# K’gari (Fraser Island)

> The world’s largest sand island, a World Heritage site where rainforest grows on dunes, with clear freshwater lakes, a wreck and a beach that doubles as a hig

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/au-kgari-fraser-island-np/

The world’s largest sand island, a World Heritage site where rainforest grows on dunes, with clear freshwater lakes, a wreck and a beach that doubles as a highway.

- **Region:** Fraser Coast, Queensland
- **Length:** about 120 km
- **UNESCO:** 1992
- **Suggested time:** 3–5 days
- **Best season:** Apr–Oct

## Before you go

- Only high-clearance 4WD vehicles can be used, with a vehicle access permit and a camping permit. A guided tour is the easier option.
- Dingoes are wild and can be dangerous. Never feed them, keep children close and store food securely.
- Swim in the freshwater lakes and creeks. In the sea, rips and sharks make swimming unsafe, apart from sheltered spots such as Champagne Pools in good conditions.

## Getting there and driving

Vehicle barges cross from Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, and from River Heads, south of Hervey Bay. The long eastern beach, known as 75 Mile Beach, is a gazetted road with a strict speed limit and tide-dependent passages, best driven within about two hours of low tide. Inland tracks are soft sand and slow.

## What to see

Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) and Lake Wabby are the swimming highlights. Along the beach, Eli Creek, the Maheno wreck, Champagne Pools and Indian Head are the classic stops. The Butchulla people are the Traditional Owners, and K’gari is their name for the island.

## When to go

April to October is drier and cooler, with comfortable walking weather. Humpback whales rest in nearby Hervey Bay from about July to October. Summer is hot and humid with storms, and school holidays are busy, so book barges and permits well ahead.

## FAQs

**Can I take a normal car to K’gari?**
No. The sand tracks need a high-clearance 4WD, and a vehicle access permit is required. Without one, take a guided tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

**Is it safe to swim on K’gari?**
Freshwater lakes such as Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) are the safe choice. The ocean has strong rips and sharks, so avoid swimming in it except at sheltered spots in good conditions.

**How should I behave around dingoes?**
Keep your distance, never feed them, and walk in groups with children held close. Lock food away, and stay calm and face the animal if one approaches.

## Places to see

- [Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-lake-mckenzie/)
- [Lake Wabby](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-lake-wabby/)
- [Eli Creek](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-eli-creek/)
- [SS Maheno Wreck](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-maheno-wreck/)
- [Champagne Pools](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-champagne-pools/)
- [Indian Head](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-indian-head/)
- [Urangan Pier](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-urangan-pier/)
- [Mary Poppins Statue, Maryborough](https://camping-spirit.com/places/au-mary-poppins-statue/)