Argyle Goulburn 4 Wheel Drive Club

World Heritage Area

Stretching over 120km and covering an area of 165 280 hectares, Fraser Island is the most prominent feature off the southern coast of Queensland. The world's largest sand island is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The island's natural features include long white beaches, dramatic coloured sand cliffs, natural sand blows, rocky headlands, scenic creeks, freshwater lakes and plant communities ranging. from coastal heath and mangrove swamps to subtropical rainforest.The island is known as K'gari to its Aboriginal people, the Butchulla. The many archaeological remains document thousands of years of culture and tradition, providing important links for the Butchulla people of today with their past.


Access
Access to Fraser Island. 190km north of Brisbane, is via vehicular barges, aircraft, passenger launches, commercial tours or private boats. Four-wheel-drives, the only practical means of independent vehicle transport on the island, can be hired on the mainland and island.


Vehicle access permits and fees
Visitors bringing a vehicle to Fraser Island must obtain a vehicle access permit before entry and display it on the windscreen. The fees from permits are used to manage Fraser Island, to provide facilities for visitors and to help maintain its natural and cultural values. Current vehicle access permit fees are

* $30 per vehicle for up to one month for private vehicles or for the duration of the visit for hire vehicles (purchased before entry)
* $40 per vehicle for permits purchased on Fraser Island
* $150 per vehicle for one year.


Vehicular barge services

Vehicular barges operate daily. On the southern end of the island, a barge operates between Hook Point and Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. No pre-booking required. Enquiries (07) 5486 3227









Sand driving safety

Fraser Island's sandy forest tracks are suitable only for four-wheel-drive vehicles. Small four-wheel-drives with poor ground clearance may have difficulty on some inland tracks. Drive carefully and observe the sand driving safety code in the park guide and the following basic guidelines.
* Keep to speed limits of 80km/h on the beach and 35km/h on inland roads.
* Slow down when passing people on the beach.
* Engage four-wheel-drive and reduce tyre pressure to 20-25psi (140-165kPa) on inland roads.
* Travel around low tide.
* Be very careful when crossing Eli, Wyuna and Coongul Creeks. Large volumes of water create steep creek banks.
* Note: The western beach is for experienced drivers only. Never cross Wathumba Creek estuary.
* Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound.
* Carry essential spares, water, first-aid kit, tyre pressure gauge and air pump.
* Load your vehicle evenly.