12 weird things to know about Lake McKenzie on K'gari

Prepare to be amazed by nature all over again.

It might be one of Queensland’s most famous places to swim, but just how much do you actually know about the unusual and beautiful Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie? Read below to find out more about the coastal lake – one of the best things to do on K’gari.

1. It’s a perched lake

aerial shot of Lake McKenzie on k'gari fraser island — Lake McKenzie is all rainwater. (Image: TEQ)

The surreal beauty of Boorangoora, also known as Lake McKenzie, is in part due to it being a perched lake. A perched lake forms when an impermeable layer forms underground, meaning rainwater gathers at the surface in depressions in the sand dunes without running away. Conditions like this, and … voila! You have yourself a perched lake.

Other features of perched lakes like this that are found along the Queensland coast include their lack of groundwater and the fact that they aren’t fed by streams or flow into the ocean. And while Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie isn’t the only coastal dune lake, we’re willing to bet our bottom dollar that it is the most famous.

2. The sand is pure silica

friends relax on the white sand at Lake McKenzie — The white sand is synonymous with Lake McKenzie. (Image: TEQ)

The sand at this always photo-ready lake is actually made out of silica, which in itself is mostly made out of broken-down quartz. The 98 per cent silica content is one of the reasons that the sand is so soft, silky and white here.

3. The waters really are that crystal clear

family playing in lake mckenzie on k'garu fraser island — The waters are impossibly clear. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

No, the superb aquamarine of the water isn’t the result of some crafty photoshopper. It really does look like that!

The sand acts as a filter for the rainwater that falls here, meaning extra-pure water can be found here to bathe in. And let’s keep it that way, people! While we’ve all had ‘Slip, slop, slap’ drilled into our deep unconscious, sunscreen, as well as other lotions and soaps, that wash off swimmers and into the waters can have a seriously bad impact on the lake’s ecosystem.

4. It is an important place of contemplation for the Butchella peoples

the boardwalk leading to an empty Lake McKenzie — It’s as culturally significant as it is beautiful. (Image: TEQ)

The island of K’gari has a rich and long Indigenous history, which started an estimated 5000 to 20,0000 years before Europeans arrived.

The lake, which the locals named Boorangoora, has a particularly special place in the stories of the local Butchella peoples. In their stories, the island K’gari was named after a spirit who assisted Yindingie, the messenger of the god Beeral. As a reward for her help, Beeral turned her into a lovely island. And what is the lake’s place in the legend? The deep-blue lake of Boorangoora is one of her eyes.

5. Lake McKenzie is only six metres deep

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

The lake has an average depth of around six metres. And you don’t just have to stick to snorkelling here to enjoy it. Bring a kayak to explore the balmy waters, or bring pool floaties for the kids (and you) to play with.

6. There is no marine life

group of friends swimming in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Only humans swim here. (Image: Sean Scott)

Oddly enough, there is no animal life in the lake. While the acidity level of the lake only makes the water that much purer and cleaner, it discourages any marine life. (And yes, that does include crocodiles and sharks).

7. Expect a warm dip

man swimming in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Stay all day in the warm waters. (Image: Sean Scott)

The water at Boorangoora is a balmy 23 degrees, making for the perfect ‘just right’ conditions to take a dip.

8. It’s easier to reach Lake McKenzie than you might think

a woman walks down the wooden stairs to Lake McKenzie — There are plenty of ways to get to Lake McKenzie. (Image: TEQ)

The lake is inland in the southern part of the island. Once you’ve reached Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, the lake itself is relatively easy to access, with a nearby car park for your 4WD, or the bus if you’re on a group tour of K’gari.

9. A trip here can make for a veritable spa day

man walks in water while woman relaxes under a beach umbrella in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in nature’s day spa. (Image: Sean Scott)

Skin feeling dry after days spent camping? The super-soft silica sand could be the much-needed exfoliating treatment for your flaky skin. Just do a patch test first to see if it suits your skin type. Plus, the slightly acidic pH of the water can also be beneficial for your skin, as well as your hair.

Top all this with a meditation in the shade of the surrounding bushland and you’ll be feeling even more zen on your Fraser Island adventure.

10. You can cook up a snag while you’re here

kids playing with a frisbee in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — East, stay and play. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

It’s no surprise to anyone that a good swim can work up an appetite. The good news though is that the lake has both barbeque and picnic facilities. The picnic area is accessible by wheelchair and has toilets . Hot tip: Get there early to nab a spot for barbequing, and be careful about leaving food out that could attract dingoes (also known as wongari).

11. You can pitch a tent here

woman under beach umbrella as couple walk by in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Set up an umbrella, or a tent. (Image: Sean Scott)

Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie walker’s camp is an ideal spot to rest for the night if you’re doing either the Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie circuit or the K’gari Great Walk. While the facilities are pretty basic, with not much more than toilets and picnic facilities, a kip here does mean you have crowd-free access to Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie first thing in the morning and last thing at night. No wonder it’s one of our favourite spots to camp on the island.

12. It’s not the only spot to swim on K’gari

aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow on k'gari fraser island — Explore the island’s best swimming spots. (Image: TEQ)

While we are in no way saying you shouldn’t stop at this iconic lake, you shouldn’t make it your only H20 destination while visiting K’gari. Lake Wabby, Lake Boomajin and Eli Creek are just some of the spots that should also make your list of safe, freshwater swimming places to stop by. (We’ve rounded up some of our favourite K’gari swimming spots for you here.)

Tempted to take an ocean dip? Don’t. The rips and strong currents off the island are notorious, as is the presence of sharks, deadly stingers and – on rare occasions – saltwater crocodiles.

Under wide-open outback skies, discover a fossicking gem that’s managed to slip under the radar.

While the name Clermont may feel new to even the most intrepid traveller, its gilded history stretches back centuries. You’ll find it just off the highway, humming quietly under the hazy veil of Queensland’s outback sun. It’s here, hemmed in by mountains and perched atop soil heavy with the earth’s treasures, that one of Australia’s most accessible outback adventures awaits.

Thanks to deposits of gold, copper and gemstones – souvenirs left by exploding supernovas and the heave of tectonic plates – Clermont became a centre point of Queensland’s Gold Rush. And now? Australia’s fossicking capital is yours to discover.

Getting there

car driving along Capricorn Way in queensland — Take a drive through Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

You’ll find Clermont in Queensland’s Mackay Isaac region. To get here, it’s an easy three-hour drive over sealed roads from Mackay. Or, if you’re heading from the Sapphire Fields of Emerald, the drive will carve out just over an hour from your day.

Whether you’re road-tripping through outback Queensland or just tracing your way through all that Australia has to offer, Clermont is remote but easily accessible.

Best accommodation in Clermont

Theresa CreekDam in clermont — Camp by Theresa Creek Dam. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

All accommodation comes with a generous helping of country hospitality here. The choice is yours between modern hotels, parking up the camper or pitching a tent.

Theresa Creek Dam lies just outside town. Begin each day with crisp country air and bright outback sunrises. Spend the night under the sparkling country stars and your days out on the dam fishing or kayaking. Even if you aren’t camping, be sure to save space in your itinerary for an afternoon on the red dirt shore.

To stay closer to town, opt for a central hotel to base yourself between exploring and fossicking, like Smart Stayzzz Inn and Clermont Country Motor Inn .

Things to do in Clermont

three people on a tour with Golden Prospecting — Join a tour with Golden Prospecting.

One does not visit Clermont without trying their hand at fossicking. There are strict rules when it comes to fossicking, so stick to areas dedicated for general permission and make sure you obtain your license beforehand. Try your luck at McMasters , Four Mile , Town Desert, McDonald Flat and Flat Diggings . To increase your odds, sign on for a tour with the expert team at Golden Prospecting . They’ll give you access to exclusive plots and expert advice along the way.

Once you’ve tried your luck on the gold fields, head to the Clermont Township and Historical Museum . Each exhibit works like an archaeologist’s brush to dust away the layers of Clermont’s history. Like the steam engine that painstakingly relocated the entire town inch by inch to higher ground after it was decimated by flooding in 1916. See the tools that helped build the Blair Athol mine, historic fire engines, shearing sheds and all sorts of relics that make up Clermont’s story.

The historic Copperfield Chimney offers a change of pace. Legend has it that fossickers found a solid wall of copper here, over three metres high, kick-starting Queensland’s first-ever copper mine.

Bush Heli Services flying over clermont queensland — See Clermont from above with Bush Heli Services. (Image: Riptide Creative/ TEQ)

For hiking, nearby Dysart is the best place to access Peak Range National Park. Here, mountainous horizons stretch across the outback as if plucked from another world. Set off for a scenic drive along the Peak Downs Highway for access to countless geological wonders. Like the slanting rockface of Wolfang Peak. Summit it, and you’ll find yourself looking out across a scene surely conjured up by Banjo Paterson. Dry scrub dancing in the warm breeze, grazing cattle, eucalypts and the gentle creak of windmills. Don’t miss visiting Gemini Peaks, either, for one of the park’s best vistas, and a blanket of wild flowers after rain.

Then, take to the skies with a scenic helicopter tour with Bush Heli-Services . Shift your perspective and cruise above all the sights from your trip. Spots like Lords Table Mountain and Campbell’s Peak are best viewed from the skies.

Before you head home, be sure to explore the neighbouring townships. Spend a lazy afternoon in the shade of Nebo Hotel’s wrap-around verandahs . The hotel’s 1900s dance hall has since been replaced with one of the area’s biggest rodeo arenas, so consider timing your trip to line up with a boot scootin’ rodeo. Or, stop by a ghost town. Mount Britton was once a thriving town during the 1880s Gold Rush. It’s been totally abandoned and now lies untouched, a perfect relic of the Gold Rush.

Best restaurants and cafes in Clermont

meal at Commercial Hotel — Stop into the Commercial Hotel Clermont.

Days spent fossicking, bushwalking and cramming on history call for excellent coffee and hearty country meals. Luckily, Clermont delivers in spades.

Lotta Lattes Cafe is beloved by locals for a reason. Start your days here for the best caffeine fix in town and an impeccable brunch menu.

For a real country meal, an icy cold beer and that famed country hospitality, head straight to the town’s iconic hotel: the Commercial Hotel (known endearingly to locals as ‘The Commie’). It’s been a staple in Clermont since 1877. The hotel even survived the flood of 1916 when it was sawn in two and moved to higher ground.

Naturally, time spent in the outback must include calling into the local bakery. For delicious pies and a tantalising array of sweet treats, make Bluemac Bakehouse your go-to while in town.

Discover more of The Mackay Isaac region, and start planning your trip at mackayisaac.com.

12 weird and wonderful things to know about Lake McKenzie