K’gari’s (Fraser Island) Top Ten Spots

K’gari, which used to be known as Fraser Island is definitely one of our favourite destinations on the East Coast of Australia. It is pretty much guaranteed to be one of the most memorable experiences you will have down under. It ticks all the boxes, from a memorable off road 4 wheel driving safari, to amazing wildlife and some of the most spectacular scenery. K’gari (Fraser Island) is a true Aussie ADVENTURE.

The best access point to reach K’gari (Fraser Island) is either from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. You can only access the island with a 4WD vehicle, as Fraser is the largest sand island in the world stretching over 120km. You will be driving on the sand the whole time. If you are not able to drive then don't worry because you could join a 'Guided Tag-A-Long Tour'. The island is unique, as 80% of the island is covered by luscious rainforest growing straight out of the sand. There are around 40 'perched' lakes on the island, which means they are completely made up of rainwater. K’gari (Fraser Island) is home to more than half of the world's perched lakes.

Here are our top 10 locations on the island that you should not miss. 

1. Lake Mckenzie

In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful lakes on the island. Picture perfect with crystal clear turquoise water and some of the whitest and softest sands in the world. Located in the middle of the island, it is one of the most famous perched lakes on K’gari (Fraser Island). While you are there, take a stroll in the rainforest surrounding the lake, laze on the beach, or best of all take a dip in the cool-temperate crystal clear waters.

The sand surrounding the lake is pure silica sand, which is among the finest in the world. Additionally, the sand acts as an exfoliant on your skin as well as being a natural filter that keeps the water clean and clear. While not being the biggest lake on the island, it certainly is the most popular among tourists. Pro tip: try to get here nice and early to have the whole place to yourself and grab that perfect shot.

See More - 1-Day Fraser Explorer Tour from $239

2. Eli Creek

The island’s very own natural 'lazy river'. Eli Creek is the most well known creek on K’gari. The creek is easily accessible just right off 75 Mile Beach, and pumping out over 80 million litres of fresh water every day. There is a boardwalk from the parking area through the rainforest and then to the starting point of the lazy river. The source of the creek is actually much further inland but to protect the local ecology and wildlife, that area is a no go area. The water is filtered through Fraser's famous sand dunes, which is why it is so clear and makes it so pure that it is drinkable!

We totally recommend you taking a floatie along and relax as you float down the creek with the rainforest hanging over your head. The creek actually isn't very deep so if you prefer to walk back to the start it's totally fine as well. 

3. Champagne Pools

Located along 75 mile beach, north of Indian Head, is the Champagne Pools. These pools are a unique natural feature of K’gari (Fraser Island). They are naturally formed rock pools that are perfect for swimming in the ocean while being protected from the strong currents and potentially harmful marine animals like sharks in the open water. The rocks that surround the pool are ancient volcanic rock. As the waves break over them and fill the pools up, it creates a bubble affect on the surface of the water, hence the name.

To access the pools you can park nearby and follow the easy-to-find boardwalk then down a few steps. Do be aware that the best time to visit is at low tide as the waves are much calmer. During high tide or inclement weather the waves can be pretty high and people have been known to lose their footing on the rocks, so please be careful.

4. The Pinnacles 

If you are interested in Australia indigenous culture then the coloured sand cliffs known as The Pinnacles is a marvellous sight to behold. The indigenous people of the island tell their Dreamtime story named 'Tale of the Butchulla women', which is a fascinating tale involving a rainbow serpent. I won't ruin it for you here but it is all about how the hundreds of coloured sand cliffs were formed and how they are an important site for the indigenous culture.

The cliffs are made up of sand, clay and a variety of minerals contained within, and is what make up the different colours of the pinnacles. The shapes of the cliffs were formed due to strong winds and rain. Only a short walk from Indian Head, the best time to visit is early morning as the sun is coming up and the light hits the cliffs the colours appear to change. Do not forget your camera.

Dingos 2 Day / 1 Night Fraser Tag Along Tour - from $420

5. Lake Wabby

The deepest lake on the island, at around 11m deep, this emerald green lake will take your breath away. For starters, to get there you have to go on a mini trek through the rainforest and over Fraser's huge sand dunes. Lake Wabby is located at the bottom of a steep dune so be careful when making your way down. After the long walk it's great to jump in and cool off.

As the acidity of the water here is lower than other lakes on the island there is a variety of fish that inhabit the lake, even some of the small ones that like to enjoy nibbling the dead skin off your feet. Another interesting thing about Lake Wabby is that it is actually shrinking. Due to various natural reasons the sand dune is slowly taking over the lake so in around a hundred years it will be no more, so you better get a move on so you don't miss out.

6. Maheno Shipwreck

The icon of Fraser Island washed up on 75 mile beach in 1935 while on its final journey to Japan where it was to be broken down for parts. Before that the Maheno had operated for 30 years as a passenger vessel between Auckland and Sydney, she was even commissioned as a hospital ship during world war one. There have been a number of famous shipwrecks on the East Coast but the Maheno is probably the most famous of all and definitely the most photographed. 

Nowadays she sits on the beach and is slowly being swallowed by the sand. As the old ship is quite dangerous, you cannot get too close or climb on it, but you can get close enough to imagine what she would have looked like in her prime. Imagine that day in 1935 as she was being towed along, but going through a cyclone off coast proved too much and the tow line snapped, leaving the Maheno to drift aimlessly until she found her home on Fraser Island. 

7. Indian Head

This must-see location on K’gari (Fraser Island) is all about the views so make sure to bring your camera. This is the top lookout spot on the island. With stunning panoramic views across the island and out over ocean, you can even see the marine life splashing around like dolphins, turtles and whales (in season). You may even spot a few sharks around the base of the cliffs. 

There is a short walking track to the top of the cliffs, which were formed hundreds of thousands of years ago and are made up of volcanic rock. It can be a little tricky in sandals so it might be worth bringing a sturdier pair of footwear. But it doesn't take long to reach the top. If you can make it here for sunrise or sunset then it will be even more spectacular.

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8. 75 Mile Beach

Beach? Highway? Landing Strip? Yes to all. Fraser's most famous coastal beach is the home to its one and only highway and it doubles up as a runway for sightseeing flights that take you over the island. The rules here are the same as any other highway in Australia and often is patrolled by police. Only suitable for 4WD vehicles. It is forever-changing with the tides and the weather affecting the beach.

As it is one of the most famous 4wd routes in the world, it can become pretty busy and you will need to do your research before departing to make sure you don't get trapped by a tide. If you are a part of a guided tour then you won't have anything to worry about. Head over to our Fraser Island page to see available tours. 75 Mile Beach is home to some of K’gari’s other top spots, so you really won't have a choice to head here and see its beauty.

9. Central Station

In the heart of the rainforest, Central Station is a former logging site on the island. In the first half of the last century, a small community from the mainland settled here and established a small village complete with a school. Once the felling of trees was outlawed, the land was reclaimed by the rainforest which thrives around Wanggoolba Creek.

Today there is a picnic area which is a popular spot for tourists to stop. It is also popular among K’gari's dingo population who have learned to associate food with humans. IMPORTANT: please don't feed the dingoes. There is also a guided walk that you can take through the rainforest and your mind will be blown when you see the size of the trees growing straight out of the sand.

10. Lake Birrabeen

Much like its (more) famous cousin, Lake Mckenzie, Lake Birrabeen is a perched lake surrounded by white sands. Lake Birrabeen is a lesser known spot and this extra bonus means it is not as busy, giving you some peace and quiet while you take in the beautiful surroundings. Unwind, relax, and take your time here while sunbathing on the white sandy beach, go for a swim, or taking a stroll around the shoreline.

Birrabeen is in the southern half of the Island so may be one of the first, or last lakes that you will pass. Remember to get here you have to have a 4WD vehicle and follow the designated tracks. The track to Birrabeen is one of the more adventurous tracks as generally have less people that make their way here. Enjoy it.

So there you have it, ten of our favourite spots on the EPIC K’gari (Fraser Island). Of course we couldn't fit everything in here. There is so much more to for you to see and do like camping out under the stars, seeing the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and not forgetting to mention the islands flora and fauna including Fraser's unique dingo population. However you choose to go and whenever you choose, K’gari really is a once in a life time experience and is not to be missed.