OVERVIEW

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island. The direct translation of K’gari, the indigenous people's name for Fraser, is paradise. There's undoubtedly something special about this place. Its bountiful forests, picture-perfect beaches,  wild ocean, not to mention the freshwater lakes among other things, have all earned it World Heritage-listed status. The Fraser Island Great Walk is undoubtedly the best way to experience all of this. All of this walk is remote, and you will get to enjoy the serenity of the island and the unblemished natural environment entirely away from the busy tourist routes.

Highlights

  • Massive trees (over 6 metres wide) and over 1000 years old
  • The Island supports more than forty crystal-clear freshwater lakes, including Lake McKenzie, the jewel of K'gari
  • An abundance of wildlife, whales, wallabies, dolphins and dugongs frolic and roam freely
  • Bird lover’s paradise, with over 240 species recorded in the area
  • Stunning walk from Lake Garawongera to Poyungan Valley

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 2645

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 895

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of a room when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Hervey Bay

This holiday begins at Hervey Bay after 2 pm with a night’s accommodation and time to stroll along the picturesque Esplanade. In the morning, cruise to the island on the ferry, watching for whales, dolphins and sharks en route.

Accommodation: Coastal Motel or B&B in Hervey Bay in rooms with ensuites

Walking: No scheduled walking

Meals: Dinner isn’t included this evening to allow you the opportunity to explore Hervey Bay and it’s many eateries.

DAY 2
Lake McKenzie to Eurong Resort

Cruise via ferry over to the island. The walking on the Fraser Island Great Walk commences at stunning Lake McKenzie and continues via Basin Lake and Central Station all the way across to Eurong Beach.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 18.3km / 6 Hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms

 

DAY 3
Inland walk to Lake Wabby, Hammerstone Sandblow and 75 mile beach

This section of the Fraser Island Great Walk track includes Lake Wabby, a fabulous place for a swim. Then onwards to One Tree Rocks and Hammerstone Sandblow.  Fraser Island is a bird lover’s paradise with over 240 species recorded in the area. The final stretch is along the 75-mile beach back to Eurong.

Walking: Moderate / 17.3km / 6–7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms in ensuite rooms

DAY 4
Lake Garawongera to Poyungan Valley

Start at Lake Garawongera and stay inland for most of the day, passing colourful heathlands and lakes. Finally, emerge on the beach at Poyungan Valley.

Walking: Moderate / 20.8km / 7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation:  K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
Valley of the Giants

The Fraser Island Great Walk is diverse, and no more so than today as we head through the Valley of the Giants, where you’ll see massive trees with huge buttressed roots. Marvel at giant satinays and tallowwood trees. Note: on many days on this Fraser Island Great Walk you’ll see an extraordinary array of buttress-rooted trees, strangler figs, rare primitive cycads and huge satinays.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 17.3km / 7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
Dilli Village to Lake Birrabeen

Today begins with a drive down the 75-mile beach to the small settlement of Dilli Village. Hike via Lakes Boomanjin, Benaroon and Birrabeen to Central Station.

Walking: Moderate / 21.9km / 7–8 hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
Lake Mckenzie to Kingfisher

For a more relaxing day, start with a drive to Lake McKenzie. Spend some time swimming before walking back to the resort via McKenzie’s Jetty, observing the historic relics of the commando school. Today we deviate from the Fraser Island Great Walk to find our way to Kingfisher Bay Resort via the historic old Tramline track.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 16.6km / 5 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
Fraser Island to Hervey Bay

Finish with a ferry ride back to Hervey Bay. You can choose to leave on the 7.50 am, 10.30 am or 2.00 pm ferry. But why not stay on and enjoy the resort’s facilities and catch the later ferry back?

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  •  8-day pack free Fraser Island walking holiday
  • The Fraser Island Great Walk and much more
  • Luggage transport
  • Ferry and vehicle transfers
  •  7 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Chef-cooked breakfasts and walkers lunches
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Typical accommodation on this trip includes B&Bs like the one in Hervey Bay. On the Island, you’ll stay at a resort and a hotel. Both accommodations are in gorgeous locations. All the rooms have ensuites and have use of all the resort facilities, including rather large pools and are located right on the beach.

Professional chefs prepare the cooked buffet breakfasts.

Each day whilst you’re walking, you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHTS 2, 3, 4 & 5

  • NIGHTS 6 & 7

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

TERRAIN

SAND TERRAIN

To prepare for walking on sand you will need specialised training owing to the soft and yielding nature of this type of terrain. It has a distinct impact on the body, especially the calf muscles as you get older. Sand moves when we walk and can lead to the overextension of the calf muscles resulting in discomfort and aches over prolonged periods.

To avoid this you should target exercises for lower body strength such as lunges, squats, and calf raises. Incorporate barefoot walks on soft surfaces such as grass to improve balance and foot muscle strength. Practice walking on the beach or sand dunes if you can to acclimatise to the unique demands of a sandy terrain.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

GENERAL INFO

The Fraser Island walking holiday starts and finishes in Hervey Bay. The Fraser Island great walk is mostly moderate to easygoing. Full-day walks average about 17km with 5-7 hours of walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat, well-walked paths and bush tracks.

This is a long walk, so we highly recommend incorporating a rest day along the way or at the end of the trip to recover.

For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE

The trip starts and ends in Harvey Bay. The easiest way to get there is to fly. Taking the bus from Brisbane is also another option, as is driving your car and leaving it the first accommodation. We have detailed information on how to get there and away, which we will provide after booking.

AVAILABILITY

Available from April to 15 October.

This walking holiday cannot be booked during the following dates

For 2023 only, 6 May – 28 May 2023 is a blackout period

For 2024 only, 5 May – 31 May 2024 is a blackout period

WEATHER

The cooler months of May to August are great for hiking as there is low humidity. It can be very warm and humid from September to November and again in April. Not available over the summer months of Late October to March.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Fraser Island ave temperature graph

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For this trip you must have purchased travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

DINGO SAFETY

Fraser Island dingoes are thought to have the greatest level of genetic purity of any dingo populations remaining in eastern Australia. They are beautiful, fascinating animals to watch, but you should not approach them closely. They are wild animals and close contact with humans creates familiarity, and the animal then loses its natural, innate wariness of people.

Your walk notes contain important information on Dingo safety.

Please also refer to Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science information on Dingoes here.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

MAP

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 16 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2645

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $895

    See Availability in General Info for blackout dates

  • 1 Apr 2025 - 16 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    from

    $2750

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $930

    See Availability in General Info for blackout dates

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Teresa S`

    8 July, 2022 at 4:39 PM
    5

    Well organised, good drivers, great to have a real bed and good food.

  2. Dennis B

    8 July, 2022 at 4:17 PM
    5

    It was a great walk extremely well organized every body was so helpful especially the staff at Eurong they made it very enjoyable.

  3. Merrin M

    5 July, 2022 at 1:51 PM
    5

    From planning to doing and completing the walk has be so well thought out and prepared. This was my first time using Auswalk and I will be booking again for another walk. The relationships Anne and the team at Auswalk have developed is so noticeable when there on Fraser with the staff we could not of been better looked after. The walk itself was spectacular with such variety of scenery no two days was the same. And not crowded at any time. My deep love of Australian was only more cemented.

  4. Dennis K

    1 July, 2022 at 11:14 AM
    5

    I am 77 years young. I found all the lead up work and communication by Auswalk was professional, timely and friendly. I studied all the excellent notes and maps at home before the walk which helped greatly in the day to day execution of the walk. The drop offs and pickups were also professional, timely and friendly. The accommodation and resort staff were excellent. All in all I gave the Auswalk Fraser Island Great walk 10 out of 10. I have done many guided and self guided walks in Australia and New Zealand. I will definately do another Auswalk walk in the near future.

  5. Helen L

    1 July, 2022 at 11:50 AM
    5

    The walks took us through a great variety of land forms and vegetation. The tracks were in good condition over all. The walk along the beach was great, as was the swim in Lake Wabby after trudging along the massive sand dune. The service people we had contact with were very friendly and accommodating. Accomodation was good. As a group of 8 older women we had a great holiday.

  6. Maria and Kevin

    11 February, 2021 at 12:23 PM
    5

    This walk was a real adventure, and absolutely loved it. Due to bush fires and Covid, the track was overgrown but that just made it more of a challenge. The weather was perfect, and you were almost always under canopy so very sheltered from the sun. We were on our own a lot so it felt like we had the island to ourselves….it was so peaceful and relaxing. We were super impressed with the walking guides and they were easy to follow, and never in doubt we were going the wrong way. Lastly, the drop offs and pick offs were very personal and we could change the times to suit us – this was fantastic and made the trip even more enjoyable

  7. Robert B

    11 February, 2021 at 12:42 PM
    4

    Definitely a “great” walk: varied geography but mainly for those interested in flora and exploring the dynamic effects of moving sand. Glimpses of interesting social history such as the timber industry and the effects of tourism. The walking was easier than I expected. Although the walk was entirely on sand there was very little soft sand. Definitely no Tasmanian bogs! No steep ascents or descents. Estimated walking times in the notes were realistic. Logistics all worked well.

  8. Malcolm I

    11 February, 2021 at 12:54 PM
    5

    A really enjoyable experience and a great getaway from the city. It was lovely to spend days wandering beautiful white and aqua beaches with no one else in sight, and seeing lots of birds, dolphins, fish and other wildlife. Friendly drivers were there to greet us at the end of a days walk. Not having to worry about booking transport, accommodation and meals was a great bonus. The 5 days felt like a much longer break. NSW north coast is an amazing and very relaxing place to discover! Thank you Auswalk.

  9. Maria and Kevin

    11 November, 2020 at 1:44 PM
    5

    This walk was a real adventure, and absolutely loved it. Due to bush fires and Covid, the track was overgrown but that just made it more of a challenge. The weather was perfect, and you were almost always under canopy so very sheltered from the sun. We were on our own a lot so it felt like we had the island to ourselves….it was so peaceful and relaxing. We were super impressed with the walking guides and they were easy to follow, and never in doubt we were going the wrong way. Lastly, the drop offs and pick offs were very personal and we could change the times to suit us – this was fantastic and made the trip even more enjoyable

  10. Robert B

    11 November, 2020 at 1:47 PM
    4

    Definitely a “great” walk: varied geography but mainly for those interested in flora and exploring the dynamic effects of moving sand. Glimpses of interesting social history such as the timber industry and the effects of tourism. The walking was easier than I expected. Although the walk was entirely on sand there was very little soft sand. Definitely no Tasmanian bogs! No steep ascents or descents. Estimated walking times in the notes were realistic. Logistics all worked well.

  11. Maria D

    29 October, 2020 at 2:27 PM
    5

    Fraser Island – The Best Way To Go
    My husband and I walked the Fraser Island 8 day self guided walk. We were mostly walking on our own, only meeting a few walkers 2 separate days. We felt like we had the island to ourselves and found it very relaxing in a strange way.

    The guide books were so good, easy to follow and almost fool proof! We didn’t need the map and was a great feeling knowing we were always on the right track (some of which were not that clear!)

    We found the flexibility and hospitality given to us, especially by Greg and Lee at the Eurong, was amazing. We were able to adapt to suit our walking times and start and finish at times of our choosing.

    Although it was meant to be Winter, the weather was amazing. The walk was mostly under canopy so no sunburn. The lakes were so beautiful and having our own secluded area on Lake McKenzie was the best…

    We managed to see a dingo at Eurong when we were down on the beach watching the sunrise.

    This was a very special holiday and I would definitely recommend Aus Walk – they did a great job.

  12. Tania W

    26 June, 2019 at 8:47 PM
    5

    I walked the Fraser Island 8 day self guided hike with my 10 year old son. We were mostly walking on our own, which was very peaceful. We did not get to see a dingo, but saw lots of evidence of dingoes on the paths.
    We were able to shorten the 2 longest days from 21 km to 15 km , to suit my son. The flexibility and hospitality extended to us, particularly by Greg and Lee at the Eurong Beach Resort, was tremendous.
    I particularly enjoyed the last dinner at the fine dining restaurant at Kingfisher Bay resort. I also enjoyed the magnificent ecosystems on Fraser. So much natural beauty – it was really special.
    We will definitely be back there. I would definitely recommend Aus Walk – they did a great job.

  13. Dixon R

    18 July, 2018 at 11:16 AM
    5

    This is an amazingly beautiful walk through spectacular forests. It is very peaceful with few other walkers. We have done many multi-day walks and Auswalks are easily the best company with regard to efficiency and also flexibility. We like their self-guided walks and the track notes they supply are superb. They take care of all the arrangements (accommodation, meals; transportation of luggage) and one can just enjoy the walking. This was our second self-guided walk with Auswalks and we are planning the next one.

  14. _phillherkess

    22 May, 2017 at 4:49 AM
    5

    Fraser Island is very beautiful and diverse and great to walk!
    There were many highlights, rainforests,swimming in the gorgeous pure clear water of Lake Mckenzie and walking along the beach.
    Auswalk provide all meals so you just need a day pack with water, insect repellant, and make sure your hiking shoes are well worn in! A walking stick is a good idea!
    Both resorts were good and the staff very helpful and couldn’t do enough for us.

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Overview

OVERVIEW

K'gari (Fraser Island) is the world’s largest sand island. The direct translation of K’gari, the indigenous people's name for Fraser, is paradise. There's undoubtedly something special about this place. Its bountiful forests, picture-perfect beaches,  wild ocean, not to mention the freshwater lakes among other things, have all earned it World Heritage-listed status. The Fraser Island Great Walk is undoubtedly the best way to experience all of this. All of this walk is remote, and you will get to enjoy the serenity of the island and the unblemished natural environment entirely away from the busy tourist routes.

Highlights

  • Massive trees (over 6 metres wide) and over 1000 years old
  • The Island supports more than forty crystal-clear freshwater lakes, including Lake McKenzie, the jewel of K'gari
  • An abundance of wildlife, whales, wallabies, dolphins and dugongs frolic and roam freely
  • Bird lover’s paradise, with over 240 species recorded in the area
  • Stunning walk from Lake Garawongera to Poyungan Valley

WALK OVERVIEW

TYPE OF WALK
SELF GUIDED
TRIP LENGTH
8 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate

Grade 3 – Moderate

Short, steep hill sections. Chance to ride out on longer walks greater than 12km. A moderate active lifestyle and some walking experience is recommended.  C

PRICE FROM
$ 2645

per person twin/double share

SINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 895

Accommodations charge the same price per room regardless of whether there are one or two people occupying it. To cover the cost of the accommodation when occupied by one person we need to charge the single occupancy fee.

per person

Book now
Itinerary

ITINERARY

  • Day 1
  • Day 2
  • Day 3
  • Day 4
  • Day 5
  • Day 6
  • Day 7
  • Day 8

DAY 1
Hervey Bay

This holiday begins at Hervey Bay after 2 pm with a night’s accommodation and time to stroll along the picturesque Esplanade. In the morning, cruise to the island on the ferry, watching for whales, dolphins and sharks en route.

Accommodation: Coastal Motel or B&B in Hervey Bay in rooms with ensuites

Walking: No scheduled walking

Meals: Dinner isn’t included this evening to allow you the opportunity to explore Hervey Bay and it’s many eateries.

DAY 2
Lake McKenzie to Eurong Resort

Cruise via ferry over to the island. The walking on the Fraser Island Great Walk commences at stunning Lake McKenzie and continues via Basin Lake and Central Station all the way across to Eurong Beach.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 18.3km / 6 Hrs

Meals: Cooked breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms

 

DAY 3
Inland walk to Lake Wabby, Hammerstone Sandblow and 75 mile beach

This section of the Fraser Island Great Walk track includes Lake Wabby, a fabulous place for a swim. Then onwards to One Tree Rocks and Hammerstone Sandblow.  Fraser Island is a bird lover’s paradise with over 240 species recorded in the area. The final stretch is along the 75-mile beach back to Eurong.

Walking: Moderate / 17.3km / 6–7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms in ensuite rooms

DAY 4
Lake Garawongera to Poyungan Valley

Start at Lake Garawongera and stay inland for most of the day, passing colourful heathlands and lakes. Finally, emerge on the beach at Poyungan Valley.

Walking: Moderate / 20.8km / 7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation:  K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms in ensuite rooms

DAY 5
Valley of the Giants

The Fraser Island Great Walk is diverse, and no more so than today as we head through the Valley of the Giants, where you’ll see massive trees with huge buttressed roots. Marvel at giant satinays and tallowwood trees. Note: on many days on this Fraser Island Great Walk you’ll see an extraordinary array of buttress-rooted trees, strangler figs, rare primitive cycads and huge satinays.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 17.3km / 7 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: K’gari Beach Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 6
Dilli Village to Lake Birrabeen

Today begins with a drive down the 75-mile beach to the small settlement of Dilli Village. Hike via Lakes Boomanjin, Benaroon and Birrabeen to Central Station.

Walking: Moderate / 21.9km / 7–8 hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 7
Lake Mckenzie to Kingfisher

For a more relaxing day, start with a drive to Lake McKenzie. Spend some time swimming before walking back to the resort via McKenzie’s Jetty, observing the historic relics of the commando school. Today we deviate from the Fraser Island Great Walk to find our way to Kingfisher Bay Resort via the historic old Tramline track.

Walking: Easy to Moderate / 16.6km / 5 Hrs

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast and walkers lunch

Accommodation: Kingfisher Bay Resort in ensuite rooms

DAY 8
Fraser Island to Hervey Bay

Finish with a ferry ride back to Hervey Bay. You can choose to leave on the 7.50 am, 10.30 am or 2.00 pm ferry. But why not stay on and enjoy the resort’s facilities and catch the later ferry back?

Meals: Cooked buffet breakfast

What’s Included

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Pack-free walking

  • 25+ years experience

  • Customised

  • Eco Travel

  •  8-day pack free Fraser Island walking holiday
  • The Fraser Island Great Walk and much more
  • Luggage transport
  • Ferry and vehicle transfers
  •  7 nights’ accommodation with ensuites
  • Chef-cooked breakfasts and walkers lunches
  • Enjoy worry-free navigation with Auswalk’s comprehensive track notes, maps, map case, insulated lunch bag & info pack
Accommodation & Dining

ACCOMMODATION & DINING

OVERVIEW

Typical accommodation on this trip includes B&Bs like the one in Hervey Bay. On the Island, you’ll stay at a resort and a hotel. Both accommodations are in gorgeous locations. All the rooms have ensuites and have use of all the resort facilities, including rather large pools and are located right on the beach.

Professional chefs prepare the cooked buffet breakfasts.

Each day whilst you’re walking, you’ll be provided with a substantial Walkers Lunch and get to eat it at a fabulous location on the track. A walker’s lunch is varied and may include a high protein type salad, roll or a wrap, muesli bar, cake or muffin and a piece of fruit.

Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).

  • NIGHT 1

  • NIGHTS 2, 3, 4 & 5

  • NIGHTS 6 & 7

Fitness Guide

FITNESS GUIDE

It’s well worth investing some time and effort preparing for your walking holiday. The graph shows the average daily distance, elevation and terrain difficulty for your hike. The dotted line indicates the average across all our walks, which will give you a feel for how challenging your walk is compared to all – and the recommended type, and amount, of preparation needed.  Of course, you can adapt this according to your existing fitness levels and lifestyle.

The graph and the information below can be used in conjunction with the fitness guide to help you prepare for your walking adventure. Across all walks, average daily distance is 16.8km, average daily elevation is 448m, average terrain difficulty is 5/10.

ngraph

DISTANCE - ~AVERAGE

Distance training should be a consideration in your overall training program, so take every opportunity you can to walk. As you progress, incorporate longer walks into your training plan.

Schedule one or two long walks each week, gradually increasing the distance until you can comfortably cover 16km in a single day. Also include walks on consecutive days to help your body adapt to the demands of walking for multiple days in a row.

Ensure you can comfortably walk the average distance per day displayed in the graph, at least one month before you undertake your hike.

ELEVATION - BELOW AVERAGE

Elevation is not a major consideration in your overall training program. However, you should still incorporate some form of resistance training to increase your endurance.

TERRAIN

SAND TERRAIN

To prepare for walking on sand you will need specialised training owing to the soft and yielding nature of this type of terrain. It has a distinct impact on the body, especially the calf muscles as you get older. Sand moves when we walk and can lead to the overextension of the calf muscles resulting in discomfort and aches over prolonged periods.

To avoid this you should target exercises for lower body strength such as lunges, squats, and calf raises. Incorporate barefoot walks on soft surfaces such as grass to improve balance and foot muscle strength. Practice walking on the beach or sand dunes if you can to acclimatise to the unique demands of a sandy terrain.

FLAT TERRAIN

Whilst training for walking on flat and hard terrain, you should focus on building endurance and ensuring you can maintain a comfortable pace.

Start with regular walks on sidewalks, roads, or paved paths to get used to the surface. Maintain a proper posture and engage your core muscles to support your back, keeping a steady gait. Ensure that you have comfortable, supportive footwear with adequate cushioning. If endurance is important, consider incorporating low-impact cross-training activities like swimming or cycling into your routine.

General Info

GENERAL INFO

The Fraser Island walking holiday starts and finishes in Hervey Bay. The Fraser Island great walk is mostly moderate to easygoing. Full-day walks average about 17km with 5-7 hours of walking each day. The walking is over mostly flat, well-walked paths and bush tracks.

This is a long walk, so we highly recommend incorporating a rest day along the way or at the end of the trip to recover.

For what to bring, please refer to Gear Advice on our FAQ section.

HOW TO GET THERE

The trip starts and ends in Harvey Bay. The easiest way to get there is to fly. Taking the bus from Brisbane is also another option, as is driving your car and leaving it the first accommodation. We have detailed information on how to get there and away, which we will provide after booking.

AVAILABILITY

Available from April to 15 October.

This walking holiday cannot be booked during the following dates

For 2023 only, 6 May – 28 May 2023 is a blackout period

For 2024 only, 5 May – 31 May 2024 is a blackout period

WEATHER

The cooler months of May to August are great for hiking as there is low humidity. It can be very warm and humid from September to November and again in April. Not available over the summer months of Late October to March.

See the Bureau of Meteorology’s information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.

Fraser Island ave temperature graph

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For this trip you must have purchased travel insurance, including medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred by our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.

INFORMATION PACK

For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a detailed information pack and itinerary approximately six weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.

DINGO SAFETY

Fraser Island dingoes are thought to have the greatest level of genetic purity of any dingo populations remaining in eastern Australia. They are beautiful, fascinating animals to watch, but you should not approach them closely. They are wild animals and close contact with humans creates familiarity, and the animal then loses its natural, innate wariness of people.

Your walk notes contain important information on Dingo safety.

Please also refer to Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science information on Dingoes here.

CONTACT

If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants or to speak with one of our guides. You can get in touch with us via our contact form, email us at info@auswalk.com.au, or call us on +61 3 9597 9767.

Map

MAP

Departure Dates

DEPARTURE DATES

  • DATES
    AVAILABILITY
    PRICE
    PER PERSON
    Single Occupancy
    DETAILS
  • 1 Apr 2024 - 16 Oct 2024
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2645

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $895
  • 1 Apr 2025 - 16 Oct 2025
    AVAILABLE
    Details
    from

    $2750

    SINGLE OCCUPANCY
    $930
Reviews

REVIEWS

Customer Reviews

5

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  1. Teresa S`

    8 July, 2022 at 4:39 PM
    5

    Well organised, good drivers, great to have a real bed and good food.

  2. Dennis B

    8 July, 2022 at 4:17 PM
    5

    It was a great walk extremely well organized every body was so helpful especially the staff at Eurong they made it very enjoyable.

  3. Merrin M

    5 July, 2022 at 1:51 PM
    5

    From planning to doing and completing the walk has be so well thought out and prepared. This was my first time using Auswalk and I will be booking again for another walk. The relationships Anne and the team at Auswalk have developed is so noticeable when there on Fraser with the staff we could not of been better looked after. The walk itself was spectacular with such variety of scenery no two days was the same. And not crowded at any time. My deep love of Australian was only more cemented.

  4. Dennis K

    1 July, 2022 at 11:14 AM
    5

    I am 77 years young. I found all the lead up work and communication by Auswalk was professional, timely and friendly. I studied all the excellent notes and maps at home before the walk which helped greatly in the day to day execution of the walk. The drop offs and pickups were also professional, timely and friendly. The accommodation and resort staff were excellent. All in all I gave the Auswalk Fraser Island Great walk 10 out of 10. I have done many guided and self guided walks in Australia and New Zealand. I will definately do another Auswalk walk in the near future.

  5. Helen L

    1 July, 2022 at 11:50 AM
    5

    The walks took us through a great variety of land forms and vegetation. The tracks were in good condition over all. The walk along the beach was great, as was the swim in Lake Wabby after trudging along the massive sand dune. The service people we had contact with were very friendly and accommodating. Accomodation was good. As a group of 8 older women we had a great holiday.

  6. Maria and Kevin

    11 February, 2021 at 12:23 PM
    5

    This walk was a real adventure, and absolutely loved it. Due to bush fires and Covid, the track was overgrown but that just made it more of a challenge. The weather was perfect, and you were almost always under canopy so very sheltered from the sun. We were on our own a lot so it felt like we had the island to ourselves….it was so peaceful and relaxing. We were super impressed with the walking guides and they were easy to follow, and never in doubt we were going the wrong way. Lastly, the drop offs and pick offs were very personal and we could change the times to suit us – this was fantastic and made the trip even more enjoyable

  7. Robert B

    11 February, 2021 at 12:42 PM
    4

    Definitely a “great” walk: varied geography but mainly for those interested in flora and exploring the dynamic effects of moving sand. Glimpses of interesting social history such as the timber industry and the effects of tourism. The walking was easier than I expected. Although the walk was entirely on sand there was very little soft sand. Definitely no Tasmanian bogs! No steep ascents or descents. Estimated walking times in the notes were realistic. Logistics all worked well.

  8. Malcolm I

    11 February, 2021 at 12:54 PM
    5

    A really enjoyable experience and a great getaway from the city. It was lovely to spend days wandering beautiful white and aqua beaches with no one else in sight, and seeing lots of birds, dolphins, fish and other wildlife. Friendly drivers were there to greet us at the end of a days walk. Not having to worry about booking transport, accommodation and meals was a great bonus. The 5 days felt like a much longer break. NSW north coast is an amazing and very relaxing place to discover! Thank you Auswalk.

  9. Maria and Kevin

    11 November, 2020 at 1:44 PM
    5

    This walk was a real adventure, and absolutely loved it. Due to bush fires and Covid, the track was overgrown but that just made it more of a challenge. The weather was perfect, and you were almost always under canopy so very sheltered from the sun. We were on our own a lot so it felt like we had the island to ourselves….it was so peaceful and relaxing. We were super impressed with the walking guides and they were easy to follow, and never in doubt we were going the wrong way. Lastly, the drop offs and pick offs were very personal and we could change the times to suit us – this was fantastic and made the trip even more enjoyable

  10. Robert B

    11 November, 2020 at 1:47 PM
    4

    Definitely a “great” walk: varied geography but mainly for those interested in flora and exploring the dynamic effects of moving sand. Glimpses of interesting social history such as the timber industry and the effects of tourism. The walking was easier than I expected. Although the walk was entirely on sand there was very little soft sand. Definitely no Tasmanian bogs! No steep ascents or descents. Estimated walking times in the notes were realistic. Logistics all worked well.

  11. Maria D

    29 October, 2020 at 2:27 PM
    5

    Fraser Island – The Best Way To Go
    My husband and I walked the Fraser Island 8 day self guided walk. We were mostly walking on our own, only meeting a few walkers 2 separate days. We felt like we had the island to ourselves and found it very relaxing in a strange way.

    The guide books were so good, easy to follow and almost fool proof! We didn’t need the map and was a great feeling knowing we were always on the right track (some of which were not that clear!)

    We found the flexibility and hospitality given to us, especially by Greg and Lee at the Eurong, was amazing. We were able to adapt to suit our walking times and start and finish at times of our choosing.

    Although it was meant to be Winter, the weather was amazing. The walk was mostly under canopy so no sunburn. The lakes were so beautiful and having our own secluded area on Lake McKenzie was the best…

    We managed to see a dingo at Eurong when we were down on the beach watching the sunrise.

    This was a very special holiday and I would definitely recommend Aus Walk – they did a great job.

  12. Tania W

    26 June, 2019 at 8:47 PM
    5

    I walked the Fraser Island 8 day self guided hike with my 10 year old son. We were mostly walking on our own, which was very peaceful. We did not get to see a dingo, but saw lots of evidence of dingoes on the paths.
    We were able to shorten the 2 longest days from 21 km to 15 km , to suit my son. The flexibility and hospitality extended to us, particularly by Greg and Lee at the Eurong Beach Resort, was tremendous.
    I particularly enjoyed the last dinner at the fine dining restaurant at Kingfisher Bay resort. I also enjoyed the magnificent ecosystems on Fraser. So much natural beauty – it was really special.
    We will definitely be back there. I would definitely recommend Aus Walk – they did a great job.

  13. Dixon R

    18 July, 2018 at 11:16 AM
    5

    This is an amazingly beautiful walk through spectacular forests. It is very peaceful with few other walkers. We have done many multi-day walks and Auswalks are easily the best company with regard to efficiency and also flexibility. We like their self-guided walks and the track notes they supply are superb. They take care of all the arrangements (accommodation, meals; transportation of luggage) and one can just enjoy the walking. This was our second self-guided walk with Auswalks and we are planning the next one.

  14. _phillherkess

    22 May, 2017 at 4:49 AM
    5

    Fraser Island is very beautiful and diverse and great to walk!
    There were many highlights, rainforests,swimming in the gorgeous pure clear water of Lake Mckenzie and walking along the beach.
    Auswalk provide all meals so you just need a day pack with water, insect repellant, and make sure your hiking shoes are well worn in! A walking stick is a good idea!
    Both resorts were good and the staff very helpful and couldn’t do enough for us.

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