Why you’ll love an eco-escape at Fraser Island’s Kingfisher Bay Resort
Looking to dodge the daily grind? Maybe carve out some quality time together? If glorious scenery and sunset cocktails hit the spot for you, meet nature-based eco retreat Kingfisher Bay Resort. An island getaway designed to delight adventurers and those just planning to unwind in paradise.
The island
Also known as Fraser Island, K’gari is located off the Queensland coast near Hervey Bay. The name translates to ‘paradise’ in the language of traditional owners, the Butchulla people. Little wonder why. This natural wonderland is the world’s largest sand island. No sealed roads. And no shortage of epic landscapes you won’t find anywhere else. We’re talking ancient rainforest growing on sand dunes, a 75-mile-long beach, and a hidden freshwater lake with the whitest sand this side of Whitehaven.
The experience
Kingfisher Bay is tucked away in World Heritage wilderness on the island’s sheltered west coast (aka: the sunset side). Step off the ferry and it’s just a short walk, or buggy ride, to reception and on to your chosen accommodation.
As well as hotel rooms and hillside villas, the resort offers private holiday houses — one housed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Megs) during their 2018 visit. You’ll also find four lagoon-style swimming pools, tennis courts, and a general store that sells everything from wine and snacks to souvenirs and swimsuits.
Aside from the obvious natural beauty, the resort’s charm lies in the mix of excellent facilities onsite and the thrilling off-road adventures beyond. Wake up to soul-stirring bush views, hit the breakfast buffet, and head out in an air-conditioned, custom-designed 4WD coach to explore the sandy trails that criss-cross the island. Round out the day with a swim or a massage and find your happy place sipping a cocktail in the golden glow of sunset on the western beach.
Tip: For the ultimate couple’s escape at Kingfisher Bay, skip the school holiday rush and book off-peak (also the best time to snap up a deal!).
Best room for two
Fancy a bubbly hot spa after a day of 4WDing? A spacious Two Bedroom Spa Villa is like a recharge station for your island adventures and comes complete with a full kitchen and laundry. Relax among the treetops on the private deck (home to the spa!) where your morning coffee comes with a side of bushland views and birdsong. The King Bay Resort Hotel Rooms are also ideal for couples, each with a private balcony and sun lounges, a comfy king bed, 50-inch flat-screen tv, and views out to the Great Sandy Strait.
Food & drink
With four bars (Sunset, Rainforest, Maheno, and Sand) and three restaurants, you’ll always find a place to indulge. Signature restaurant Seabelle is perfect for a special dinner while the more casual Sand & Wood offers all-day dining with views over the pool and surrounding bushland.
If you’re keen to sample a few bush-tucker flavours, check out the Tastes of Australia program where you can try native ingredients and find out how to use them at home.
Tip: Come sunset, you’ll want to enjoy your Aperol Spritz at the Sunset Bar, looking west over the Great Sandy Strait. Head towards the shoreline and pull up a beach bean bag, ready to snap the perfect K’gari sunset.
Spa days
Balance your 4WD adventures with a little R&R at the Island Day Spa. The menu of nourishing treatments and soothing spa rituals is inspired by the island, utilises natural Australian products from Organic Spa and Perfect Potion, and includes indulgent options for couples.
Tip: Try the Sand Dune Dream: salt body scrub, massage, and soothing hair and scalp therapy. Heaven!
8 couple-approved adventures
1. Tour the Beauty Spots
See the bucket-list sites of K’gari on a ranger-guided, full-day 4WD tour. It includes stops at Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, the Maheno shipwreck, and the great sandy highway of 75 Mile Beach.
2. Cruise into a sunset session
Step aboard the Sea Explorer, pick up a glass of bubbles, and sail into the sunset. So romantic!
3. Take a self-guided stroll
Unwind your mind on the island’s myriad trails, including the Wanggoolba Creek rainforest walk. Or reconnect with a long beach stroll, just the two of you.
4. Enjoy Australia’s best whale watching
Welcome to the best place in Australia to spot a humpback whale in the wild. These majestic creatures don’t just ‘pass through’ this region, they use the sheltered waters to socialise, relax, and nurture their young (the season runs from August to October).
5. Dive into Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)
Bring your sunnies because the silica-rich sand surrounding this freshwater lake is truly dazzling! Located in the middle of the island, Boorangoora’s cool, translucent water is ideal for a refreshing swim.
6. Float down Eli Creek
Eli Creek is a popular picnic and swimming spot on the eastern side of the island, with pristine, swift-flowing water and a boardwalk that follows the creek inland through banksia and pandanus. BYO inflatables.
7. Take a private 4WD tour
Why share your ride when you can enjoy a curated itinerary and a private tour experience? Add a picnic hamper to create the perfect K’gari adventure for couples.
8. Get bubbly in the Champagne Pools
Adventure to the other side of the island for one of K’gari’s coolest swimming spots. Named for the ‘fizz’ created by crashing ocean waves, the Champagne Pools are natural volcanic formations where you can also snorkel at low tide.
Tip: Hire your own 4WD for the ultimate adventure, visiting the Champagne Pools and many more K’gari attractions.
And what about weddings?
It’s easy to see why couples adore Kingfisher Bay Resort for a beautiful destination wedding experience. The retreat was even inducted into the Australian Bridal Industry Academy Hall of Fame this year — for winning Best Resort Reception Venue QLD for five years! Plus, they were named Best Resort Reception Venue for 2021.See the dedicated K’gari Weddings website for more.
Getting here & getting around:
It’s easy to get to K’gari. The launch point is around 3.5 hours’ drive north of Brisbane. From the Mainland Reception at River Heads, it’s just a 50-minute ferry ride to the island, with four daily services back and forth. And don’t worry, there are two decks, a licensed bar, and snacks available onboard to get you into holiday mode. With direct flights on offer from Sydney and Brisbane, airport transfers and shuttle services are also available from Hervey Bay Airport.
You don’t need your own 4WD to enjoy K’gari as Kingfisher Bay offers an excellent selection of ranger-guided tours, including access to a few hidden treasures. However, if you’re keen to take the wheel, a suitable clearance is required so contact the resort for more info about 4WD hire.
Plan your romantic island eco-escape at Kingfisherbay.com
