attractions, or if you only have a day or two to spend on the island.  You will need to book in advance during the school holidays because it gets incredibly busy.  The bus tours are also 4WD, so child car seats are a must.

Accommodation options on the island range from camp sites to resorts.  Call around to check out the options and find what would suit your family the best.

Fresh water lakes and creeks

Fraser Island has many fresh water lakes and creeks with incredibly pure water.  Lake McKenzie is one of the most popular.  It is fed entirely by rainwater and is absolutely crystal clear.

Eli Creek is another popular destination, located right on the picturesque beach so you can enjoy the scenery of the ocean while relaxing in the fresh water.  Get the kids to look out for pumice and other small treasures around the creek.

Wildlife

Whale watching is what Fraser Island is known for; the season is June to November.

If you visit the island outside of this period, however, there is still a lot to see.  There are many other mammals and a variety of bird life found on Fraser Island, but the island is probably best known for its purebred dingoes.

Seeing dingoes in their natural habitat is an incredible experience but the guides on the island will remind you that dingoes are not like dogs, even if they may look similar.  There are many notice boards around the island warning visitors of precautions to take in regards to dingoes.  This includes strapping all your food cases as the dingoes can open them, and never letting children walk alone.  There are high fines for not obeying the rules, and it is an important matter of safety so children should be made aware of the expected behaviour beforehand.

Rainforests & Unique Experiences on Fraser Island

There are several different ecosystems on the island, giving visitors a wide variety of walks to enjoy.  Different types of trees and plants can be spotted with the help of sign boards.

The Maheno Shipwreck is another unique spot for kids to visit.  The ship has been there since 1935 when it crashed ashore during a cyclone.  Seeing the wreck up close can inspire lots of imaginary play and interest in stories about ships.

Your Trip to Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a great holiday destination for families with many different types of experiences to enjoy.  It takes a bit of planning to get over to the island but the effort is worth it.

Many thanks to Chelsea Lee Smith for this review. Chelsea can be found over at her own blog, Moments A Day, where you will find activities, ideas and resources to help your family connect, build character and make a difference.

Brisbane Kids has reviewed lots of family friendly holiday destinations in Australia to make it easier for you to plan your next holiday. You’ll find them all in our Holiday Ideas section.