Top 12 Things to Do on K'gari

Explore K’gari and you will not only discover the rainbow-coloured cliffs sacred to the local Indigenous people, or a coastline that swoops and soars, or the astonishing turquoise waters of a lake so translucent you want to stay immersed in it forever.

For the world’s largest sand island, there is a surprising number of things to do on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). From wandering through thick rainforest, to spending the whole day hopping from lake to pool to lake, to experiencing the island’s ancient and modern history. It’s clear that a trip to K’gari is more than just a day trip.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or a natural adventure, buckle up. Here are 12 things to do on K’gari, appropriately named by the local Butchulla tribe to mek’gari an ‘paradise’.

1. Explore the rainforest

pile valley on k'gari fraser island queensland — Find yourself in the middle of lush rainforest, like Pile Valley. (Image: TEQ)

Fraser Island is the only place in the world where rainforest is found growing on sand dunes at elevations of more than 200 metres. The low-lying shrubs and heaths on the island are of great evolutionary and ecological significance as they make up the most complete age sequence of coastal dune systems anywhere in the world.

The diverse vegetation on the 184,000-hectare island also includes towering kauri pine and piccabeen palms, flora-rich shrubland and heath and subtropical rainforest. Don’t miss: The magnificent wildflower displays in spring and summer on the island, which is about three and a half hours’ drive north of Brisbane.

2. Lake McKenzie

aerial of Lake Mckenzie on k'gari queensland — Relax on the silica sand shores of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Sit and watch the way young children approach Lake McKenzie/ Boorangoora: they advance at speed, arms pinwheeling, and propel their bodies into the water again and again. This is the way to do it. The crowds that converge around the lake make this a top spot for people-watching. Choose your tribe: dreadlocked hippies sitting in the shade of an eucalyptus tree; flashpackers with their selfie sticks prodding the sky; and families advancing and retreating from the water.

The white sandy beach tinged with a turquoise swirl of water is one of the most visited natural wonders in Australia. Lake McKenzie is a ‘perched’ lake, meaning it contains only rainwater, and it is set into the landscape like a precious stone.

It’s accessible by 4WD or on foot when following a 20-kilometre return loop trail from Kingfisher Bay Resort.

3. Indian Head

people walking on Indian Head Headland at one end of Seventy Five Mile Beach opn k'gari — Walk to Indian Head. (Image: Mark Fitz/TEQ)

Located on the eastern side of K’gari, Indian Head is a rocky outcrop said to have been originally created by volcanic activity up to 80 million years ago.

Captain Cook first caught sight of the Butchulla people in 1770 and named the eastern beach after them; the term ‘Indian’ was used to describe Indigenous people centuries ago. Known to the local Indigenous people as tuckee (stone), the distinctive head shape of the rocky cliffs made it one of K’gari’s most notable attractions.

It’s both an iconic landmark and a natural lookout for spotting sea life: look out over the ocean for manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles and whales.

4. The Cathedrals

Aerial shot of 4WD driving along the beach at The Cathedrals on k'gari — Drive passed the rusty-coloured Cathedrals. (Image: Kyle Hunter/ TEQ)

These cliffs of coloured sands are permanently stained in various shades of rust and ochre and are one of many sacred sites on the island for the local Butchulla people. According to Dreamtime legend, the cliffs were formed long ago as a result of a love story gone wrong.

Watching The Cathedrals change colour as the sun moves across the sky and the first rays of dawn paint the pinnacles is like watching the final touches being applied to an artwork. Over time, the elements have clawed at the cliffs and resulted in this breathtaking construction.

5. Champagne Pools

aerial of champagne pools on k'gari queensland — Enjoy the natural fizz of the Champagne Pools. (Image: TEQ)

Why Champagne? Because of the pleasant fizzing sensation that happens when waves crash into the water of the pools. Sit back and relax in the blue-green water of this natural spa bath – or we should say, baths. The Champagne Pools are a series, hemmed in by rocks and polished smooth by the sea. Soak in the gorgeous ocean views while you do.

The pools are about 2.2 kilometres north along the 75 Mile Beach from Indian Head. Go at low tide when the sea is calm – while they are relatively safe, caution should be taken at high tide.

6. 75 Mile Beach

a dingo walking along the water on 7r mile beach on k'gari fraser island queensland — Spot resident wildlife, curve off to explore more sections of the island, or stay to fish. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

75 Mile Beach is long, surprisingly long despite its very obvious name. Yes, it is 75 miles long – or over 120 kilometres – but it’s not until you’re standing on this straight, sandy stretch that you realise the reality of those numbers. Looking out onto the horizon here makes you understand why people once thought the world was flat: it’s all straight lines of blues and yellows, from the sand between your toes to the cloud-spotted skies.

This spectacular stretch of sand traces the eastern side of K’gari, and is officially a national highway and runway – it’s one of the few beaches in the world where light aircraft can actually land and take off.

You’ll spot plenty of 4WDs pulled over along this beach, its occupants trying their luck catching a fish or two. It’s a great place to pass a few hours, or to carve off a trail to places like Eli Creek or stop at the famous shipwreck (more to come).

7. Eli Creek

Mother and daughter enjoying Eli Creek, as part of the Beauty Spots 4WD tour on k'gari — Ride the tide along Eli Creek. (Image: Courtney Atkinson/ TEQ)

Speaking of Eli Creek pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour. The result? A pleasantly steady – but not scary – current that will also carry humans on floatie devices along it. I don’t care how old you are; it’s surprisingly fun.

Even if you don’t want to ride the tide, it’s a popular picnic spot with a boardwalk following the creek inland. So you can still have a gander at it, and the surrounding banksia and pandanus.

8. The Maheno Shipwreck

aerial of the ss maheno on 75 mile beach k'gari fraser island queensland — Drive by the SS Maheno. (Image: TEQ)

The SS Maheno is a beacon for visitors to K’gari because it’s a bit of lingering evidence of history: a cyclone devastated parts of the Queensland coast in 1935. The ship was on its way to a Japanese shipyard to be turned into scrap metal when its tow line snapped; it is now better known for being washed ashore on Fraser’s Eastern beach than for being the fastest ship to cross the Tasman between Australia and New Zealand.

Formerly a First World War hospital ship, the skeleton of the SS Maheno has a broken hull that looks like cracked ribs. It’s worth seeing, especially with that backdrop of waves, dunes and tangled trees.

9. Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow

aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow on k'gari fraser island — See striking sand dunes and a crescent-moon lake. (Image: TEQ)

As the deepest lake on the island (it’s 11.4 metres deep at its lowest point), the half-moon shape and dark green water of Lake Wabby is a popular sight on K’gari. It’s what know as a barrage lake, meaning it was formed when sand dunes shifted over time, blocking a body of water before it could reach the ocean. Brush box, satinay, tallowwood trees and more form a striking, thick green border around the lake.

Perhaps even more striking than the lake is the massive collection of sand dunes right next to it, creating Hammerstone Sand Blow. Walking along here feels like you’ve stepped right onto a desert moon out of Star Wars.

There are two ways to get here. The most common way is to park on 75 Mile Beach (where signs point to Lake Wabby) and walk 1.5 hours (return) along the bush track. The secret way is to park at Lake Wabby Car Park off Cornwall’s Break Road, and walk a steep but short 15-20 minutes.

10. Central Station

Couple with a guide at Central Station things to do on k'gari — Discover the boardwalks of Central Station with a guide. (Image: TEQ)

Central Station was originally home to a community of more than 100 people during its days as a forestry camp when timber logging was the thing here in the 1920s. Thankfully, chainsaws are a thing of the past on World Heritage-listed K’gari.

Lace up your boots for a walk along the boardwalk that hugs the curves of Wanggoolba Creek as it snakes through the rainforest. The creek was used for Secret Women’s Business before the land was cleared for forestry operations. These days, the picnic area sits amid a botanical garden.

11. Indigenous history

Bush Tucker Talk and Taste at kingfisher bay resort things to do on k'gari — Try native ingredients. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

The original inhabitants of K’gari were the Butchulla people, who occupied the land for about 5000 years. There are around 500 Indigenous archaeological sites located across K’gari, which are rich with Dreamtime stories.

It is also equipped with ingredients from the original Indigenous pantry. You can taste some of these native Australian flavours during a Bush Tucker Talk + Taste session at Kingfisher Bay Resort. See, touch and taste native ingredients in their raw state before the chef turns them into a tasty meal.

12. Kayaking through the mangroves

Kayaking near Bowarrady Creek things to do on k'gari fraser island — Explore mangrove systems on a kayak. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

Another brilliant way to get out on the water (and get a very good workout) is taking to a kayak and exploring K’gari’s beautiful mangrove system.

Hire one (or a canoe or stand-up paddle board) from Kingfisher Bay Resort to explore on your own. If you’re not so comfortable with a paddle and would like extra support, or you’d just like to learn more about the ecosystems you’re adventuring through, join a tour led by Kingfisher Bay Resort’s rangers. Check at the resort’s front desk for timings.

Still want more K’gari tips? Let the experts guide you on one of our picks of top K’gari tours.

Article originally written by Carlka Grosetti and updated by Kassia Byrnes.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

Top 11 things to do on K’gari