{"id":5301,"date":"2024-01-14T14:10:14","date_gmt":"2024-01-14T04:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/australiaobsessed.com\/?p=5301"},"modified":"2024-03-19T16:13:55","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T06:13:55","slug":"moreton-island-vs-fraser-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/australiaobsessed.com\/moreton-island-vs-fraser-island\/","title":{"rendered":"Moreton Island vs Fraser Island: Which is Better For Families, Friends and Adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Moreton Island and Fraser Island make for the best 4WD adventures in Queensland, Australia. But if you can only pick one, which should it be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I explored both islands extensively and found them very similar, yet so different! Neither has paved roads, and they both require a 4WD vehicle to visit independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there are several stand-out factors that make them strikingly different, including the attractions, how easy it is to get to, and the beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, which was better?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
The inland track going from the west to east of Moreton Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Moreton Island vs Fraser Island: My Verdict<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you had to ask me, after considering all the factors, which is better, I\u2019d say Moreton Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it\u2019s not as simple as picking one over the other. There are many things to consider, such as timing, camping, accommodation preferences, and your 4WD experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I cover these and more in this detailed guide to Moreton Island vs Fraser Island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PS: If you\u2019re reading this and have visited both islands, please let me know which you prefer (and why) in the comments section below. This will help my readers who are struggling to decide between the two.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Moreton
I loved Moreton Island as you can have open fires in the beachfront camping zones<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Summary of Fraser or Moreton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Things to consider<\/th>Moreton Island<\/th>Fraser Island<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Title<\/strong><\/td>3rd Largest sand island in the world<\/td>Largest sand island in the world<\/td><\/tr>
Size<\/strong><\/td>44 km long x 10 km wide<\/td>120 km long x 22 km wide<\/td><\/tr>
Distance from Brisbane<\/strong><\/td>Located off the coast of Brisbane. 90-minute ferry.<\/td>Located off the coast of Hervey Bay (300 km north of Brisbane). 30-minute ferry.<\/td><\/tr>
Things to do<\/strong><\/td>Less to explore<\/td>More to explore<\/td><\/tr>
4WD Tracks<\/strong><\/td>4WD required to travel without a tour.<\/td>4WD required to travel without a tour. More challenging tracks to get to the west of the island.<\/td><\/tr>
Days needed (recommended)<\/strong><\/td>3<\/td>4<\/td><\/tr>
Accommodation<\/strong><\/td>Camping & limited hotel options<\/td>More camping & hotel options<\/td><\/tr>
Dingos<\/strong><\/td>No<\/td>Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Open fires allowed<\/strong><\/td>Yes<\/td>No (heavily restricted)<\/td><\/tr>
Beaches<\/strong><\/td>Amazing beaches with calm water on the west side.<\/td>Difficult to access the beaches on the west side of the island. Swimming is better in lakes.<\/td><\/tr>
My highlights<\/strong><\/td>The beaches and campsites with sunset views<\/td>Camping in the forest at Central Station<\/td><\/tr>
Crowds (size)<\/strong><\/td>Busy in certain areas (Tangalooma Wrecks)<\/td>More popular, but doesn\u2019t feel crowded as the island is so big.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Accommodation
Central Station is my favourite campground in Fraser Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Which is bigger?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winner:<\/strong> Fraser Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It covers a distance of 120 km long and 22 km wide and is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from stunning forests to deserts. There are numerous lakes, walking trails, and 4WD tracks to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreton Island is smaller than Fraser, measuring 44 km long and 10 km wide. But it still holds the title of the third-largest sand island in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is easier to get to?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winner: <\/strong>Moreton Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreton Island is located off the coast of Brisbane, making it easier to access if you\u2019re coming from the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Brisbane. The ferry ride from the mainland to the island is longer, though. It takes 90 minutes to get from the ferry dock to Moreton. Here’s my guide on how to get to Moreton Island.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraser Island is 300 km north of Brisbane, and the drive can take up to 4 hours. Most people renting vehicles or joining a tour will fly into Hervey Bay instead of Brisbane. But if you\u2019re driving from southern Queensland and looking for a \u201cquick weekend away\u201d, Moreton is the better option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Beaches
The Beaches on Moreton Island (like this) are better than Fraser Island<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Which has more attractions?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Winner:<\/strong> Fraser Island<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fraser Island is bigger than Moreton Island and, therefore, has many more attractions. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n