Half-Day Beach Cruise, Lunch

From Hervey Bay: Half-Day K'gari Fraser Island Beach Cruise runs through Whalesong Cruises. Rated 4.7 across 323 reviews. Runs 5 hours. From A$160.

Overview

This half-day cruise from Hervey Bay crosses the clear water of the Great Sandy Strait to the west coast of K'gari (Fraser Island), one of the quieter sides of the island. Whalesong Cruises runs the trip on a purpose built vessel with a low carbon footprint, and the crossing itself is part of the experience: dolphins, turtles and dugongs live in these waters, and morning tea is served while you keep watch from the deck.

Depending on tides and weather, the boat lands either on a protected west coast beach or on Pelican Bank, a sandbank in the strait with exceptionally clear water. Once ashore, the time is yours. Kayaks, snorkel gear and tube rides are all carried on board, along with beach gear, so you can swim, paddle, walk the sand or settle in for a relaxed few hours. Reviews repeatedly mention the range of activities, from tubing to beach cricket, and several families said their kids wore themselves out and did not want to leave.

The return leg doubles as lunch. An Aussie BBQ is prepared on board, with steak, sausages, Hervey Bay prawns, salads and fresh bread rolls, and cold drinks can be bought at the licensed bar. The whole outing runs about five hours from the Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, which makes it a workable option for travellers who want a taste of K'gari without committing a full day. It suits families, couples and anyone after a relaxed mix of water play and beach time.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the marinaMake your own way to Great Sandy Straits Marina, 17 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan, Hervey Bay. Hotel transfers are not included but can be arranged for an extra fee.
2. Cruise across the straitCross the clear water toward K'gari, watching for dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Morning tea is served during the crossing.
3. Beach time on K'gariLand on the protected west coast or at Pelican Bank, depending on tides and weather. Swim, kayak, snorkel, take tube rides, walk or relax with the beach equipment provided. This stop, with the full day's activities, spans the 5 hour tour duration.
4. BBQ lunch on the returnAn Aussie BBQ lunch is served on the way back, featuring steak, sausages, Hervey Bay prawns, salads and bread rolls. Cold drinks are available for purchase at the licensed bar.
5. Return to the marinaThe boat arrives back at Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this trip before you book.

• Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included in the ticket price. The meeting point is Great Sandy Straits Marina, 17 Buccaneer Dr, Urangan, and return transfers can be arranged at an additional cost per person.
• What to pack. Bring swimwear, a towel, a sun hat, sunglasses and a camera. Sunscreen and drinking water are supplied on board, along with kayaks, snorkels and beach equipment, so you do not need your own gear. Insect repellent is also recommended.
• Pace and fitness. Shore activities require a level of fitness and coordination, and the listing notes that guests with physical or medical impediments may struggle with certain activities, which are undertaken at the guest's own risk. That said, the day is flexible. Several reviewers said they simply chilled on the beach while others paddled or tubed.
• Food and drink. Morning tea and the BBQ lunch are included, and reviewers consistently praise the food, with one calling it excellent and another amazing. Drinks are not included but can be purchased at the licensed bar on board.
• The crew. Reviewers across the board describe the staff as attentive, friendly and helpful. One traveller noted the crew set up camp chairs, a shade tent and drinks on the beach, and several said the crew made the day feel easy and well run.
• Weather flexibility. The landing spot is decided on the day based on tides and weather, so you may go ashore on the west coast of K'gari or at Pelican Bank instead. The listing frames both as good options for beach and water activities, so treat the destination as the crew's call.

Common issues. The landing point can change on the day, and one reviewer said they would have liked to see more around the island given the time available. Drinks are not included and neither are hotel transfers, which cost extra. Shore activities demand some fitness and coordination, and the listing warns that guests with physical or medical impediments may struggle with parts of the day, at their own risk. Pets and smoking are not allowed on board.

Before You Book Anything