Fraser Island Boat Charters

From Hervey Bay, you can explore K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) and the Great Sandy Strait entirely at your own pace — by yacht. Fraser Island Boat Charters runs bareboat and skippered charter options across these calm, sheltered waters, giving everyone from first-time sailors to seasoned boaties a memorable way to experience the Fraser Coast from the sea.

Choose a bareboat hire — effectively a self-drive yacht — and set your own course through hidden beaches, calm anchorages and secluded corners of the Great Sandy Strait. Prefer to leave the sailing to someone else? Skippered charters are available for half days, full days and overnight stays for groups of up to 12 (day) or 6 (overnight), with fully catered options available.

The Great Sandy Strait (Biosphere) is one of Australia's best-kept boating secrets. Sheltered, calm waters make it ideal for first-time bareboat hirers, while the sheer variety of wildlife — dolphins, dugongs, turtles, and humpback whales between July and October — keeps experienced boaties coming back. You'll explore spots like Pelican Bank, Big Woody Island, Round Island, Moon Point and Kingfisher Bay on K'gari, all without the crowded anchorages common in other popular chartering destinations.

Hervey Bay holds the title of Australia's Whale Watch Capital and the world's first Whale Heritage Site. Each year between July and October, humpback whales make their way here to rest and play during their annual migration north and south. On a charter during these months, these gentle giants have been known to approach vessels out of sheer curiosity — an encounter that stays with you long after you return to shore.

Fraser Island Boat Charters operates a diverse fleet of sailing catamarans and power vessels across a range of sizes, ensuring every group — from couples seeking a romantic escape to families chasing adventure — finds the right fit. The team brings deep, on-the-ground knowledge of the Great Sandy Strait, guiding guests through thorough pre-departure briefings so even first-timers feel confident on the water.

Hervey Bay is easily reached with direct flights from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, or a 3.5-hour drive north of Brisbane. Once you arrive, the water is waiting.