K'gari (formally Fraser Island)
Welcome to K'gari
World Heritage-listed K’gari (formally Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world, and its indigenous Butchulla name "K’gari" (pronounced gurri) translates to mean Paradise. Being an absolute "must do bucket list destination", this unique island offers incredible experiences you won't find anywhere else.
Why is K’gari a bucket list experience and so ecologically incredible? Long beaches, dramatic coloured-sand cliffs, rocky headlands, rainforest and pristine freshwater lakes and streams are some of K’gari’s spectacular natural features. Did we mention it was made by mother earth millions of years ago and all from sand?
Because words can’t describe it well enough, we think you must see and experience K’gari for yourself. There are many ways to experience the island’s exceptional landscapes and experiences such as taking a self-drive 4WD adventure, joining a guided tour, exploring the island on foot by hiking across the 90km tracks of the Great Walk, living it up in a resort or self-contained apartment, or getting back to nature on a camping or fishing safari. Remember to also experience the remote west coast with a unique cruise to untouched creeks & beaches that only the locals knew about.
K'gari
Must Do Experiences
K'gari Accommodation
K'gari
Things To Do
Lake McKenzie –world renowned and photographed for its sparkling clear fresh blue water and fine white silica sand in the middle of the island … swimming and photography doesn’t get any better than here.
75 Mile Beach – this long stretch of beach follows the Pacific Ocean on the eastern side of the island and is officially a national highway where 4WD's can explore for hours and it provides access to camping areas and popular spots such as Eli Creek, Lake Wabby and Champagne Pools. Another unique experience is to take off from the "beach runway" with Air Fraser for a unique scenic flight. Fishing along 75 miles of beach is also a popular sport.
Champagne Pools – enjoy the scenic drive north along 75 Mile Beach to Champagne Pools where swimmers enjoy the “champagne bubbles” as waves crash over the natural sandy rock pools. There are also spectacular views out to sea from the boardwalks above.
Eli Creek – along 75 Mile Beach is a well-known freshwater creek with the purest of spring waters flowing into the Pacific Ocean. With beautiful natural surrounds this is a relaxing spot to picnic and swim or float down this crystal-clear creek.
Central Station – is a magical location in the middle of the island surrounded by sub-tropical rainforest with a board walk to meander along the crystal clear Wanggoolba Creek. You will admire the unique vegetation of giant Kauri Pine trees and the giant King Fern which reputedly has the largest fronds of any fern on earth.
Dingoes – everyone wants to spot a K’gari dingo (indigenous names is wongari) and there’s every chance you will. Just like us, these wild wolves love to travel, swim, and spend a lot of time on the beach, often walking up to 40 kms a day. K’gari dingoes are protected and unlike domestic dogs they don’t bark but howl like wolves. They are most active at dawn and dusk when they hunt for food alone or in small packs. There is estimated to be around 25 to 30 packs on K’gari, each containing 3 to 12 dingoes.
To protect our dingoes and keep all visitors safe, you must follow a few safety precautions:
- Always stay within arm’s reach of children
- Always walk in groups
- Never feed dingoes (this is an offence)
- Secure all food and rubbish, especially when camping
- Watch them from a distance
Getting To K'gari
The best way of getting to K'gari is to fly from Sydney or Brisbane into Hervey Bay where you can start your K'gari tour or experience. Collect your 4WD hire vehicle and access the vehicle ferry at River Heads (for the 50-min transfer). Bookings are essential for this ferry and can be booked online.
You can also fly to the Sunshine Coast Airport and collect a 4WD hire vehicle and experience the Great Beach Drive from Noosa to Rainbow Beach and onto Inskip Point where you access the vehicle ferry for a short 15-min transfer to the southern tip of K'gari (bookings not required).
A 4WD vehicle is essential on K'gari as all roads are sand tracks or beach. Reasonable under-vehicle clearance is also necessary and you'll need to lower you tyre pressure to 18psi.
All vehicles & campers require re-purchased permits from Queensland National Parks. If you are travelling with an organised tour they will usually do this on your behalf.
The range of organised tour experiences include fully guided 1-2-3 day 4WD bus tours, Tag Along Tours where you can follow the guide lead vehicle and experience driving island style, Couple Campers, 4WD hire and independent camping and accommodation.
We highly recommend you plan your Nature Coast Australia Road Trip using our itinerary tips here.
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Traditional Custodians
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.