Moreton Island Vs Fraser Island, Which one is better to visit?

Welcome to Southeast Queensland, where you’ll find the state’s capital, Brisbane, and the famous Gold Coast. However, this area of Queensland is also known for having the four largest Sand Islands in the world. While that’s unique on its own, today, I’ll compare Moreton Island vs Fraser Island and which one will be better for you to visit. 

As a whole, I love visiting both, and as a Brisbane local, I’ve been to them many times. However, there is some difference and I’m going to detail most of that for you today. I hope this allows you to choose which one is the best to consider from your group, family, budget, and time and situation.

Please read on, and let’s explore the differences!

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Moreton Island Vs Fraser Island – Which one is better for you to visit?

Key Takeaways:
If you’re asking me, I think both deserve a visit! But, Moreton Island is better for a day trip and snorkelling locations like the Tangalooma Wrecks. On the other hand, Fraser Island is UNESCO Heritage listed, several unique attractions, but will need more time to see it.

Todays post will look deeper how easy they both are to get to, accommodation, weather, camping facilities, and organised tour options. Not only that, but what there is to do there and what unique sites to see. In turn, this will help you decide between Moreton Island Vs Fraser Island.

How big are they?

Fraser Island (K’Gari) is the largest sand Island in the world, at roughly 1655 square kilometres in size. Not only that, but it contains one of the very few rainforests growing in sand.

On the other hand, Moreton Island is 186 square Kilometres in size and is the third largest sand Island in the world. Consequently, this is about 10% of the size of Fraser (K’Gari), but that doesn’t mean it’s an Island you can walk around.

Note: Stradbroke Island (275 square Klm) is the second largest Sand Island in the world, and Bribie Island (148 square Klm) is the fourth largest.

Do you need a 4WD?

Truth is, you can access both Moreton Island and Fraser Island with and without a 4WD vehicle. However, without your own Four Wheel Drive vehicle does come with some limitations. Let me explain this in more detail below.

Do I need a 4WD to get to Moreton Island?

As a whole, a lot of tourists visiting Moreton Island can travel by passenger ferry. It’s only a short walk from the Jetty where you’re dropped off, and the Resort and facilities are right there. While there, you are limited to using the facilities of the Tangalooma Island Resort, the day tours they provide, or walking down to explore the Shipwrecks.

On the other hand, if you’re camping on Moreton Island, you’ll take the car ferry and drop off straight on the beach. The drop-off point will be on the other side of the Shipwrecks, away from the Resort. This section will definitely require a 4WD vehicle, and permits apply.

In the end, there are options if you don’t have your own Four Wheel Drive Vehicle, have limited time, or want help seeing the sites. Organised tours leave Brisbane almost every day to Moreton Island and these vary in things to do from Snorkelling the wrecks, exploring the Island, and boarding down the sand dunes.

➡  Book Moreton Island Tours with Get Your Guide HERE, or find more options by clicking HERE, for Viator.

Do I need a 4WD to get to Fraser Island?

As for Fraser Island, from Hervey Bay, you can catch the passenger ferry from River Heads and get dropped off at the Islands Jetty. For those staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort, you will have a courtesy shuttle drive you to reception and check-in. From here, you’re limited to the resort facilities, organised tours around the Island, or hiring a 4WD vehicle for ½ or full day to see the sites.

If you’re camping on Fraser Island or staying anywhere else apart from Kingfisher Bay Resort, you will definitely need a 4WD. Although, you will have the option to travel on the barge from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.

From Rainbow Beach, you can drive your 4WD to Inskip Point and catch the Mantaray Barge, which will drop on the southern tip Beach of Fraser Island. This allows you to drive straight up the east coast onto all the best sites. From there, you can reach your accommodation and see the Fraser Island highlights in your own time.

Without a 4WD or you have limited time, then there are organised tour options leaving from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, and Rainbow Beach every day. These average from one or two-day tours and will arrange your accommodation if needed.

➡  Compare prices for Fraser Island Tours with GetYourGuide HERE, or you can find more options by clicking HERE for Viator.

Handy Tip: Know that some organised tours have priority on Barge ferry’s over to the Islands or booked in advance. This helps stick the tour to its schedule and allows you the most time on Island itself.

Which is closer to Brisbane?

If you’re basing yourself in Brisbane, then rest assured that you can easily travel to Moreton and Fraser Island. However, when you round it down to distance, Moreton Island is clearly the winner.

Moreton Island lies 57 kilometres off the coast of Brisbane and takes 1.5 hours to ferry across from Pinkenba.

While Fraser Island requires travelling north to Rainbow Beach (240klms) or Hervey Bay (288klms), then taking the short (10 or 30 min) Ferry across to the Island.

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Is One day enough to see either?

If you’re planning to drive yourself to Moreton Island or Fraser island, one day wouldn’t be enough or worth it. The cost alone for permits and ferry transfers would be excessive and limit what you can see in that amount of time.

If you only have one day, then organised Tour options are available for Moreton Island (From Brisbane) and Fraser Island (From Brisbane, Hervey bay, and Rainbow Beach). While you’re still limited to a few highlights and sites on the Islands, it is a way more cost-effective way to see them in one day.

Can you access them without a Tour?

Yes, you can access both without a Tour, but still, you are limited to the resort facilities. Therefore, I would recommend it to be more worthwhile on Moreton Island than on Fraser Island.

Moreton Island’s highlights are generally surrounding the Tangalooma Island Resort itself. This includes the beach, snorkelling the wrecks, helicopter flights, ATV tours, or Wild dolphin feeding. You can catch the first passenger ferry to Moreton Island in the morning, enjoy a full day of activities around the Resort and depart on the last ferry home.

You will need a Free “Casual Day pass” booked online through Tangalooma Island Resort, before arriving.

On the other hand, Fraser Island’s major highlights are contained in the rainforest, sand dunes, and beaches. This is all Four-Wheel Drive-only territory, so limiting yourself to the Kingfisher Bay Resort would be missing out on these fantastic sites.

Can you access Resort facilities when camping or not staying at the Resorts?

Yes, both Moreton Island (Tangalooma Resort) and Fraser Island (Kingfisher Bay & Eurong K’Gari Resort) allow you to use the resort facilities, when you’re not staying there. This includes the restaurants and swimming pools etc. 

➡  Check and compare prices for Booking.com Hotels HERE

In the case of Tangalooma Resort on Moreton Island, you will need a Casual Day pass booked online beforehand.

How much does it cost to get there?

Please note: These are average prices or values based on my research. Variations are based on companies, suppliers, locations, high seasons, and general changes.

Moreton Island

Adult (1) passenger Ferry: $95 Return to the Resort or $76 to the Wrecks (one of the cheapest ways to get there)

Standard 4WD Vehicle:  From $110 to $160 one way depending on Times and seasons, along with an extra charge for each person travelling with the Car.

Standard 4wd Vehicle towing Camper: extra $115 to $170 one way (on top of Vehicle $$) depending on length.

Ferry Times: Depending on Peak or off-peak season, this can run 1, 2, or 4 times a day. Suggest booking well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Permit: Monthly and Yearly Permits can be purchased through Mulgumpin Camping or the QLD parks website, roughly $57.80 for one month

Camping Fees: $7.25 per adult per night

Adult (1) Ticket on an organised Day trip Tour: $110 to $250 depending on what activities are involved in the tour

➡  Book Moreton Island Tours with Get Your Guide HERE, or find more options by clicking HERE, for Viator.

Fraser Island

Adult (1) passenger Ferry: $65 Return

Standard 4WD Vehicle: $130 return with passengers from Rainbow Beach. $205 to $230 return per Vehicle from Hervey Bay based on Peak/Off Peak times

Standard 4wd Vehicle with towing: $230 to $260 depending on Camper or caravan from Rainbow beach. $280 to $300 return per Vehicle from Hervey Bay based on peak/off-peak times

Ferry times:  From Rainbow beach is about every 30 minutes from 6am to 5pm daily. From Hervey Bay is 4 times daily, with 2 in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.

Permits: $57.80 for one month of Fraser Island Access permit.

Camping Fees: $7.25 per adult per night

Adult (1) Ticket on an organised 1-Day Tour: From $110 to $250, depending on your activities and the tour company.

Adult (1) Ticket on an Organised 2-Day Tour: From $450 to $570 depending on Tour Company

➡  Compare prices for Fraser Island Tours HERE with GetYourGuide, or HERE for Viator.

Attractions or Things to do?

While both Sands Islands, they have some very distinctive differences. Apart from swimming in the ocean or fresh waters lakes, you can see and do some of the things below:

Things to do at Moreton Island

• Snorkelling the Tangalooma Shipwrecks
• Diving the Wrecks
• Wild Dolphin Feeding
• Parasailing
• ATV tours and the sand dunes
• Sand Boarding and exploring sand dunes
• Helicopter Flights
• See the Cape Moreton Lighthouse
• Swim at Blue Lagoon
• Explore the World War 2 remnants
• Climb to Five hills lookout

Fun Fact: Did you know that the original Scooby Doo Movie with Sarah Michelle-Gellar and Freddy Prince Jr was filmed around Tangalooma Island Resort. The stars themselves actually stayed in this ECO Resort while on Moreton Island.

Things to do at Fraser Island

• Explore the Rainforest & the Valley of the Giant Trees
• Wabby Creek Swimming
• Eli Creek fresh water swimming
• The Pinnacles Rock formation
• Admire the SS Maheno Ship Wreck on the beach
• Fixed wing plane flights
• Swim in the Champagne Rock pools
• Walk to the top of Indian Head
• Drive 75-mile beach
• Swim at Lake McKenzie
• See the Australian Dingo
• See the Sandy Cape lighthouse

When is the best time to visit?

With a warm tropical climate, either island is good to visit at any time of year. However, the Summer Season from December to February will be hot and humid, with higher Rainfall. While the Winter Season, from June to August, will have beautiful sunny days, delightful weather, but colder waters.

Most of the activities on either Island will require some sort of swimming. Suppose that is what you intend to do. In that case, this means visiting around the shoulder summer season might be the optimal time, like October, November, March, and April.

How many days do you need?

At an absolute minimum, I think you could see Moreton Island’s and Fraser Island’s highlights in one day. Although, this would be arranged on an organised tour ONLY.

Trying to do either on your own is costly and harder to organise, and you will probably not see the highlights. The downside to tours will be you’re rushed and travel for an extended part of the day.

Ideally, I prefer at least 2 days and 1 night on either Island. You can book the return ferry with Moreton Island and stay in the Tangalooma Island Resort. Consequently, enjoy all the facilities available in your own time around Resort or snorkelling the wrecks. As for Fraser Island, this 2-day 1, night situation would be easier arranged on an organised tour ONLY.

If you own a 4WD or can hire one on a camping trip for Moreton Island or Fraser Island, then 1 week is the perfect time to spend on either. You could pick new and exciting sites to see each day while exploring some of the best Islands Queensland offers.

Is there Phone reception, data service, or Wi-Fi?

Yes, there is phone reception or data service on both. However, there are limitations depending on your SIM provider (preferably Telstra)and where you are on the Island. Most Data or Phone services will be around Resorts and restaurants. This is also where you’ll find the Wi-Fi availability, which might only be available for guests to resorts.

Can you drink the Water?

Yes, you can drink the water at the Resorts on both Moreton Island and Fraser Island. However, it’s best to boil the water in the camping areas beforehand or bring your own.