For the ultimate family adventure, it doesn’t get much better than K’gari! Formerly known as Fraser Island, “K’Gari”, which means “paradise” is a World Heritage listed island that will not disappoint.
If you are planning on staying on K’gari with the family – now you’re no doubt on the hunt for the best family friendly K’gari accommodation. The good news is there is a range of great places to stay on K’gari .
No matter what your style or budget, there is accommodation on K’gari for everyone. Options include luxury resorts, spacious holiday homes, and some great self contained cabins.
To help you choose the very best holiday accommodation K’gari has for your family getaway, this guide covers a range of different options. There is also a map so you can see exactly where the different places are and a table to easily compare the different choices.
So let’s get into it and find you the best place to stay on K’gari for your family holiday!
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K’gari Accommodation Map
While you can camp in a million different places across the island, there are fewer areas to stay in terms of holiday accommodation on K’gari.
Below I’ve given a brief overview of the different areas where you can stay on K’gari so that you can choose the perfect location for your family holiday. I’ve also included a map which covers the different places reviewed in this guide.
Kingfisher Bay
Located on the west side of the island, Kingfisher Bay is the only area with accommodation on this side of the island. Here you will find the beautiful Kingfisher Bay Resort, which is very popular for families wanting a resort type getaway.
In terms of getting around, you are a little bit isolated at Kingfisher Bay as most of the island’s attractions are located on the eastern side. So if you want to get out and explore as much as you can of the island, Kingfisher Bay is probably not ideal. However, it is a great spot if you just plan on joining one or two day tours.
Eurong
Eurong is the first town you will come across on the east side of the island. This makes it the perfect location for those families coming across for a few days. From here you can easily explore the island’s southern attractions such as Lake McKenzie and Lake Birrabeen. It’s also easy enough to drive over to Kingfisher Bay or up to Eli Creek.
Eurong is home to the large Eurong Resort and a few smaller places like Beach Houses. There is also a range of holiday rentals here too.
In Eurong there is a fully stocked general store, petrol station, bakery, restaurant and bar.
Happy Valley
For families that want a super central spot on the east coast, so they can easily explore all the island’s attractions, then I can highly recommend staying in Happy Valley. From here you can easily drive to all the island has to offer.
There aren’t any big fancy resorts at Happy Valley, but you will find a few smaller complexes as well as plenty of holiday homes.
Happy Valley also has a fully stocked general store, a petrol station, restaurant and bar.
Cathedrals on Fraser
While not a town, Cathedrals on Fraser is a huge campground with some great self contained cabins – so I couldn’t leave it off this guide. It is located a little further north from Happy Valley and so is another excellent option for families after a central spot on the east coast.
Besides self-contained cabins, Cathedrals on Fraser also has a great general store on site with plenty of grocery items and petrol, cafe, and bottle shop.
Orchid Beach
For those families wanting to spend a few days up north on the Island, Orchid Beach is the perfect base. Orchid Beach is the largest residential area on the island, as well as being the northernmost town.
There are no fancy resorts in Orchid Beach, but you will find plenty of great holiday homes here.
Orchid Beach also has a fully stocked general store, where you can get groceries fuel, meals and drinks.
Overview of Accommodation on K’gari
Below is a super quick overview of all the family accommodation at K’gari, reviewed in this guide. You can use this overview to quickly determine if any of these options are right for you and your family. For a more comprehensive review, keep reading below.
| Name | Location | Type | Facilities | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kingfisher Bay Resort | Kingfisher Bay | Hotel rooms, villas or houses | 4 Pools, tennis courts, numerous restaurants and bars | Check Price |
K’gari Beach Resort | Eurong | 2 Bedroom apartments | Pool, restaurant and bar | Check Price |
Beach Houses | Eurong | 3 Bedroom houses | Pool and playground | Check Price |
Beachcamp Eco Retreat | Eurong | Glamping Tents | NA | Check Price |
Fraser Island Retreat | Happy Valley | 1 or 2 bedroom self contained cabins | Pool | Check Price |
Cathedrals on Fraser | Cathedrals | 1, 2 or 3 bedroom self contained cabins | NA | Check Price |
Orchid Beach Apartments | Orchid Beach | 3 or 4 bedroom apartments | NA | Check Price |
Elouera Units | Eurong | 1 or 2 bedroom units | NA | Check Price |
Maheno Cottages | Happy Valley | 3 bedroom houses | NA | Check Price |
Orchid Beach Retreat | Orchid Beach | 3 bedroom house | NA | Check Price |
Accommodation Reviews – Staying on K’gari
Below we’ve provided our picks on where to stay on K’gari with kids.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, then Kingfisher Bay Resort it is! One of the stunning resorts in K’gari. Located on the western side of the island, this is the only accommodation option for families wanting to stay on this side of the island, apart from camping.
The Kingfisher Bay Resort is huge – like a little village. There are multiple restaurants and bars on the property including Maheno Restaurant, Seabelle Restaurant, Sand and Wood, the Sand Bar and the Sunset Bar. Also, you have a gift shop, laundry, general store, day spa, bottle shop, post office and more! The resort is also fully fenced to keep dingos out.
There is loads to do here too. You can join guided bushwalks, segway adventure tours, Bushtucker Talks, and a range of day tours around the island. The resort also has four different swimming pools, an outdoor spa, tennis courts, playground and water sports are available from the Sunset Bar. Plus if you go during school holidays, there is even a kids club (at an additional cost).
In terms of accommodation options, there is a wide variety to choose from. There are one, two and three bedroom villas, hotel rooms, holiday houses and even dorm type accommodation. So no matter your budget or holiday style there is the perfect accommodation here for you.
It’s easy to get to Kingfisher Bay Resort, as there is a ferry that leaves from River Heads going straight to the resort. You can even bring your car across with you if you like. However, to leave the resort, you will need a 4WD.
What’s to love?
The resort’s facilities, there is plenty to do here! I mean you even have 4 swimming pools to choose from.
What’s not to love?
Kingfisher Bay Resort is pretty far from most of the attractions on K’gari – so it’s best suited to families just coming to the island for a few days and planning on doing a day tour around the island.
Summary
There is no doubt the Kingfisher Resort, K’gari is just gorgeous! There are heaps of different accommodation options and loads to do – the perfect place to hang out with the family. However, it is a little far away from the island’s attractions for those wanting to explore K’gari. Although for families just interested in joining a day tour or two, it’s the perfect spot.
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
K’gari Beach Resort
Located on the east side of the island, just a 30 minute drive from the barge, K’gari Beach Resort is one of the more popular resorts on K’gari. The convenient location of the Eurong Resort makes it perfect for families whether they’re coming to K’gari for a few days or a week.
From Eurong Resort you can easily explore some of the island’s most popular tourist attractions. For one, you have 75 Mile Beach on your doorstep which is perfect for fishing. You’re also an easy drive away from Lake McKenzie, Lake Birrabeen, Lake Wabby, Central Station and more.
For families, the best room type at the Eurong Resort on K’gari are the two bedroom apartments. These apartments come with a queen in the master bedroom and two single beds in the second bedroom. You also have a spacious living area and full kitchen. There are hotel type rooms too, but these only sleep up to 3 people.
In terms of facilities, Eurong Resort has everything you need. There is the McKenzie’s On 75 Restaurant and Bar, great size lagoon swimming pool, tennis courts, laundry and BBQ area. You’ve also got the Eurong General Store a short walk away – where you can stock up on grocery items, ice, bait, fuel and more. Right next door, there is also a great bakery.
The Eurong Beach Resort is also fully fenced, so you are well protected from dingos.
What’s to love?
This hotel K’gari has is so easy to reach! You can be here within 30 minutes after getting off the barge. Plus being reasonably close to most of the island’s attractions it makes for the perfect base.
What’s not to love?
For the island’s northern attractions, it is still a bit of a drive. But if you’re just looking for somewhere to stay for a few days – the Eurong Beach Resort is a perfect choice.
Summary
The Eurong Resort is such a great option for families coming over to K’gari for a few days. It is easy to reach and a great spot to get to many of the island’s attractions. Plus you’ve got the general store right there so easy to stock up on supplies.
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
Beach House
If you’re a huge family, or just wanting plenty of space, I highly recommend the Beach Houses. These three bedroom houses are your home away from home – coming with absolutely everything you could possibly need for your holiday on K’gari.
The Beach Houses are located just a short walk away from the Eurong Resort and general store – so perfect for stocking up on groceries or getting fuel. Plus being at Eurong, it’s only a 30 minute drive here after you disembark from the ferry and it’s an easy drive from some of the island’s top attractions such as Lake McKenzie.
All of these holiday houses K’gari offers are three bedrooms and can sleep up to 6 people. You can, however book them as two bedroom houses too. Each has a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, spacious living area and huge verandahs with either ocean or pool views. They even have carports with a lockable outside area for things you don’t want to bring in the house such as fishing gear.
There is a great swimming pool area at the Beach Houses. Here you’ll find a large lagoon style swimming pool and a smaller wading pool and heated spa. Around the pools are plenty of undercover tables and chairs as well as BBQs. For the little kids, there is also a small playground.
The Beach Houses are also fully fenced, so you are well protected from dingos.
Click here to read our full review on staying at Beach House.
What’s to love?
Huge spacious home away from home. We just loved how much space there was at the Beach Houses. Plus the verandah overlooking the pool was pretty great too.
What’s not to love?
For small families, the Beach Houses can work out to be a little expensive. Although for those wanting the extra space and the benefit of a full kitchen and laundry, it’s well worth it.
Summary
For families, after spacious and self contained accommodation in Eurong, the Beach Houses are a perfect choice. These three bedroom houses are huge and give families plenty of space. You’re also a short walk away from the general store and an easy drive from some of the island’s top attractions.
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
The Beachcamp Eco Retreat
For something a bit different, the Beachcamp Eco Retreat is a great alternative for families after accommodation in Eurong. Located right across the road from Beach Houses, the Beachcamp Eco Retreat has an excellent family glamping tent which is perfect for those after cheap accommodation K’gari has.
There is a range of glamping tents suitable for families depending on how many kids you have. The King or Queen Glamping tents come with either a king or queen bed and a kids bunk bed. These are suitable for kids under 12. Otherwise, the Family Glamping tent has three bunk beds, so can accommodate up to six people. All tents come with an ensuite complete with a shower, toilet and toiletries.
You’ll also have access to a communal kitchen with BBQs, fridges, freezer and a stovetop.
The Beachcamp Eco Retreat is also fully fenced, so you are well protected from dingos.
What’s to love?
The price! For families of 6 – this is some of the cheapest accommodation on the island. Plus it’s camping at its best – you don’t have to lug or set up your tent, AND it has a bathroom!
What’s not to love?
The family glamping tents don’t offer much space for families or any privacy.
Summary
For adventurous families after a camping experience but with a few mod cons, Beachcamp Eco Retreat is such a great option. No doubt the kids will love “camping” while parents will enjoy having access to a private bathroom and kitchen to prepare meals. It’s also well located in Eurong and offers some of the cheapest family accommodation on the island.
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
Fraser Island Retreat
If you’re planning on seeing as much of the island as possible and looking for a super central place to stay – you can’t do much better then Fraser Island Retreat. Located in Happy Valley, which is around halfway up on the east coast, from here you can easily drive to all of the different island attractions.
Not only is Fraser Island Retreat central – it’s cheap too – so perfect for families on a budget. But don’t let the low price fool you – this place has some great facilities too. There is a small swimming pool, laundry and even a camp kitchen with a BBQ, gas cooktop, microwave, fridge, toaster, utensils, crockery and cutlery – so you can easily prepare all the family meals.
The property has 9 cabins that can accommodate 4 people in the 1 bedroom cabins or 6 people in the 2 bedroom cabins. Each cabin has a private bathroom, ceiling fans, fridge / freezer, tea, and coffee-making facilities.
From Fraser Island Retreat it is a short walk to the Happy Valley General Store which is also home to the Satinay Bar and Bistro.
Parents will enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the property is located within the township’s dingo fence, so everyone can safely walk around without concern.
What’s to love?
The central location – from Happy Valley it is so easy to get to all the different attractions on the island.
What’s not to love?
The pool is pretty small – but hey for the price it’s pretty awesome you get a pool at all! Plus there are only 9 cabins on site so you won’t be sharing it with too many people.
Summary
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
Cathedrals on Fraser
While primarily considered for those camping on K’gari, Cathedrals on Fraser is an excellent place for families to consider as they also offer self contained cabins. The location is also super central – located just a short drive north from Happy Valley, from here you can get around to all the different attractions on the island with ease.
At Cathedrals, families can choose between 1, 2 or 3 bedroom self contained cabins which can accommodate between 3 to 6 people. All cabins feature a kitchen, but not all come with private bathrooms. If you choose a cabin without a bathroom, you’ll have access to the toilet and shower block which is close by.
All of these cabins come with a fully equipped kitchen featuring a 4 burner gas cooktop and grill, top-mount refrigerator, microwave, kettle and toaster. The cabins also feature an outdoor verandah with BBQ and all linen, towels, crockery and cutlery is supplied.
Another great alternative could be the permanent tents on site. These tents can accommodate up to 4 people as they come with a double bed and two single beds. If you stay in these tents, you’ll have access to the toilet and shower block as well as a camp kitchen.
Cathedrals on Fraser also has a great general store on site, so it’s perfect for stocking up on groceries. Here you’ll also find a petrol station, a cafe and a bottle shop. The entire property is also fully fenced to keep dingos out.
Click here for a full review on staying at Cathedrals on Fraser.
What’s to love?
Again the central location! For families wanting to see everything the island has to offer – you’ll be able to see it all rather easily from here.
What’s not to love?
There is no swimming pool here, but Eli Creek is nearby, which is better than any swimming pool anyway!
Summary
If your holiday plan is to see as much as you can on the island, having a central base like Cathedrals means less driving time. But not only is the location unreal, having self contained accommodation means families can easily prepare their own meals and the on site general store, petrol station and cafe are super handy too.
The Orchid Beach Apartments
If you’re planning on spending most of your time exploring the island’s north attractions, then Orchid Beach is the ideal base. There are quite a few different options in this area, such as The Orchid Beach Apartments.
The Orchid Beach Apartments have three different apartments to choose from, two coming with three bedrooms and one featuring four bedrooms. These apartments are huge and can accommodate up to 8 people. Perfect for those larger families.
Each of the apartments features a living room, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and an outdoor dining area with a BBQ. Some apartments even have ocean views.
On site, guests have access to a laundry, boat parking and plenty of space for cleaning and washing.
What’s to love?
Huge, spacious self contained accommodation perfect for large families, or those just after plenty of space.
What’s not to love?
There is no swimming pool here.
Summary
The Orchid Beach Apartments are ideal for large families wanting a fully self contained place to stay while exploring the northern end of the island. From here you’re just a short drive down to the beach from which you can easily explore attractions such as Champagne Pools, Waddy Point and more.
Click here to check availability and current pricing.
Elouera Units
Located in Eurong, just a short walk from the Beach Houses and the Beachcamp Eco Retreat is the Elouera Units. These are two or three bedroom fully self contained units, perfect for families.
Unit 1 can sleep up to 8 guests. The main bedroom has a queen bed, while the second bedroom has a double and two singles and there is also a bunk bed in the living area. Unit 2 can sleep 4, with a queen in the master bedroom and a set of bunks in the living area.
Each of the units features ceiling fans throughout, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and a large deck with outdoor furniture and a BBQ.
Located in Second Valley, staying here you have the advantage of the entire area being protected by an electric dingo fence. It is also just a short stroll around to the main tourist area of Eurong which has a general store, bakery and restaurant.
What’s to love?
For large families, these well positioned, self contained units offer fantastic value for money.
What’s not to love?
Once again, these units require you to bring your own linen which I always find a bit of a pain.
Summary
For large families looking for self contained accommodation in Eurong, these Elouera Units offer great value for money. Families will appreciate being able to prepare their own meals, do their own washing as well as being just a short walk away from the general store in Eurong.
This property is also listed here on Booking.com.
Maheno Cottages
Located in the hillside at Yidney Rocks, which is just outside Happy Valley, are the gorgeous Maheno Cottages. These are beautiful 3 bedroom self contained cottages which have wonderful ocean views.
There are two of these cottages – Yenningee and Tanaka. Yenningee can accommodate up to 8 people with a queen bed in the master bedroom and second bedroom and two sets of bunk beds in the last bedroom. Tanaka can accommodate up to 10 people with a queen bed and set of bunk beds in the master bedroom, a queen in the second bedroom and two sets of bunk beds in the last bedroom.
Both cottages feature spacious timber decks which have great ocean views. These decks have a modern outdoor setting with BBQ, making for a wonderful alfresco dining area. The decks also have a self closing gate, which ensures dingos stay out.
Inside the cottages, you’ll find a spacious living area, dining area, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances and ceiling fans. Other features include a shared communal laundry, areas for cleaning vehicles, and a fish cleaning and filleting area.
What’s to love?
The ocean views from the deck! This is where I’d be spending most of my time. Plus unlike many other Airbnb listings – there is no need to bring your own linen.
What’s not to love?
There is no swimming pool here.
Summary
For families looking for a central location for exploring all the awesome attractions around the Island – the Maheno Cottages is well worth considering. Being just a short drive from Happy Valley, it’s the perfect spot for easy access to fuel and groceries – plus those ocean views are just to die for!
To check current availability and pricing on Airbnb – click here for Yenningee and click here for Tanaka.
Orchid Beach Retreat
Not too far from the Orchid Beach Apartment is the Orchid Beach Retreat – one of the fantastic houses for rent K’gari offers. This is a 3 bedroom, fully self contained home which is ideal for families spending time in the island’s north.
The Orchid Beach Retreat features three bedrooms, which can accommodate up to 8 people. All bedrooms have a queen bed, with one of the bedrooms also featuring two single beds.
This holiday home also has a spacious dining area, living area and a fully equipped kitchen. Between the bedrooms and the living area, there is also a huge undercover deck area. The home also has two bathrooms, a laundry, and a huge yard that offers plenty of room for the kids to run amuck.
What’s to love?
There is so much space here! And you don’t have to share any area with others – it’s all yours! This is perfect for a large family or even two families travelling together.
Plus if you need even more space – there is another house on the property “Fraser Forever” which can accommodate a further 13 guests!
What’s not to love?
You have to bring your own linen, which can be a bit of a pain, particularly with large families and lots of beds to make.
Summary
For large families planning a trip up to the northern end of the island, a holiday home like the Orchid Beach Retreat is perfect. You’ll have so much space here and you can prepare all your own meals and do your own washing too – without the need for gold coins! Plus for large groups, the ability to book out the other house on the property is brilliant!
This property is also listed here on Booking.com. Fraser Forever is also listed here.
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Hopefully you found this guide on where to stay on K’gari helpful. You can check our guide for things to do at K’gari with kids here or if you’re short on time see our guide on the best K’gari tours here.