How to Get to Fraser Island: River Heads Barge (ferry) to Kingfisher Bay - Waiuta Retreat
If it’s your first time visiting Fraser Island, you might imaging that getting to the island is difficult, the good news is that the barge process from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay is straightforward once you know what to do and expect.
This guide walks you through how and where to book, where to go, and exactly what happens when you load, travel, and disembark from the barge.
Booking Your Barge to Kingfisher Bay
Vehicle barges to Kingfisher Bay depart from River Heads, just outside Hervey Bay. The barge service operates multiple times a day and must be booked in advance, especially during school holidays and long weekends.
There are two ways to book the barge, phone and online. You can book the barge online 24/7, booking by phone is limited to daily workday hours. Fees and charges are listed online via Sealink K’Gari. You will be provided a confirmation number. Keep this confirmation number to hand at all times to assist with all barge enquiries and travel, print it out or save a copy to your mobile phone. Note: If staying only at the resort, you can travel with 2WD vehicle. Travel outside the Resort precinct requires 4WD vehicle. You will need a vehicle permit to drive into the Great Sandy Straits National Park, Fraser Island.
Booking method 1: Phone
Contact reservations on 1800 372 737. Reservations staff will assist you with booking passengers and vehicle. You will need to provide the following information to secure your booking.
Information required for booking:
Travel destinations - River Heads → Kingfisher Bay.
Travel dates, one-way or return.
Your vehicle type (2WD or 4WD)
Accurate vehicle make, model,body style, year, number plate/registration, roof luggage, features such as bull bar and side steps. In addition if you are towing a trailer or caravan.
Number and age of passengers travelling in the vehicle or walking on (not travelling in a vehicle).
Payment options will be provided, Credit card is the usual method of payment.
Booking method 2: Online
When booking online:
Select River Heads → Kingfisher Bay as your route
Travel dates, one-way or return.
Choose your vehicle type (2WD or 4WD)
Accurate vehicle make, model,body style, year, number plate/registration, roof luggage, features such as bull bar and side steps. In addition if you are towing a trailer or caravan.
Book passengers travelling in the vehicle
Pay for your travel by credit card
Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your sailing time. Keep this handy, either printed or saved on your phone.
Getting to River Heads
River Heads is approximately:
15 minutes from Hervey Bay Airport (Car hire available, including 4WD hire close by airport)
20 minutes from Urangan and the Hervey Bay marina
The turn onto River Heads Road, River Heads and the K’gari Barge are sign posted
Pass River Heads Village, a small group of shops including café, corner store and chemist
Continue all the way to the end of the road to reach the Barge Departure boat ramp
Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure. Barges run on a timetable and will not wait for late arrivals.
At River Heads Departure Point
At River Heads Departure Point you’ll find:
Clearly marked lanes for barge check-in
Toilets
Check in Reservations Hut (check opening hours)
Parking for vehicles not travelling to the island is limited and some parking has strict time limits. There are nearby options for secure parking
Checking In and Waiting to Board
When you arrive:
Join the vehicle queue
Clearly marked lanes for barge check-in
Engines are usually turned off once parked in the queue
You’ll usually stay in your vehicle while waiting, if you do exit your vehicle be very cautious of other vehicles arriving and departing
Staff will check your booking, permits etc. at the Reservations Hut
Barge Staff will check your booking and direct you
When boarding begins, staff will signal vehicles forward in order, wait for staff instructions.
Loading Onto the Barge
Loading is managed entirely by barge staff.
When directed:
Start your engine and follow instructions carefully
Drive slowly and steadily
To board at Riverheads you need to pull forward out of the queue, reverse backwards onto the barge
Keep a safe distance from the vehicle behind you boarding
Give your full attention to staff, wind down your windows and listen and look to staff for direction
Once on board:
Park where directed
Apply your handbrake
Turn off your engine
Make sure your car alarm is turned off, the movement of the voyage will set the alarms off
Exit the vehicle if you wish (passengers are allowed on deck)
There are refreshments and souvenirs available onboard
Your own alcohol cannot be consumed as the barge is licensed
Toilets are available
The crossing takes approximately 40–50 minutes.
During the Crossing
You’re welcome to:
Stay in your vehicle
Stand on the passenger deck
Sit in the passenger lounge
Enjoy views across the Great Sandy Strait
Remain aware of crew instructions during the crossing.
Note: The barges varies and facilities available on each will differ.
Disembarking at Kingfisher Bay
As the barge approaches Kingfisher Bay:
Return to your vehicle when instructed, listen for the announcement
Start your engine, you will be directed by staff to drive off. Vehicles exit in order
Follow staff directions carefully and drive slowly off the barge onto the jetty and observe speed signs and look for pedestrians as the jetty is a shared zone
The end of the jetty the road will begin and can be busy with vehicles and pedestrians. Observe speed signs
Once off the barge, you’ll be on sealed roads within the Kingfisher Bay Resort precinct, which are suitable for 2WD and 4wd vehicles.
Driving to Waiuta Retreat
After leaving the barge:
Drive straight ahead to the roundabout
Turn left onto James Cook Drive (Signage to Kingfisher Heights)
Follow the road up the hill as it curves right
Turn right onto Kingfisher Heights Drive (do not continue on the road down to the left)
Continue uphill — Waiuta Retreat is the last house on the right, opposite the water tank. Look for the Waiuta Retreat sign
Our address is:
847 Kingfisher Heights Drive, Fraser Island
Important Things to Know
2WD access is possible within the Kingfisher Bay Resort precinct
4WD is required outside the resort area if you plan to explore beaches and inland tracks
Mobile reception can be limited outside the Resort— download maps ahead of time
On departure from your stay, arrive early for your return barge off the island
Final Tips
If you’re new to Fraser Island, the River Heads to Kingfisher Bay barge is the easiest and most relaxed way to arrive. Once you’re off the barge and heading up the hill, the journey feels simple — and your holiday begins almost immediately.
Access is available from Inskip point, this will require beach or inland driving, consideration and planning with tides and the weight of your luggage and supplies will impact driving.
Arriving at Kingfisher Bay allows those staying at Waiuta Retreat to unload luggage and supplies and relax.
If you’re staying at Waiuta Retreat and have questions about arrival or access, feel free to reach out before you travel. We’re happy to help you plan a smooth start to your time on Fraser Island. www.waiuta-retreat.com.au