Via Rainbow Beach is the best way to get to Orchid Beach as Vehicle Barges depart from Inskip Point continuously in daylight hours. (the barges from Hervey Bay are limited to 3 trips per day and are often difficult to synchronise with tides. It is also a bumpy and slow trip across the island)
Before leaving Rainbow Beach you need to purchase a permit from the QPWS Office (at Rainbow Beach). We suggest topping up fuel, buying a map and a tyre pressure gauge. It is essential to have 4WD with high clearance.
Note: You can 4WD from Noosa to Rainbow Beach along North Shore beach at dead low tide, however this route can be dangerous and is particularly dependent on beach conditions and tide height. This route is not recommended for novices.
Allow 15 mins to drive from Rainbow to Inskip Point , 15 mins waiting, 15 minutes for the ferry trip and then 2-3 hrs to Orchid Beach (100km). Deflate tyres BEFORE driving on to beach.
Only travel in daylight. Try to travel as close to low tide as possible and always within 3 hrs of low tide.
For first time visitors the National Parks links below are worth looking at.
About Fraser Island
Road rules and safety