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Tour · K'gari

K'gari Day Tour

The whole island in one big, beautiful day — ferry across, then explore Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno wreck and the sand highway with a local guide at the wheel.

Guided 4WD day tour · Updated 31 May 2026 · By the Cooee Tours team

K'gari Day Tour · Lake McKenzie & the Maheno
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Duration
Full day approx. 10 hrs
Departs
Hervey Bay / Rainbow Beach
Group
Small group, guided
From
$235 per adult

This is the classic K'gari experience, distilled into a single day. We handle the barge crossing, the national park permit and the tide timing, then take you across the world's largest sand island in a comfortable 4WD with a guide who knows its stories.

It's a big day with a fair bit of beach and bush driving — and worth every minute.

Your day, stop by stop

  1. Morning

    Barge across

    Meet your guide, board the vehicle barge and cross to K'gari, swapping the mainland for sand tracks and beach highways.

  2. Mid-morning

    Rainforest & Central Station

    Walk a shaded boardwalk among giant satinay trees and the crystal-clear waters of Wanggoolba Creek.

  3. Midday

    Lake McKenzie

    Time to swim and relax at the island's famous perched dune lake, with its white silica sand and clear water.

  4. Lunch

    Seventy-Five Mile Beach

    Drive the sand highway along the eastern shore; lunch is included.

  5. Afternoon

    Eli Creek & the Maheno

    Float down fast, clear Eli Creek, then stop at the rusting hull of the SS Maheno for photos.

  6. Late afternoon

    Return barge

    Back across the barge to the mainland, tired and salty, with a camera full of K'gari.

What’s included

  • Return vehicle barge / ferry crossing
  • National park vehicle access permit
  • Guided 4WD transport on the island
  • Lunch and morning refreshments
  • Local guide and commentary
  • National park entry

Not included

  • Hotel pick-up outside listed points (enquire)
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities

What to bring

Bring swimmers and a towel, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), closed walking shoes, a light rain jacket, a refillable water bottle and a camera. Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek are the swimming stops, so wear your swimmers under your clothes.

Ready to see K'gari?

Check current dates and pricing, and we'll sort the ferry, permits and timing for you.

Common questions

Is the day tour suitable for kids?

Yes — it's a popular family day out, though it's long and involves a fair bit of 4WD driving on sand. Bring snacks and sun protection. Check minimum-age details when you book.

Do I need to bring anything for the ferry or permit?

No — the barge crossing and the national park vehicle access permit are included and arranged for you.

Will we see the Maheno shipwreck?

Yes — the Maheno on Seventy-Five Mile Beach is a standard stop, along with Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek.

Does the tour run year-round?

Yes, K'gari day tours operate throughout the year, subject to weather and tides.