The best Fraser Island boat hire ideas

Fraser Island has many claims to fame.

Like the fact it’s the world’s largest sand island, at 123km long. And it’s the only place on the globe where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes.

Or that it’s World Heritage listed alongside Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, recognised for its “exceptional natural beauty”. Sweeping stretches of white sandy beach, coloured sand cliffs, ancient dune formations, clear freshwater lakes and native flora and fauna – all in one place.

Now you’re just showing off, Fraser Island. We didn’t even get to mention the dingoes (yes, they roam freely on the island but as they’re protected it’s best to keep your distance).

Located off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, there’s a reason this slice of paradise has such a reputation as an eco-friendly holiday spot for nature lovers. K’gari, the island’s name given by the traditional owners, the Butchulla people, even means ‘paradise’.

Floatspace is proud to offer Fraser Island boat hire options to explore this piece of peaceful paradise, your way.

Fraser Island yacht hire, three ways

A Fraser Island yacht charter gives you the freedom to sail the waters without having to worry about navigation – you’ll have a captain and crew on any Floatspace private boat charter. All of these boats can be tailored to suit Fraser Island day trips, overnight stays, corporate functions, team building events, birthdays, engagements, hens and bucks’ parties and fishing excursions.

1. Indigo, an entry-level catamaran with a BBQ on board

Price and group size: From $187.50 per hour for up to 20 guests

Talk about bang for buck. This 10m Seawind 1000 catamaran is just perfect for those Fraser Island day trips with family or friends where you’re in your swimmers all day. It sleeps six to eight people in two cabins or 20 people for day charters. There’s an internal shower and toilet, a tender for beach stopovers, a fully equipped kitchen, safety equipment and that hallmark of any Aussie occasion worth celebrating: a BBQ on the back deck. Sail the Great Sandy Strait any time of the year, whether it’s school holidays or a weekend.

Hot tip: Pelican Bank is another sand island

2. Dream On. Or don’t! Just live the dream.

Price and group size: From $187.50 per hour for up to 20 guests

Like Indigo, Dream On is the stuff sailing dreams are made of. Sleeping four to six people across three cabins or allowing up to 20 people on board for events, Dream On is a catamaran that’s perfect for families, groups of friends and teams sailing the waters of Fraser Island. Features include a shower, a tender for beach stopovers, a full kitchen, a BBQ, safety equipment and just stunning views wherever you look, really.

3. Cattitude, for a scratch of the high life

Price and group size: From $250 per hour for up to 32 guests

‘Cattitude’ is the name of a Miley Cyrus song, but it’s also a luxury sailing catamaran that might make you feel as luxurious as Miley, even for a day. When it comes to boat hire on the Fraser Coast, this 42-foot vessel is a fine choice for exploring the crystal-clear waters and white sands of this stunning part of the world. It’s super spacious, with four double beds across four cabins, and two single beds across two cabins. Bring the whole family, get your friends together, find any excuse to take out this beautiful yacht in and around Fraser Island.

Oh, you want more Fraser Island activities?

Fraser Island holidays can be as laidback or action-packed as you like. Here are more things to do on Fraser Island, if you’re up for it:

• 4WD: 4WDs are the only vehicles permitted to drive on Fraser Island. Seventy-Five Mile Beach is a sand highway for four-wheel-driving where regular road rules apply – with a bit of input from tides, winds and dunes!
• Whale watching at Hervey Bay. Just three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Brisbane, Hervey Bay is an official Whale Heritage Site. In fact, it’s been dubbed the ‘Whale Watch Capital of the World’ with humpbacks migrating down south from August to October. All boats, including leisure boats, must stay at least 300m from the whales so they can do their thing in peace.
• Fishing: From the clear waters of Platypus Bay to the Great Sandy Strait, Fraser Island fishing spots are renowned for their diversity of species all year round.
• Go swimming at Lake McKenzie, one of the island’s most visited spots for its white silica sands and clear lake made up of only rainwater. The Champagne Pools are also popular for swimming, protected from the waves by rock formations.
• Hike the Great Sandy National Park’s beautiful 90km Great Walk. Explore great walks for different levels across the island, including Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Kingfisher Bay and the Valley of the Giants.