Queensland is home to a multitude of extraordinary gems that make us feel lucky to live here — from our sprawling coastline of hidden beaches and coral reefs to the state’s impressive expanse of rainforests and waterfalls. We’ve also got the world’s largest sand island on our doorstep, located three hours north of Brisbane. K’Gari (Fraser Island) is a beach lover’s dream, and perfect for a summer getaway with friends and family.
K’Gari (Fraser Island)
K’Gari is 122 kilometres long and boasts a whopping 250 kilometres of clear sandy beaches around its edges. In its middle lies tall rainforest, rugged four-wheel-drive tracks, as well as half of the world’s freshwater dune lakes, which make for equally amazing swims as the beaches.
K’Gari is also home to a large dingo population, with an estimated 25 to 30 packs roaming freely around the island. You’ll likely spot these wild inhabitants when the sun goes down. And though dingos may look cute and cuddly, it’s extremely important to remember that they can be unpredictable, so it’s best to never approach, pat or feed them.
What to do on K’Gari
Considering the island is mostly made up of sand, getting around is via four-wheel-drive vehicles or walking.
There’s plenty to see and do on K’Gari, from swimming and snorkelling to kayaking, jetskiing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing tours and more.
You can also discover the island on foot with a short walk like Mckenzie’s jetty circuit or a longer expedition via the 90km K’gari Great Walk, which takes six to eight days to complete.
Some must-visit swimming spots on K’gari include Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, Lake Birrabeen and Eli Creek, which was recently recognised as having some of the clearest water in the world.
Where to stay at K’Gari
There are a few different accommodation options on the island, those of which range in price and aesthetic. If the idea of sipping cocktails by the pool after a day exploring sounds like your vibe, then we recommend a stay at the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort. Or if you’re a more adventurous traveller who loves the wild seclusion, there are a heap of beachside camping spots you can pitch a tent at. If you go for the latter, you’ll just need to make sure that you’re prepared with all supplies, considering the remoteness of K’Gari.
How to get to K’Gari
From Brisbane, the quickest way to get to K’Gari is driving three hours north to Inskip Point at Rainbow Beach and catching the ferry over to the island.
You can take your four-wheel-drive vehicle from Inskip Point to K’Gari, or alternatively, there are tour providers that will take you to the island.
You can also catch a ferry from River Heads near Hervey Bay. This ferry is most convenient if you’re staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort, as it drops you nearby.
For more information about K’Gari, head to the Parks Queensland website.