9 Best places to visit on Fraser Island (K’Gari – the dingo island)
Welcome to the Queensland coast and explore one of the more popular Islands in Australia. Today, we will seek some of the best places to visit on Fraser Island (K’Gari) and help plan your holiday.
Expect to see beautiful endless beaches, the best swimming spots, and Australian wildlife and learn some of their histories.
Did you know that Fraser Island (K’Gari) contains one of the very few rainforests in the world growing in the sand?
K’Gari means ‘Paradise’ in the Aboriginal language
It is even more remarkable that the abundant plant life grows at a very high altitude which is more than 200 metres above sea level.
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You can access Fraser Island from the small town of Rainbow Beach or further north at Hervey Bay. Both have available barge transfers to get you to and from the island and the possibility to hire a vehicle if needed.
The best way to explore K’Gari is in a four-wheel drive vehicle which is your most vital requirement to drive anywhere on Fraser Island. However, if you don’t have one, there are always options for day and overnight tours from Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, and Hervey Bay.
When looking for accommodation, you have options between camping on the beach, caravan parks or renting a holiday home. Alternatively, you could stay in one of the two resorts, Kingfisher Bay Resort or K’Gari Beach Resort. Whichever way you go, you’re sure to be amazed by the sites and meditating sounds of the rainforest.
Fraser Island or K’Gari is over 1600 square kilometres in size and is one of the largest Sand Islands in the world.
Notably, that’s almost nine times the size when comparing Fraser to Moreton Island, another sand island along the Queensland coast. There is a permanent population of 180 people on Fraser Island. It is UNESCO World Heritage listed, and also it is a part of the Great Sandy National Park.
So, let’s go for a small journey across the 9 best places on Fraser Island (K’Gari). To make it easier, use the map to find all the locations on dingo island.
#1 Central Station & the Valley of the Giants
Central Station, originally established as a forestry camp, now is a camping area overlooking Fraser Island’s rainforest.
The area is fenced for dingo safety and has basic facilities like hot showers (coin-operated), flushing toilets, and wheelchair access. Also, there is a small display of island history and flora and fauna life.
Near Central Station, there is a 700 meters Wanggoolba Boardwalk. This easy loop walk is very accessible and allows you to cross through the valley of giant trees. It includes Kauri Pines, Norfolk Island Pines, massive stag horns, king ferns, and strangler figs.
During the walk, you may experience crystal-clear creeks running throughout the island. These streams weave in and out of the rainforest into the lakes or ocean.
Make sure you stay quiet and listen for the sounds like birds chirping and water running. It’s almost hypnotic and calming and will undoubtedly help you clear your mind.
#2 Lake Wabby
There are many beautiful lakes on Fraser Island and Lake Wabby is one of them. If you love swimming, Lake Wabby is the place to stay.
The lake is located on the eastern part of the island and accessible by a 4WD or 5 km walking track from the beach.
It takes about 45 minutes to get there from the beach and it is best visited in the early mornings or late afternoons with fewer people around.
Be amazed at the contrasting colours between Fraser’s sands dunes and the greenish freshwater lake. Surprisingly, the lake contains a variety of small fish that will often nibble on your toes as your swim around.
Lake Wabby is one of the deepest dune lakes on the island with a record depth of 11.4 meters.
One of the best ways to see Wabby Lake and its surroundings is from the Lake Wabby Lookout overlooking Dulingbara, Hammerstone Sandblow and the far waters of Coral See.
#3 The Pinnacles of K’Gari
The Pinnacles rock formation or coloured sands are an unusual addition to your best places on Fraser Island. It’s a must-see and your first chance to witness the layers and natural history of time.
Maybe they don’t look like The Pinnacles in Western Australia, but they have many things in common.
These pointed sand cliff creations had resulted from wind, rain, and a fusion of sand and clay, shaping over thousands of years.
You might not see it, but there are 72 different colour shades that can be distinguished in these formations.
This includes red, orange, yellow, white, and brown stains. If you are a photographer this is the place for an optimal photo point that is only a quick two-minute walk from the beach.
4 The SS Maheno Shipwreck
The SS Maheno Shipwreck is one of your more popular landmark attractions and a quick stop while driving on the seventy-five-mile beach.
The ship was built in 1935 and was firstly used in World War I as a hospital ship and later booked for travel between Australia and New Zealand.
In 1935, the ship was sold to a company in Japan for scrap. While being towed back to Japan the crew hit a cyclone storm and as a result, the ship drifted aground off Fraser Island and set forever on the 75 miles beach where she can be seen now.
Today, the wreck slowly erodes away and sinks into the sand. Generally, you’ll see her from only one side, but if the tide is low, it is possible to walk around it.
#5 Swimming at Eli Creek
Eli Creek is one of the magical places on Fraser Island.
Clear, fresh waters run through the creek from the middle of the island to the ocean all year round.
There are many ways to enjoy Eli Creek: swimming (when the tide is higher), walking the meandering boardwalk pathway, plunging in the shallow cool waters, or floating down the creek.
Note that Eli Creek waters are usually cold, so most of the swimming can be done in the warmer months. However, if you can brace against the cold, you can enjoy it all year round.
Usually, the water does not flow very fast, and you can effortlessly glide down to the beach in about 5 to 10 minutes. Occasionally though, after a rainfall, the creek can boost with energy making the water fast flowing.
After heavy rain or storm take additional care when swimming or floating down the creek.
#6 Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora)
The stunning, heritage-listed Lake McKenzie is often called the ‘Jewel of Fraser’, and you will understand why by seeing it for the first time.
Lake McKenzie is one of the most visited places on Fraser Island and should not be missed. The lake contains fine, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and an impressive turquoise colour in the deeper sections.
In fact, the unique natural acidity levels make it impossible for fish and plant life to grow within.
On the other hand, the fine white sand and organic matter at the base of the lake make an impermeable layer preventing the water from draining.
A fact, Lake McKenzie contains only rainwater and no groundwater. It is not being fed by any water streams and does not flow to the ocean.
There are small camping facilities with toilets and cold showers.
The lake is accessible by a 5 minutes walk from the carpark.
#7 Indian Head Lookout
Indian Head Lookout is probably the best view you can see on Fraser Island.
It is located on the easternmost point of K’Gari at the end of 75 Mile beach.
After a short 10-minute walk to the top of the cliffs, you have views to see whales passing by, turtles, and dolphins along the cliff edges and the beaches on the east side of Fraser Island.
#8 Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools are natural pool rock formations created by nature right on the beach.
Unlike many K’Gari freshwater lakes, here you can plunge into the seawater without a scare to be eaten by a shark.
As the tides and waves come in and out, this creates a natural spa of bubbles for the champagne effect. As a result, the water is always clean and fresh.
The Champagne Pools are located on the island’s east side and are best visited at low tide.
At higher tides additional care must be taken, as larger waves can pack some punch and catch people unaware or off guard.
On the bright side, the kids will enjoy watching the small crabs or wildlife in the smaller rock pools.
Be careful around the rocks and always watch your children.
#9 See an Australian Dingo
If you have not seen a dingo in Australia, Fraser Island is the place where this is almost guaranteed.
The Dingo population on Fraser Island is about 200. With around 25 different packs roaming on the island it is almost certain to spot one during your visit.
Fraser Island dingos seem very thin, but don’t be misled by their size. In packs, they are fearless predators. These fit mammals can travel daily up to 40 kilometres looking for food, and they would not mind stealing a snack from you.
Never feed dingoes as they may demand more and be aggressive.
Dingoes are wild creatures, very unpredictable, that hunt like wolves or coyotes. Always keep your distance and have small children beside you if you see one.
When visiting ‘dingo island’ you need to abide by it. The most important ones are to always lock your food stores and iceboxes, pack away your scraps and never feed wild animals (especially dingoes).
Additionally, feeding off reptiles, mammals, fish, birds, and rodents. Consequently, Fraser Island has stringent rules on human food containers and must be locked up at all times.
Best 9 Places to visit on Fraser Island – Summary
Fraser Island is a one-of-a-kind place in Australia. I can guarantee you will not find a similar island in Australia. The Dingo Island is stunningly beautiful with pristine lakes and sandy beaches. At the same time a bit dangerous due to the presence of dingoes.
As usual, you can best enjoy it when you are well-prepared before your visit. Read all information about it first to make the trip one that you remember for a very long time.
Read all information about Fraser Island before your visit.
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GPS Navigator or compass
Maxtrax – if you get bogged, you can use it for additional traction
Tire Deflator – deflate tires quickly when going on dirt or 4WD
Air Compressor – inflate tires quickly after going back on bitumen (we use MM)
Tire Repair Kit – to fix the tire by yourself when you don’t have access to the tire shop (we use Oztrail)
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Full Recovery Kit (with Dampener Blanket) – must-have if you are going on real off-road
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Shovel – useful if you get bogged, also good for campfire cooking
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