Famously known as the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is a World Heritage-listed island along the south-eastern coast in Queensland, Australia. The island is 120 km (75 miles) long and 25 km (15 miles) at the widest point. The nearest large town is Hervey Bay but you can access the island via 4WD from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. There are multiple ways to experience the island, either a guided tour, self-drive (4WD access only), small aircraft or bareboating! There are so many beautiful places to see on the island and my personal favourite is the western side. The wildlife, the pristine beaches with clear turquoise water, white sand and exclusivity of not having many people around, it is a great way to escape the crowds.

bareboat defintion: a boat chartered without its professional crew.

You can hire a yacht at Fraser Island Boat Charters or Sweet Escape Yacht Charters located in Hervey Bay on the beautiful Fraser Coast. I’ve only been bareboating with FIBC but I’ve heard only good things about Sweet Escape.

Yes, you read that correctly. The experienced skippers will teach you everything that you need to know and they are only a call away if you need assistance. It may seem overwhelming but trust me, it is actually really easy once you get going. If you don’t feel up to it, there is an option to hire a private skipper to join you.

Once you learn everything about the vessel and go through the protocols, you will head north to explore the beauty of the western side of K’gari. My favourite anchorage spot is Wathumba Creek. If you are familiar with the Whitsundays, it is the Whitehaven beach of K’gari. When the tide is right, you will see white sandy swirls (see below) with an array of sea-life right at your footsteps. It is the perfect spot to swim with rays, turtles and enjoy the sunset. Arch Cliff, Moon Point and Pelican Bank are my other favourite spots to explore that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

The minimum hire is for 3 nights but I highly recommend booking 4 or more nights to get the full experience. There are many spots to enjoy, explore and reconnect. If you get a group of friends, you can split the costs and it’s an affordable experience that you will remember forever.

Thousands of humpback whales come to the Fraser Coast between July-October. If you can and have the opportunity, I would 100% recommend booking a boat charter during this time. I’ve done whale tours in the area which are fantastic but having your own personal yacht and spotting these beauties is a whole other level! It was definitely a pinch me moment having breaches only meters away from our boat. The whales mate and give birth in the Southern Great Barrier Reef so you have a high chance to see a calf and its mumma. I think I might of shed a tear when this little fella breached in front of us (see photo below).

* If you are here during whale season, just make sure you are aware of the rules when it comes to whales and other boats.

• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Binoculars – these come in handy for whale season!
• Camera gear
• Paddle boards – first ask if they provide them
• Snorkel Gear
• Beach Towel
• Warm clothing for the evening as it can get pretty cold. I also wish I brought a big blanket.
• Music playlist – make sure it is downloaded because you might not have reception
• Reusable drink bottle
• Ice (sometimes an ice machine is provided but I find it doesn’t make enough)
• Food and Beverages (water is provided but I recommend bringing more)
• Reef Safe Sunscreen (don’t forget SPF for your lips)
• Bug Spray

On board there is generally a full equipped kitchen. Make sure to double check before you do your shop. On both yachts I’ve been on with Fraser Island Boat Charters (Indigo & K’gari Breeze) there has been a fridge, small oven, freezer, esky, stove top, & a gas BBQ.

Tip ~ to make your life easier and more organised, do your grocery shop online and pick up in Hervey Bay right before getting on the boat. That way everything is cold and ready to go!

Our Easy Yacht Meal Ideas:

~ Breakfast: Coffee/tea & Biscuits, Yogurt, fruit & Granola, Eggs & Bacon &  Toast
~Lunch: Wraps, Cheese Board & Dips
~Dinner: Tacos, Pasta, Burgers, BBQ night (snags, kebabs, chips, potato salad), Mexican Bowls
~Snacks: Nuts, Chips, Cookies, Fruit
~Alcoholic Drinks: Pina Coladas (bring a blender), Bloody Mary’s, Mr. Consistent Cocktail Mixers, Beer & Wine

taken on a Canon AE-1 Program