K’gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk – 7 Days

DISTANCE - ABOVE AVERAGE

Distance training is a major consideration in your overall training program. 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 17-25 km 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. Take every opportunity you can to walk. If you have a fitness watch or phone, you should try to reach >15,000 steps every day.

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.

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. This walk is not available over the summer months of Late October to March. The tracks are closed in many cases in any case.

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

INSURANCE

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

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from 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 very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 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.