Self Drive Guided Tours

3D/2N + 2 extra dorm nights at Palace Hervey Bay: $399pp

The Palace Self Drive Guided 4x4 Camping Safari... puts you in the driver's seat... with a little help

Palace Adventures' Tag-Along tours offer the best of both worlds... not only do you get to drive yourself and your friends on the world's largest sand island - Fraser Island - but you also get the benefit of a guide with local knowledge, bad jokes, great stories and plenty of four-wheel-driving experience.

The skills you learn here, will stay with you wherever you travel.

Tag-Along tours allow solo travellers and groups of friends to band together and travel around Fraser with absolute ease... there's one lead vehicle in the group and the rest are self-drivers, connected by radio. And while you are camping in World Heritage Wilderness, our Palace Camper King Mobile Trailer (towed by the lead vehicle) means you don't have to rough it - we call that the Palace Advantage.

Your Self Drive Tour includes:

• A trained lead Driver/Guide to provide constant communication throughout the trip. Our guides will point out areas of interest; give driving instructions through difficult sections of the sand tracks and share a joke or two!
• Vehicles which are safe, easy to drive and secure. Your belongings will be securely stored inside the vehicle/s while you explore Fraser Island's many attractions.
• All necessary camping equipment. Our easy setup, canvas tents (with standing room for changing) are popular and we supply camp mats for our guests.
• We've already mentioned our Camper King Mobile Trailer -  it offers a custom-designed cooking and food preparation facility. It also stores tables and chairs - which allows you to prepare and eat meals without needing to sit in sand. It also protects you from bad weather.
• We offer BBQ burners, prep benches, solar power lighting, wrap-around awning for weather protection, storage for all gear, water and washing facilities, ice to keep cold drinks, return ferry tickets, and a camp toilet for a little bit of extra comfort.
• Fuel for your entire trip.
• Informative video briefing.
• Suggested menu and grocery list.
• BONUS DAY AWAY at Kingfisher Bay Resort - valued at $50! ABSOLUTELY FREE!

So what's left for you to do...

We've done the hard work in preparing your Fraser Island trip - leaving you time to explore that pristine World Heritage wilderness.  Fresh water swimming spots like Eli Creek (on 75-Mile Beach), Lake Wabby and Lake McKenzie are always popular after a morning spent on the sand tracks, bush walking or trekking across dunes.

A typical itinerary would see you head into the heart of the old logging area - with time at Central Station, the silent but gorgeous Wanggoolba Creek and in to Pile Valley to see Fraser Island's famous sub-tropical rainforests and Satinay trees. We set up camp on the beach and spend the afternoon wallowing at Lake Wabby.

Day 2 could see us heading up the golden beach highway of 75-Mile Beach enroute to the famous Indian Head. This rocky outcrop affords fantastic views both north and south... and if you look closely you'll often see manta rays, turtles, sharks and schools of fish going about their business in the waves below. Indian Head is also a great vantage point to spot Humpback Whales during their annual migration from July until the end of August.

But wait... There's more

No visit to Fraser Island is complete without a visit to Mother Nature's jacuzzi - the Champagne Pools are filled with bubbles as the surf hits a rocky outcrop - fantastic cooling off spot and you'll get fantastic photos. We'll also fit in a trip to the Pinnacles Coloured Sands, Eli Creek (one of Fraser's most popular spots with the locals in summer) and the wreck of the Maheno. And of course, there is plenty of time to chill out at Lake McKenzie.

Rates

3 DAYS, 2 NIGHTS - $369pp

2 extra dorm nights at Palace Hervey Bay - $399pp

You will also be asked to contribute toward a share of a $500 cash vehicle bond. The bond will be refunded in full if the vehicle is returned undamaged. The bond will be forfeited if the vehicle is driven through salt water.

You may be interested in the following options:

• Sleeping Bag hire just $9pp
• We recommend you budget $20pp for food and drinks (alcohol extra)

What next?

Each tour will meet their tag-along guide at Palace Hervey Bay at 4pm on the day prior to departure.  During this pre-trip orientation we'll allocate groups to vehicles and assist you with the purchasing of food and drink. You're also required to attend a final briefing at 6.30am on the morning of departure. It is essential that all members of your group attend these safety briefings.

And what do I bring?

• Secure lockers are available at Palace Hervey Bay. Just bring a soft day pack with a change of clothes and your swim wear.
• Money for incidentals, souvenirs and any little extras you may need along the way.
• If you're over 21 and wish to drive, please bring a current driver's licence (75 Mile Beach is actual a legal highway, and is patrolled by police).
• Sunscreen, sun hat and insect repellent.
• Your camera.
• A smile and a thirst for adventure.