Couples holiday guide to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Are adventure, nature and relaxation your three love languages when it comes to planning a getaway?

Then put K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) on your next couples holiday itinery and explore the world’s largest sand island.

Whether you prefer to dial up the romance by a resort-style pool, immersed in the outdoors camping or staying in an eco-lodge, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about exploring K'gari as a couple with this itinerary. All you need is a long weekend!

Day 1: Wind back your watch to island time

AM: Travel from Brisbane to K'gari

How you get to K'gari depends on your wheels. The island's sand highways require 4WD to access - so if you've got the gear and some beach driving skills, simply drive three hours from Brisbane to Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach). After a 10-minute ferry ride, you’ll be ready to make the most of your K'gari adventure.  

Making do with 2WD? No problem. Make your way to River Heads near Hervey Bay, where you can leave the car on the mainland and take the Kingfisher Bay Ferry over to K'gari. There are four services to the resort each day from River Heads, and the ferry is decked out with a fully licensed bar and snack food to fill the 50-minute cruise.

If you have a few extra annual days up your sleeve, then extend your adventure holiday and travel via the Fraser Coast to explore Hervey Bay before your island adventure with this guide.

PM: Check into your holiday accommodation

For a true resort-style getaway, check in to a resort room, villa or holiday house at Kingfisher Bay Resort. With four lagoon-style pools, an outdoor spa, two restaurants, four bars and a day spa, along with endless tours and ranger-led activities, there’s no shortage of places to relax and unwind during your romantic getaway – and that’s before you tick off any of these things to do on the island.

Choose a more causal stay connected to nature at Beachcamp Eco Retreat, which offers camping, beach cabins or glamping tents with 75 Mile Beach on its doorstep. More than just a place to overnight, Beachcamp invites guests to connect with Aboriginal history and culture – from learning how to throw a boomerang to a guided beach walk with insights from local experts into the island’s history and ecosystem.

There’s plenty of beachfront campgrounds (45 to be precise) around the island too, for those who prefer their couples getaway to come without neighbours – check out this accommodation guide covering camping, glamping and everything in between.

Dinner: Indulge with local produce

There’s one thing you can expect when dining out on K'gari – menus packed with fresh, local produce.

If you choose to stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to keep you fed during your getaway, from a casual pizza at The Sand Bar to Asian inspired shared platters at Sand & Wood. Be sure to sign up for a Bush Tucker Talk & Taste tour, led by a chef and ranger, who will introduce you to native ingredients grown on the island, along with the opportunity to taste Aussie meats including kangaroo, emu and crocodile.

If you’re camping or glamping during your stay, you can purchase fresh produce and pantry staples on the island at several locations, including Eurong, Happy Valley or Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Of course, K'gari is a fisherman’s paradise with a tailor fishing season that promises plenty of catch for you to cook up back at your campsite.

Day 2: Explore the best of K'gari on four wheels

Four wheels can take you pretty much anywhere on K'gari - and it's possibly the very best way to explore the best sights and highlights on the island. 

For a fuss-free experience, book a tour and let those in-the-know do the driving around the island (and the cleaning the sand off the vehicle afterwards!). From birdwatching, nature walks and water experiences to learning how to 4WD on the dunes, all tours focus on connecting visitors with the local history and ecosystem of the island.

Feel the ocean breeze on your face as you travel along 75 Mile Beach's famous sand highway. While different 4WD tours will have their own itineraries, you can be sure to discover the most special and renowned spots on K'gari, from relaxing in the fresh waters of Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, to finding the Maheno shipwreck, the coloured sands of The Pinnacles or towering forests in Pile Valley. 

Got your own wheels? If you prefer to DIY your couples holiday, navigate your way to the island’s top locations under the low-range steam of your own 4WD (or hire one on the island).

Of course you can mix up your mode of travel around the island and by boat, jet ski, hummer or 4WD booking one of the experiences in this guide.

PM: Soak up the sun and sand 

Did you even go to K'gari if you didn’t enjoy quiet time on the sand?

For the most famous experience on the island, you’ll want to pack your swimmers for a dip in Lake Mackenzie. Known as a ‘perched’ lake, no ocean or river water feeds the lake – only rainwater – the true meaning of crystal clear. Soothing to swim in, and beautiful to admire while experiencing the softest sand-between-your-toes moment; the silicia sand is so pure it can be used to polish your jewellery.

Or, unfurl your beach towel at Champagne Pools to take a dip in naturally forming rock pools that create a spa-like sensation from the bubbles as the waves crash over the rocks.

PM: Sip with sunset by the water

There's one place to be as the sun dips below the horizon, and that's Kingfisher Bay Resort's Sunset Bar. Casual vibes, toes in the sand, and the best show on earth playing as you take it all in. 

Day 3

AM: Stretch your legs on the island's hiking trails

It's time to increase that step count. While 4WD is the most popular way to explore K'gari, there's plenty you can tackle on two feet - and they'll take you off the busy sand highways to some truly serene spots. 

One particular treasure is Lake Wabby, on the eastern side of the island. The roughly two-hour return hike will take you through forested trails to the edge of Hammerstone Sandblow, arriving at Lake Wabby - the deepest freshwater lake on the island. This area is culturally significant to the Butchalla people, so be respected while visiting and walk with care. 

If that inspires you for a future visit, consider hiking tour with Fraser Island Hiking, where you can tick off the main sights during a multi-day hike or set aside eight days to take on the K'gari Great Walk.

PM: Time to cruise

Before you cruise back to Brisbane, cruise out on the water for sunset with Sea Explorer - the grand finale to your K'gari couples getaway. 

Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort jetty, board the boat to bask in the golden glow with a sundowner in hand and appreciate the island from your new perspective across the Great Sandy Strait with your loved one.

'Cheers' to the incredible adventure, and start planning your return.