K’gari/Fraser Island

Day 1 – Queensland Arrival & Journey to Hervey Bay

Your adventure begins as students arrive into the sunshine of Queensland, either at Brisbane Airport or the Sunshine Coast. If time permits, there is the opportunity for stops along the way which we can tailor to align with the learning objectives of the group.

By the evening, the group will arrive in Hervey Bay, the gateway to Fraser Island. Students can settle into their accommodation and reflect on the day’s discoveries, resting up for the ferry crossing and island adventures that await the following morning.

Day 2 – Fraser Island Beauty Spots

After an early morning ferry ride from Hervey Bay, students arrive at Fraser Island, ready for an action-packed day of exploration. The island’s remarkable landscapes unfold as you embark on the Beauty Spots 4WD Tour, a journey that introduces students to the unique natural and cultural wonders of this World Heritage-listed island.

The first stop, Lake McKenzie, is a breathtaking freshwater lake surrounded by soft, pure white sand. Primary students can enjoy swimming or simply soaking in the pristine surroundings, while secondary and tertiary students might examine the lake’s formation, its rainwater ecosystem, and its role in the island’s delicate environment. Next, the group visits the Maheno Shipwreck on Seventy-Five Mile Beach, where students can explore the rusting remains of the once-majestic ship and reflect on Fraser Island’s maritime history and the forces of nature that shape this coastline.

The adventure continues at Eli Creek, a fast-flowing freshwater creek perfect for floating or wading, followed by a journey into Pile Valley, where towering hardwood trees and a vibrant rainforest floor create an almost magical environment. At the Wanggoolba Creek Boardwalk, students wander a 700-metre circuit surrounded by lush rainforest, listening for the calls of native birds, while Central Station Rainforest provides another opportunity to experience the island’s rich biodiversity.

The day concludes with visits to the Coloured Sands and Hammerstone Sandblow, natural formations that tell the story of Fraser Island’s geological history over hundreds of thousands of years. Primary students marvel at the colours and shapes of these natural wonders, while older students can explore the processes of erosion, sand deposition, and wind dynamics that have shaped the island.

After a full day of discovery, the group settles in for the night at Kingfisher Bay Resort, reflecting on the day’s adventures and preparing for further exploration tomorrow.

Day 3 – Whale Watching & Cultural Exploration on K’Gari

Day three begins with an unforgettable whale watching cruise in the calm, sheltered waters of the Great Sandy Strait, widely recognised as the whale watching capital of the world. Students have the incredible opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close, learning about their migratory patterns, behaviors, and the importance of marine conservation. For primary students, the experience sparks wonder and curiosity about marine life, while secondary and tertiary students can delve deeper into ecological concepts, including species conservation, habitat protection, and the impact of human activity on whale populations.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the history and culture of K’Gari. Students are welcomed by a ranger for a guided walk and talk, exploring the island’s unique ecosystems while learning about its traditional custodians and the rich Aboriginal heritage. The day is further enriched with a bush tucker talk and taste experience, allowing students to engage their senses while learning about indigenous plant use, survival techniques, and the cultural significance of local foods. Primary students enjoy interactive storytelling and hands-on experiences, while older students examine the historical, cultural, and environmental knowledge embedded in these practices.

By the end of the day, students leave with a deeper appreciation for K’Gari’s natural wonders, its cultural heritage, and the important role humans play in protecting such unique environments.

Day 4 – Farewell to K’Gari & Return to the Mainland

After a final breakfast on Fraser Island, students board the morning ferry for the journey back to River Heads. As the group travels down the Queensland coast, plenty of opportunities to explore the character and charm of the towns along the way await.

Depending on the group’s curriculum focus, stops can be made to enrich the day. For a taste of culture and history, Maryborough invites students to wander its historic streets and connect with its literary heritage, home of the beloved Mary Poppins. Along the coast, Noosa offers a chance to experience vibrant coastal ecosystems. In Gympie students might delve into the history of gold mining and explore the fascinating exhibits at the Gympie Gold Mining & Historical Museum.

For primary students, these stops provide engaging, hands-on experiences where they can interact with local wildlife, enjoy nature walks, and begin to understand the history and geography of the region through stories and observation. Secondary and tertiary students, meanwhile, have the opportunity to dig deeper, examining the economic and social impacts of gold mining in Gympie, the settlement of Maryborough, or the delicate balance of coastal ecosystems at Noosa.Farewell to K’Gari & Return to the Mainland