K'gari (Fraser Island)
K'gari is accessible by 4WD and a vehicle access permit is required before driving there. A vehicular ferry operates. Rental vehicle rules vary, so ask your rental company whether the car may go there.
Hervey Bay car hire
Car rental desks are in Hervey Bay Airport's arrivals foyer, but are only manned during flight arrivals. Book in advance. The airport is about 10 minutes by car from the Esplanade. K'gari (Fraser Island) is accessible by 4WD and needs a vehicle access permit.
Updated
Hervey Bay Airport at a glance
- From Brisbane by road
- About three hours north along the Bruce Highway (A1) to the Fraser Coast
- Desks
- Arrivals foyer; manned only during flight arrivals
- Brands
- Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar
- To the Esplanade
- About 10 minutes by car; about 15 minutes to major shopping and commercial areas
- To Maryborough
- About 25 minutes by car
- K'gari access
- Accessible by 4WD; vehicle access permit required
Compare cars at Hervey Bay
Prices are shown in Australian dollars. Before you book, open the offer and check where that company's desk or depot is, the bond, and what the agreement says about the roads you plan to drive.
Preparing live car hire search
Picking up at Hervey Bay Airport
Six car rental companies operate from the arrivals foyer under seven brands; Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar share one phone number.
| Company | Where |
|---|---|
| Sixt | Desk in the terminal |
| Avis | Desk in the terminal |
| Europcar | Desk in the terminal |
| Budget | Desk in the terminal |
| Hertz | Desk in the terminal |
| Thrifty | Desk in the terminal |
| Dollar | Desk in the terminal |
arrivals foyer
Collecting the car
- 1
Book ahead because the rental desks are only manned during flight arrivals.
- 2
Walk to the arrivals foyer and find your company's desk.
- 3
If your flight is delayed or arrives at an unusual time, tell the rental company beforehand, since the desks are only manned during flight arrivals.
Returning the car
- 1
Return to the airport at Urangan following your rental company's instructions.
- 2
Allow for the roughly 10 minute drive from the Esplanade, or 15 minutes from major shopping and commercial areas.
Drives from Hervey Bay
Distances are approximate and measured along the road.
Maryborough
about 25 minutes
A short trip inland from the airport.
Brisbane
About 260 km to the Fraser Coast ยท about three hours
North along the Bruce Highway (A1). Hervey Bay is a further 30 km north-east of Maryborough.
Whale watching season
The whale watching season in Hervey Bay runs from June to November.
A coast itinerary extending north of the Fraser Coast may work better with a Rockhampton Airport pickup and a planned return branch.
For Bundaberg and coastal stops north of Hervey Bay, compare collecting at Bundaberg Airport with driving up from the Fraser Coast.
Guides for trips from Hervey Bay
Driving around Hervey Bay
K'gari vehicle permit
A vehicle access permit is required before driving on K'gari, Cooloola, Bribie Island, Moreton Island or Stradbroke Island recreation areas. Book through the Queensland Parks booking site.
Check park conditions
The K'gari park page directs visitors to check the conditions report for safety information before going.
Hervey Bay Airport car hire questions
Rental terms differ by company. Where an answer depends on your agreement, we say so.
Are there car hire desks at Hervey Bay Airport?
Yes, in the arrivals foyer: Sixt, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, Thrifty and Dollar. They are only manned during flight arrivals, and advance booking is advised.
Can I take a rental car to K'gari?
The island is accessible by 4WD and needs a vehicle access permit. Rental companies set their own rules on this, so ask yours whether they allow it.
How far is Hervey Bay Airport from town?
About 10 minutes by car from the Esplanade and 15 minutes from major shopping and commercial areas.
How far is Hervey Bay from Brisbane?
The Fraser Coast is about 260 km north of Brisbane, a three-hour drive along the Bruce Highway (A1). Hervey Bay is a further 30 km north-east of Maryborough.
Are there taxis and shuttles at Hervey Bay Airport?
Yes: Hervey Bay Taxis (131 008, 24/7), Hervey Bay Shuttle Bus, Uber and limousine services.
Nearby and often combined
Brisbane AirportGold Coast and Sunshine Coast both in reachSunshine Coast (airport and Noosa)Noosa, Maroochydore and the hinterlandMackay AirportEungella and the road northQueensland car hireEvery Queensland pickup, road rules and seasonsCar hire in AustraliaLicences, tolls and where to fly in, state by state
Compare Hervey Bay car hire
Search live prices in Australian dollars, then check the pickup point and conditions on the offer.