Flying to Hervey Bay

From Sydney/Melbourne with Virgin.
From Brisbane Airport. Sunstate Airlines (QANTAS) Ph.: (07) 330 89222                                     

Prior to departure you will need to purchase a visitors permit from the office at barge departure point or online here. Vehicle barges depart from River Heads travelling to Kingfisher or Woongoolba Creek. Woongoolba Creek destination provides a better road to east side of island. See Barge Times and costs. We recommend booking the barge in advance and that you buy a map of Fraser and a tyre pressure gauge before departure.

On arrival on Fraser drive to Eurong, turn left at the beach and head north, follow signs to Orchid Beach. Best to take the early barge as the whole trip takes about 3 hours. Travel in daylight and within 3hrs of low tide


Hervey Bay 4WD hire and insurance coverage.

Orchid Beach is about 10k north of Indian Head and classified as a "Remote area".

Not all 4WD drive hire companies will cover for car insurance north of Indian Head.

Companies in Hervey Bay that will cover your 4wd for insurance to Orchid Beach are Safari 4WD Hire  and (sometimes depending on 4wd experience) Fraser Magic 4WD hire.

Tides and timing

Flights to Hervey Bay are limited. It may be necessary to spend a night at Hervey Bay to allow time for provisioning and to secure 4WD hire car before barge departure.

Note you can only drive in daylight hours and within 3hrs of low tide. Tides at Waddy Point will give you local Orchid Beach tide times.

Accommodation in Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay Accommodation

Hervey Bay Caravan Park