This landmass – the world’s largest sand island – boasts a rich mosaic of five different ecosystems: rainforests, wallum forests, freshwater lakes and creeks, sand dunes, and coast. In recognition of its outstanding natural beauty, K’gari (pronounced “Gurri”) was added to the World Heritage List in 1992.
Nestled off Queensland’s coast, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) stretches for 123km and measures 23km at its widest point, offering more than 1200km of sandy tracks perfect for four-wheel driving, whale-watching, sightseeing, camping, fishing and hiking. Part of the ancestral lands of the Butchulla people, European settlers renamed it Fraser Island in 1847 after Captain James Fraser, who tragically perished there in 1836. However, its true name, K’gari (the word comes from the creation stories of the Butchulla people and means ‘paradise’) was restored by the Queensland government on June 7, 2023.
Despite a devastating bushfire in October 2020 that scorched more than half of its vegetation, K’gari has shown remarkable resilience. The landscape has since regained its past splendour, save for a few charred tree trunks, scars amid the thriving foliage. The revitalisation of K’gari’s varied ecosystems was also unexpectedly bolstered by the COVID-19 pandemic, giving plants and wildlife the chance to thrive undisturbed. The reduction in human activity allowed nature to recover and flourish at a more natural rate. Consideration is now being given to imposing visitor caps at key tourist hotspots to further safeguard the island’s precious ecosystems.
Today, visitors can witness K’gari’s diverse environments and participate in a range of experiences that highlight its status as a paradise restored – a testament to both natural resilience and ongoing conservation efforts.
Rainforest
Flourishing in the centre of K’gari lies an enchanting Garden of Eden, a rare phenomenon where tall ancient rainforests thrive on dunes elevated more than 200m above sea level. It’s like nowhere else on earth, full of eucalypts, red gums, bloodwoods and the illustrious K’gari satinay tree (Fraser Island turpentine). The satinay is the real showstopper – some are estimated to have been around for 1000 years and tower up to 50m. Fun fact: These water-resilient giants even helped rebuild London’s docks post-World War II and had a hand in shaping the Suez Canal.
In the heart of this green wonderland, you’ll witness the silence of Wanggoolba Creek, where the king fern reigns supreme as a living fossil from 200 million years ago – picture fronds as long as 8m. The lush canopy is a mix of kauri pines, hoop pines, strangler figs and blackbutts, and pouring forth is a symphony of bird calls from king parrots, yellow-tailed black-cockatoos, and sulphur-crested cockatoos. Beneath the leafy canopy wander dingoes, frogs, possums, gliders and flying-foxes.
How to experience
Central Station, previously a forestry camp, features a brief boardwalk alongside Wanggoolba Creek and meanders through the fertile rainforest. It also serves as the starting point for various trails, including the Basin Lake Walk (5.6km). Hike into the Valley of the Giants camp, where you can set up your tent amid enormous ancient trees, some estimated to be more than 1200 years old, with trunks exceeding 4m in diameter.
Wallum Forest
Between the dunes and the rainforests, K’gari’s wallum forests unveil yet another biodiverse zone, a blend of heathland, shrubland and swamp bursting with native flora and fauna, adapted over millennia to thrive in the acidic, sandy soils. Dominated by fire-resistant species such as eucalypts, banksias, acacias and grass trees, the wallum forests stand as a testament to nature’s tenacity, a treasure trove of diverse flowering plants providing food for nectar-seeking mammals, birds and insects and a haven for frogs and lizards.
How to experience
Drive on sandy tracks that snake through the wallum environment, open your windows, and keep your ears tuned for the elusive ground parrot, its distinctive call reverberating through the heath. Keep an eye out for swamp wallabies and echidnas.
Freshwater lakes and creeks
Settled amidst K’gari’s ancient dunes and forests are its hidden gems – the sparkling freshwater lakes and creeks that embellish the landscape like sapphires. Fuelled by underground aquifers and rainwater, these pristine oases offer a reprieve from the island’s warmth. While sand plays a crucial role in K’gari’s formation, it’s the water that truly sets it apart. The island’s expansive natural aquifer filters rainwater that fell 60–100 years ago. Remarkably, over half of the world’s perched (dune) lakes are found here, with K’gari boasting 42. The water in these tranquil lakes and streams is so pure that it supports only a sparse array of plants and animals – typically just two or three fish species and three types of turtles.
How to experience
Dive into the cool, emerald waters of Lake McKenzie, where powdery white sands and azure depths rival the beauty of any tropical paradise. Float down Eli Creek, where clear waters wend their way through jungle-like vegetation. Incredibly, Eli Creek pumps 4.1 million litres of water per hour into the ocean – enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool in 23 minutes! Hike to the secluded shores of Lake Wabby, a peaceful oasis nestled amidst towering sand dunes. For contrasting colours, check out Lake Boomanjin, believed to be the largest perched lake in the world. The lake is renowned for its reddish-brown pigment, resulting from decaying organic matter including tannins from the tea trees shooting up in its surrounding catchment.
Sand dunes
Like a colossal sandcastle, K’gari reigns supreme as the world’s largest sand island. Amidst the towering dunes, you’ll discover the intriguing phenomenon of sand blows –spots where the sand seems to have been reshuffled and designed by Mother Nature herself. These natural masterpieces not only add to the island’s allure but also give a peek into the mighty forces shaping K’gari’s ever-evolving landscape.
The eerie unearthly landscapes of desert-like sands and corrugated dunes resemble a strange cosmic moonscape – perfect for any sci-fi movie! Shrubs and grasses play a crucial role in stabilising the dunes, creating a habitat well-suited to the challenging environment. These salt-tolerant plants adjust to the shifting sands, helping to maintain the health and structure of the complex dune systems.
How to experience
Hike into one of the accessible sand blows – Kirrar (1.9km, via Rainbow Gorge), Hammerstone (4.1km, next to Lake Wabby), or Wun’gul (5.5km).
Coastal communities
K’gari lays claim to more than 250 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches, featuring expansive stretches of oceanfront and over 40 kilometres of vividly-coloured sand cliffs, alongside impressive sand blowouts. On the western side of K’gari, visitors can explore intricate mangrove forests and long stretches of white sandy beaches.
Between July and October, Platypus Bay hosts thousands of humpback whales during their migration from the Antarctic. The bay provides a safe environment for the whales to take a break and teach their calves essential skills before continuing their journey south. The famous Tailor Run attracts fishing fanatics from July to November who camp along the beach to catch fish spawning in the surf. But don’t swim in the ocean, the currents are strong, sharks are aplenty and there are no lifeguards.
How to experience
Cruise along the 75 Mile Beach highway where you’ll most certainly see many dingoes scavenging along the shore. Grab your camera to capture the famed Maheno Shipwreck and stop to admire The Pinnacles’ coloured sands with vast dunes and natural sculptures. Continue north to the spectacular Champagne Pools with their fizzy spray that collects into the glistening rock pools. Climb the cliffs at Indian Head to witness 360-degree views.
Where to stay
Discover relaxation and adventure at Kingfisher Bay Resort and K’gari Beach Resort.
On the island’s calm western side, Kingfisher Bay Resort is K’gari’s premier eco-friendly retreat, offering diverse accommodations from hotel rooms to spacious villas and houses. Guests enjoy complimentary ranger-guided walks and talks, whale-watching cruises (July to October), and full-day 4WD tours exploring the island’s highlights. The Bush Tucker Talk & Taste experience provides a cultural immersion.
Recently upgraded, K’gari Beach Resort – formerly Eurong Beach Resort.– is now a modern four-star getaway featuring renovated hotel rooms, apartments and a beach house. Accessible only by 4WD, it provides direct access to K’gari’s World Heritage-listed landscapes, perfect for anglers and sightseers eager to roam the 75 Mile Beach highway. The resort contains essential facilities including a petrol station, general store, bakery and underbody car wash.
