K’gari-Fraser Island is building on its reputation as a great hiking destination with new, guided products and a 90km Great Walk divided into 16 stages for those who want the freedom of walking the island at their own pace.
Hiking & Walking Trails
Trails and Walking Tours
Much of the trails, which are attracting a growing domestic and international audience, are under forest canopy and adventurers will find shifting sand dunes, rainforests, mangroves, crystal-clear freshwater lakes and stunning ocean views. Freedom hiking and commercially guided walks are available. Freedom hikers need to take their own camping gear including a tent, food, first-aid necessities and enough water to last until arriving at the next campsite to refill. A padlock is essential equipment as you will find lockable boxes at most campsites where you can store your bulky items while you take a lightweight hike to nearby areas.
The commercially guided walks provide the support of experts who will arrange access permits and transport as well as camping gear, which for an eco-glamping option, can be transported ahead of you and set up with meals to lighten your load.
90km Great Walk
The 90km Great Walk takes six to eight days but can be shortened, provided arrangements are made for pick-up at an agreed location. If you are fit, it is possible to complete the Great Walk in two three-day hikes – one covering the southern lakes area and the other, the rainforests to the north. The tracks are well signed and there are plenty of campsites and crystal-clear freshwater lakes to cool off in. Not all camps are enced, but most have toilets and there is generally water available, although it is worth checking whether you should use purifying tablets. The main hiking season is from March to October. It is important to check the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service website parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-fraser-island for updates on the conditions of the tracks and to ensure they are open.
Commercial operators provide assistance for self-guided hikers wanting to experience their own eco-adventure and they also offer prescribed routes where permits, transport from Hervey Bay via the barge, maps and camping and cooking gear are provided for you to carry in a backpack for either one, two or three nights.
Learn more
Adventure hikes
These hikes require a moderate level of fitness and you will need to carry your backpack. It is recommended you pack a 1.5 litre water bottle which can be refilled at the hiker’s campsites. You will also receive a suggested food list to help keep your pack weight as light as possible. A minimum of two people is required, with a maximum of six in a group for each trip. These adventure hikes cover the best lakes, flowing freshwater creeks and rainforest locations, covering between 12 and 14km a day. For those who like to travel light, fully supported hikes with eco-glamping are also offered, providing the option of your gear being carried ahead for you and meals set up on arrival at your next destination. The main island resort offers ranger-guided bush tucker tours and self-guided three-hour walks.
Learn more