Fraser Island

QLD 4581 • Queensland

152
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
1659.42 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
CoastalNatureHistoricRemote
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About Fraser Island

Fraser Island — officially known by its Butchulla name K'gari (meaning 'Paradise') — is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the Wide Bay–Burnett region of Queensland approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane off the Hervey Bay coast. The island stretches 123 kilometres in length and up to 22 kilometres in width, covering approximately 1,655 square kilometres of extraordinary natural landscapes that include towering rainforest growing directly from sand, perched freshwater lakes, coloured sand cliffs and pristine beaches. The 2021 census recorded a permanent population of 152 residents, mainly associated with the resort settlements of K'gari (formerly Eurong), Happy Valley and Orchid Beach, with tourism and national park management being the primary economic activities. The island has been the sacred home of the Butchulla people for tens of thousands of years and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992 for its outstanding natural values.

Fraser Island/K'gari offers one of Australia's most spectacular natural tourism experiences, drawing over 400,000 visitors annually to its iconic 75 Mile Beach (a designated aircraft landing strip), crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, the Maheno shipwreck, the coloured Pinnacles sand cliffs and the lush Valley of the Giants rainforest. The island is accessible only by ferry or barge from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach, and all internal travel is by 4WD vehicle along sandy tracks and beach corridors. The resort village of Kingfisher Bay on the western shore provides the island's most developed accommodation and facilities, while the Great Sandy National Park covers the vast majority of the island's landmass. Permanent residents live in a unique island community shaped by extraordinary natural beauty, isolation and a deep connection to the environment.

Fraser Island falls under postcode 4581 and is governed by the Fraser Coast Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Hinkler, while state elections fall under the Hervey Bay electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4581
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-25.99°, 153.10°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
1659.42 km²
Population Density
0 /km²
Elevation
0m

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💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4581

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4581, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$36,493
Median 2023–24
$44,132
20.9% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$57,775

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4581; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Fraser Island Barges / Kingfisher Bay Ferry — Hervey Bay / Inskip Point (Rainbow Beach) ~45 min ferry from Hervey Bay to Kingfisher Bay; ~10 min barge from Inskip Point

Commute to Brisbane

Distance
250 km
By Train
Not available on island; nearest rail at Maryborough West (~70 km from Hervey Bay, ~3.5 hrs Brisbane by Tilt Train)
By Bus
Not available on island
By Car (Peak)
~3.5 hrs to Brisbane (ferry to Hervey Bay, then drive via Bruce Highway)
By Car (Off-Peak)
~3 hrs

🛣️ Fraser Island/K'gari is accessible only by ferry or vehicle barge. A 4WD vehicle is essential for all on-island travel. Hervey Bay (on the mainland) is the main service centre and gateway. No conventional road transport operates on the island.

Walkability Car Dependent

Internal travel on Fraser Island requires a 4WD vehicle. Resort areas like Kingfisher Bay village have walkable precincts, but most of the island's attractions are accessible only by 4WD on sandy tracks or 75 Mile Beach.

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
152
0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Fraser Coast Local Government Area, which contains Fraser Island. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
481 / 100k
Motor vehicle theft
244.5 / 100k
Non-FV assault
932 / 100k
Robbery (unarmed)
15.4 / 100k
Steal from vehicle
432.4 / 100k

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

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Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fraser Island known for? +

Fraser Island, known by its Butchulla name K'gari ('Paradise'), is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for 75 Mile Beach, Lake McKenzie's crystal-clear freshwater, perched freshwater lakes, ancient rainforest, and wild dingo sightings.

How do you get to Fraser Island? +

Fraser Island is accessible by vehicle ferry from Hervey Bay (1 hour) or Rainbow Beach (10 minutes). Air access is available via Orchid Beach airstrip. A 4WD is essential for navigating the sandy tracks.

Does Fraser Island have public transport? +

Fraser Island has no conventional public transport. Tour operators run guided tours, and ferry services connect to the mainland. A 4WD is essential for independent exploration of the island.

What is the population of Fraser Island? +

The 2021 Census recorded approximately 152 permanent residents on Fraser Island, mostly at Eurong, Happy Valley, Orchid Beach, and Cathedral Beach. The island receives over 400,000 visitors annually.

Is Fraser Island a good place to live? +

Fraser Island suits a small number of permanent residents who manage tourism operations or conservation, embracing an extraordinary natural island lifestyle. For most Australians, it is the ultimate nature-based holiday destination rather than a permanent residence.

What is the postcode for Fraser Island? +

The postcode for Fraser Island is 4581, covering the island and Cooloola area of Queensland's Wide Bay Region.

Is Fraser Island a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Fraser Island is part of the Fraser Coast LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.