How do you get around the Fraser Coast?
Getting around the Fraser Coast is straightforward once you understand the lay of the land. The region stretches from the heritage streets of Maryborough to the whale-watching waters of Hervey Bay, with K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) just offshore and Lady Elliot Island a short flight to the south-east. Whether you're road-tripping from Brisbane, flying in from Sydney or Melbourne, or hopping a ferry to the world's largest sand island, there's a transport option to suit every style of travel. The most flexible approach for most visitors is self-drive — having your own wheels puts the entire region within easy reach.
Self-driving the Fraser Coast
The Fraser Coast is a comfortable three-hour drive — approximately 260 km — north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway (A1), with dual carriageway running as far as Gympie. Maryborough sits just off the main highway, while Hervey Bay is a further 30 km north-east on the coast. Hervey Bay's roads are generally easy to navigate, with clear signage and parking widely available near the beach and major attractions. If you're planning to venture beyond the main townships into the hinterland, the Great Sandy Strait foreshore communities, or the Burrum Coast, having your own vehicle is essential — distances between coastal communities and rural townships are considerable.
Car hire on the Fraser Coast
Several car hire companies operate in Hervey Bay, with many agencies located near Hervey Bay Airport and within the town centre. Major national brands as well as local operators offer a range of vehicles from compact cars for couples through to SUVs and people movers for families. If you're heading to K'gari, note that a standard passenger car is not permitted on the island — you'll need a 4WD. Some hire companies also offer automatic scooters that can be ridden on a standard car licence. Booking ahead is strongly recommended during peak periods and school holidays to ensure availability.
Exploring K'gari by 4WD
K'gari is strictly 4WD territory — the island's sandy tracks and beach highways make a capable four-wheel drive vehicle an essential part of the journey. Local 4WD hire operators, based in Hervey Bay's Urangan precinct, offer vehicles suitable for solo travellers, couples, and groups, with options including camping packages (with gear included) and essentials packages for those who already have their own equipment. Operators can also assist with ferry bookings and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service permits, taking the stress out of the logistics. If you'd prefer guidance on the island, some operators offer tagalong tours led by experienced guides.
Ferries to K'gari
The primary ferry service to K'gari runs daily between River Heads — about 15 minutes south of Hervey Bay's Urangan precinct — and Kingfisher Bay Resort on the island's western side. Passenger and vehicle barges operate on this route, meaning you can take your 4WD across with you. From Hervey Bay, follow Boat Harbour Drive, turn onto Elizabeth Street near Urangan, then follow River Heads Road all the way to the ferry loading area. From Maryborough, follow the Maryborough–Hervey Bay Road and look for River Heads Road signage after the Boral Road roundabout exit. All vehicles must check in approximately 20 minutes before departure. Ferries also depart from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach on the Sunshine Coast, depending on which part of the island you plan to explore. Once on K'gari, drivers should check tide times via the Bureau of Meteorology and keep off the beach for two hours either side of high tide.
Flying in and around the region
Hervey Bay Airport is serviced by Qantas with multiple 35-minute daily flights from Brisbane, while Jetstar offers direct services from both Sydney and Melbourne. Both airlines provide convenient connections from most Australian capital cities. For those wanting to experience the southern Great Barrier Reef, Seair Pacific operates scheduled flights between Hervey Bay and Lady Elliot Island — one of the most accessible coral cay experiences in Australia.
Public transport: buses, trains, and taxis
Queensland Rail operates regular daily services along the North Coast Rail Line from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns, stopping at Maryborough West and Howard stations on the Fraser Coast. Hervey Bay tickets include coach transfers to and from the bay. Greyhound and Premier coach lines run several north and southbound services each day to Maryborough and Hervey Bay, and private shuttle transfers are available linking the Fraser Coast with Brisbane Airport (both domestic and international terminals), Brisbane CBD, and Sunshine Coast Airport. Locally, Wide Bay Transit has been providing urban bus and coach services to the Fraser Coast community since 1960, covering Hervey Bay, Maryborough, and Burrum Heads–Craignish routes, as well as offering day tours for those who'd prefer to let someone else do the driving. Taxis and Uber both operate in Hervey Bay, with taxis available around the clock and capable of serving the airport, the K'gari ferry barge, the marina, and surrounding suburbs. Taxi services also operate in Maryborough.
Practical tips for getting around
For the most flexibility, hire a car on arrival — Hervey Bay's compact layout and easy coastal roads make it a pleasure to navigate. If K'gari is on your itinerary, arrange your 4WD hire and ferry booking in advance, particularly during school holidays and the whale-watching season (July to October) when demand peaks. Travellers with accessibility needs will find that several local hire and transport operators actively cater for wheelchair users and those with ambulant mobility requirements — it's worth checking with individual operators when booking. Browse the hire and transport operators listed on this page and click through to their websites to check availability and current details.