If you are looking for the best Fraser Island day trip from Hervey Bay where you get to explore the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of the island, then the Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Experience tour is for you!
Fraser Island (K’Gari)
Fraser Island (K’Gari) is the world’s largest sand island located in Queensland, Australia. It is a World Heritage Area known for it’s spectacular natural beauty and is therefore a very popular place for tourists. Tourists however usually just stick to the east coast of the island as it is easier to access and this is where the majority of the tourist sites are.
Venture out to the west side of Fraser Island though, and you will discover a hidden paradise full of the best untouched remote beaches and just a sprinkling of people. It is estimated that for every 700 tourists on the east coast of Fraser Island there is one tourist on the west side. That’s just how secluded Fraser Island’s west coast is!
I used to think the east coast of Fraser Island was the more picturesque as more people visit it, but after visiting both sides, I can say that the beaches along the west coast of Fraser Island are really the best spots on the whole of the island. The west coast of Fraser Island is extremely beautiful yet there are no crowds here as it is quite remote and difficult to access compared to the more popular eastern side of the island. This then makes it the perfect place to visit on a day trip if you only have one day to visit Fraser Island (K’gari) from Hervey Bay.
As Fraser Island is a sand island (yes, the highway here is sand, not a road!) 4WDs are the only types of cars permitted on Fraser Island – all other vehicles are prohibited. Therefore it can be quite difficult to access if you don’t have your own 4WD.
There are 4WD tours on the east coast of Fraser Island but there are no 4WD tours that go onto the west coast of the island. And you can’t even rent a 4WD to get across to the west coast as it is prohibited to bring a rental vehicle to the west coast of Fraser Island as too many rental cars were getting washed away with the tide and insurance companies were shelling out too much money. So if you want to drive to the west coast of Fraser Island you can only do so with your own 4WD, which indeed makes it tricky and explains why so few people make it across to the west coast of Fraser Island.
Why You Need To Do The Remote Fraser Island Day Trip With Tasman Venture
Tasman Venture takes all those logistical problems away of how to visit the remote west coast of Fraser Island, as they have a one day boat trip leaving from Hervey Bay: The Remote Fraser Island Experience. No 4WD is required – just bring your beach bag!
Going on the Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island trip from Hervey Bay is by far the most convenient, time-effective and easiest way to get to Fraser Island’s west coast. It’s also the safest and most relaxing as someone is doing all the navigating for you, so you just have to sit back and enjoy the ride!
If you’re short on time to see the west coast of Fraser Island or want to see it in the most economical way, booking a Remote Fraser Island Experience with Tasman Venture is definitely the way to go. I had the best time on this trip and honestly can’t rate it high enough.
Even if you do have your own 4WD, by visiting the west coast of Fraser Island with Tasman Venture you save money as you don’t need to pay fees like the ferry to bring your car across to Fraser Island, the Vehicle Access Permit or the Camping Permit, which are all required if you stay on Fraser Island. Plus petrol of course.
In addition, if your trip falls within mid July to mid October, on the same day trip Tasman Venture will do whale watching and you will possibly get to swim with the humpback whales! Booking a Remote Fraser Island Experience with Tasman Venture is definitely the way to go if you don’t want to do a whole day of whale watching, but want to have an action packed day trip and explore some unique places. The boat is also very fast so you spend less time travelling on the water, and more time with the whales and on Fraser Island. Win win right?!
Remote Fraser Island Day Trip With Tasman Venture From Hervey Bay
The Remote Fraser Island day trip takes you to some absolutely beautiful and secluded creeks, beaches and sand dunes. Along with the stunning locations you visit, Tasman Venture will also bring kayaks, snorkelling gear and an inflatable tube so there are plenty of activities to keep you busy when on Fraser Island!
The inflatable tube is like a giant inflatable chair that they attach to the back of the speedboat tender by a long rope. It is a LOT of fun whether you are young or old!
The staff really make this tour outstanding. They are so happy, upbeat, friendly and professional and they make a delicious lunch and morning/afternoon tea!
You will usually visit the three locations below ( just two of them if you are visiting during the whale watching season):
Bowarrady Creek
With an ancient sand dune to climb up, a freshwater tannin creek to swim in, crystal clear calm ocean waters, white sand and maybe just one or two campers around – Bowarrady Creek is simply stunning.
The staff will do a guided walk up the Bowarrady Blow sand dunes. Hike up these – it’s a steep climb but it’s not too high (and there’s a rope to help you climb up). It’s definitely worth the climb – the views are incredible from here!
You’ll them head over to the freshwater creek just behind the beach. It’s cold but it’s so fresh – go for a swim if you like! Even though the water appears brown – this is just from the tannin on the trees and you can actually drink this water. We also managed to see a dingo here whilst we were relaxing on the beach afterwards!
Afterwards we went snorkelling off the boat here and managed to spot a turtle and a stingray which was really amazing!
Awinya Creek
Another beautiful spot Tasman Venture visits on the Remote Fraser Island Tour is Awinya Creek. Just behind the beach is the creek known as Awinya Creek. Awinya Creek is another freshwater creek with tannins in the water, giving it the stained brown colour.
The staff will do a guided kayak over to the mangroves in the creek. This makes for a spectacular experience as you feel like you are in a different world when you are amongst the mangroves and tannin waters!
You’ll also have some time to relax on the beach afterwards – the pristine white sandy beach stretches for kilometres, it is so beautiful!
Wathumba Creek
Wathumba Creek is not only one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on Fraser Island, but it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Australia.
With swirling sands to resemble the iconic Whitsundays Hill Inlet (one of Australia’s most photographed beaches), yet without the hoards of people and tour groups, Wathumba Creek is so dreamy.
The scenery is just incredible, with perfectly clear turquoise waters and silica white sands that span for miles! Wathumba Creek transforms into a large ocean lake at high tide, and it’s a wonder more people don’t know about it!
The waters here are so crystal clear and incredibly calm in the creek, and the sand is so white! Whilst you’re here, check out the white shells on the beaches. Especially on the larger beach overlooking the bay there are hundreds of shells, all perfectly shaped and so white! Admire them, but remember don’t take any shells from the beach.
If you’re keen on snorkelling, do the guided snorkel here – where you can often spot turtles, stingrays and plenty of fish. Stick to snorkelling along the banks of the creek as much as possible this is where the marine life is!
The staff will do a guided kayak over to the mangroves and the tannin waters on the eastern side of the creek by the campsite. You’ll also have some time to relax on the beach afterwards.
Wathumba Creek is such a wonderful relaxing place full of beautiful scenery that you won’t want to leave by the end! I genuinely feel that the photos don’t do it justice to how stunning it is.
Usually on the whale watching tours, Tasman Venture doesn’t stop off at Wathumba Creek as it can be hard to time the tide and wind conditions to be optimal. It isn’t possible for Tasman Venture to visit Wathumba Creek during low tide as the sand bars will be exposed and the water is too shallow.
Tasman Venture will only take you to Wathumba Creek during high tide and if the conditions are right so, if it isn’t safe for Tasman Venture to stop at Wathumba Creek due to the tide and wind conditions they will make an alternate stop on Fraser Island!
When To Book The Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Trip
Book your tour with Tasman Venture at least a couple of weeks in advance as tours can often be sold out every day!
Naturally, weekends and school holiday dates book out quicker, so go mid-week if you are flexible with dates. Remember there are only 30 seats onboard Tasman Venture, so as soon as you know the dates you’ll be in Hervey Bay, book your tickets online! Don’t wait until you arrive in Hervey Bay as there may not be availability!
Don’t worry if you are visiting Hervey Bay in the months of November to July outside of the whale watching season, as Tasman Venture still runs the Remote Fraser tours year-round! When the whales aren’t in Hervey Bay, Tasman Venture will visit three stops on Fraser Island as opposed to the two it does during whale watching season, and you’ll get more time to stay at each spot and enjoy (plus it’s a lot warmer then!).
Swim With Humpback Whales In Hervey Bay With Tasman Venture
If you book your Tasman Venture west coast Fraser Island day trip between mid July and the end of October, chances are that you’ll get to see humpback whales really close!
Hervey Bay is known for it’s epic whale encounters. It is the world’s first Whale Heritage Site and is known as the whale watching capital of the world. It is also one of the few places in the world where you can swim with humpback whales!
There are several whale watching companies in Hervey Bay, ranging from half-day to full-day tours, however only a small handful of them offer the swim with whales experience where you can really get up close and personal with these gentle giants underwater – and Tasman Venture happens to be one of them – yay!
We were so fortunate to be able to swim with these majestic mammals when we visited in August, it really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget!
Tasman Venture is also the only full-day trip (9 hour trip) that offers whale swims. The other whale swim companies only offer half-day trips (around 6 hours) for a similar price. Plus of course you get to stop off and visit the beautiful west coast of Fraser Island whilst the skipper is on the lookout for more whales, so you really get your money’s worth with Tasman Venture!
What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Hervey Bay To Swim With Whales On The Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Tour?
In terms of what months of the year are best to visit the west coast of Fraser Island, it’s up to you. Tasman Venture runs the Remote Fraser Island tour all year round. The warmer months provide great weather, whereas the humpback whales are around during the winter months of July to October – even if you’ll probably need a wetsuit when you go for a dip in the ocean as the water is cooler.
The Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island tour happens throughout the year, however the humpback whales are only around during the winter months of July to October.
Mid July is when the whales start to come into the bay, with sightings increasing day by day. August is the perfect time to do the whale swim as this is when there are plenty of inquisitive juvenile whales in the bay and they are calm and curious about the boats.
When Are You Able To Swim With The Whales In Hervey Bay?
The Swim with Whales is a really special experience. However do bear in mind that whilst you will see whales on the tour between July and October, it may not always be possible to swim with them and a whale swim is never guaranteed. There are regulations and certain conditions in place that all the tour operators in Hervey Bay must abide to in regards to swimming with whales:
- Whales are wild animals and so the whale swim only happens on the whale’s terms and once the staff have deemed it is safe to do so (ie: adult whales exhibiting calm and curious behaviour, water isn’t too rough).
- You will need to gently slide into the water on the platform at the back of the boat with a snorkel on (don’t jump or splash as it will scare the whales!) and hold onto the rope at all times in the water. All whale swims in Hervey Bay require you to hold onto the rope at the back of the boat for your safety! Then all you have to do is float in the water and admire these beautiful creatures as they come to check you out!
- You aren’t allowed to swim with the baby whales.
Even if you don’t get to do the whale swim, the whale watching alone on the trip is incredible and absolutely worth it. The whale swim is just the cherry on top of the cake.
What Is Included On The Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Tour?
Lunch, morning and afternoon tea, use of wetsuits, snorkelling equipment, kayaks and tubing! Drinks are available to purchase onboard for a very reasonable price.
What To Bring On The Tasman Venture Remote Fraser Island Tour
Make sure you bring everything you need for a day at the beach. Suncream, sunglasses, swimming costume, a hat, towel, spare change of clothes, plus your camera and some money/card if you want to purchase drinks.
Food and drinks are available onboard so no need to bring any.
Is The Tasman Venture Trip Really Worth Going To Hervey Bay For?
You’re bound to have a great time if you head out on the Remote Fraser Island Tour with Tasman Venture! This really is a tour with a difference, with or without whales.
Everyone on our trip left the boat really happy and had a fantastic day, and we were all impressed at the amount of things we got to do throughout the day, whilst still feeling like the day went at a relaxed pace and wasn’t rushed. And I know for sure any other whale watching destination I visit just won’t compare to how my experience in Hervey Bay was!
The Tasman Venture tour departs from Urangan Marina at 07.30am and arrives back around 4.30pm. That’s 9 whole hours of fun. The trip costs $205 for adults and $130 for children and is worth every single cent. It was a very fun, stress-free day getting to see some amazing places and it was genuinely one of the best tours I have ever done in my whole life.
Where Is Tasman Venture Located In Hervey Bay?
Tasman Venture Tours depart from Great Sandy Straits Marina in Urangan, Hervey Bay. Click here for the Google maps location.
Parking is free at the marina all day and there are a few restaurants here if you fancy stopping for dinner or a glass of wine after your trip!
How To Get To Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay is located 3.5 hours drive north of Brisbane.
The easiest way to get to Hervey Bay is by flying into Hervey Bay airport (50 minute flight from Brisbane), or by car (3.5 hours drive from Brisbane).
This is much quicker than going to Hervey Bay by public transport as the Greyhound bus takes a long time (6.5 hours from Brisbane).