7 Experiences You Can Only Have on K’gari

We acknowledge the Butchulla people, Traditional Custodians of K’gari and its surrounding sea Country on which these adventures take place. In particular, we recognise the Butchulla as the custodians of the island’s land and waters, for whom caring for Country and sharing story have held central importance for thousands of generations.

Sitting off Queensland’s Fraser Coast, the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) is like no other – brimming with sparkling inland lakes, expansive sand dunes, towering rainforest, and golden beaches.

If you’re keen to sink your toes into the sand here, head to Brisbane and either take a short flight to Hervey Bay or drive about three hours up the coast. From there it’s just 45 minutes on the ferry straight to Kingfisher Bay Resort, the gateway to exploring the rest of the island. 

As a year-round destination with the lakes at a steady 24 degrees, there really isn’t a bad time to visit, but if you happen to be there between July and October, you’ll be treated to the migration of Humpback whales down the coast. What a treat!

After our time on Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Four-Day K’gari Experience package, we’ve rounded up 7 unique experiences, including where to float, walk, and wander on Queensland’s iconic sand island.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

1. Swim in Lake Wabby

Distance: 4.6 km return
Duration: 1.5 hours (excluding swim time)
Included in K’gari Four Day Experience

One of the island’s most spectacular spots is the emerald waters of the crescent-shaped Lake Wabby. Framed on one side by huge sand dunes that make up Hammerstone Sand Blow and by lush rainforest on the other, Lake Wabby is what’s known as a barrage lake which are formed over time when shifting sand dunes block water from reaching the ocean.

The walk out to Lake Wabby is part of the experience, with the narrow forest track opening up to expansive, golden dunes that call for a dramatic trek to reach the lake which is home to several species of fish and even the odd turtle. We highly recommend packing your bathers and towel for a dip here and don’t forget your shoes – the sand gets hot, especially in summer!

Read more: Staying Safe Around Swimming Holes and Waterfalls

2. Walk the Pile Valley Circuit

Distance: 4km circuit
Duration: 2 hours return
Included in K’gari Four Day Experience

Not only does K’gari have world class beaches and picturesque lakes, it’s also host to one of the only rainforests on the planet that successfully grows out of sand (we get it, you’re special). 

Once the base of a logging camp, Pile Valley now sits inside the K’gari World Heritage Area and is one of the best examples of this unique old growth forest, with some of the ancient satinay trees here predicted to be over 1000 years old. 

We started at Central Station and followed the Wanggoolba Creek Boardwalk to reach the Pile Valley Circuit where we wound through sun-dappled rainforest before looping back through a hoop pine plantation.

3. Marvel at the Illumina Light Show

Duration: 30 minutes
Location: Kingfisher Bay Resort
Cost: $50 for adults, free for children (only available for resort guests)
Additional booked experience

One of the perks of staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort is being able to witness the after-dark experience, the Illumina Light Show. Created by renowned light artist, Bruce Ramus, Illumina takes you through K’gari’s story using light, laser, projection, and sound against the backdrop of the island’s wetlands and forest – the first of its kind in Queensland.

During your stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Illumina is a delightful way to spend an evening and is a great way to learn about the island’s history and culture through art.

4. Enjoy a Natural Spa at Champagne Pools

Distance: 700m return
Duration: 30 minutes (excluding swim time)
Included in K’gari Four Day Experience

If you’re a rockpool enthusiast like us then you’ll be thrilled to know that K’gari has some stunning examples of its own. Found on the island’s north east, along a boardwalk that hugs the coast, we arrived at the Champagne Pools – a chain of sparkling blue rock pools that bubble as small waves spill over their rocky ledges.

Aim to arrive a little before low tide to get the natural spa experience (rather than the washing machine) and make sure you’re out of there before the tide rolls in.

5. Float Down Eli Creek

Included in K’gari Four Day Experience

One of our favourite places on the island is the crystal clear Eli Creek, K’gari’s answer to a lazy river. Filtering through the sand dunes, Eli Creek pumps about 4 million litres of fresh water into the ocean every hour. It’s also some of the purest water on the island due to the filtering process taking decades, meaning water can be close to a century old by the time it reaches your ankles.

The best way to experience Eli Creek is with a floatie (if you’re with K’gari Explorer Tours they can provide you with one). Simply follow the short 200m boardwalk up the creek, hop in your floatation item of choice, and enjoy the tranquility of drifting down water that’s been travelling to get there for a lifetime…and repeat!

6. Take a Ranger Guided Paddle

Duration: ~1 hour
Cost: $35 adult, $25 child
Additional booked experience

Hop into a canoe at the Kingfisher Bay jetty and be guided by a resort ranger through the clear shallows of the Great Sandy Strait and into Dungonga Creek. As you paddle alongside the mangroves and listen to stories about the tides and ecology, look out for sea eagles, rays, and turtles.

On a still morning the mangroves mirror perfectly and you can see crabs patterning the banks. If you’re after adventure without the adrenaline, this is a fabulous way to spend a slow morning in K’gari’s natural playground.

7. Cool Off in Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie

Distance: ~250m return
Duration: 5-10 minutes (excluding swim time)
Included in K’gari Four Day Experience

Often cited as the crown jewel of K’gari, we’ve saved the best for last. Tucked into rainforest, Lake McKenzie’s white silica sand fades from bright turquoise to deep navy as the bottom drops away to around 6.6 metres. It’s a perched lake, held above the water table in a basin, so the water’s rain fed and famously clear.

It’s just a short stroll from the car park to reach the fine sands of the lake’s shore where upon arrival we recommend laying out your towel, lazing in the water, and soaking in the serenity of this special spot for a solid few hours.

K’gari’s Unique Adventures Await

From swimming between sand dunes, wandering through old growth rainforests, and floating down a creek with water a century old, K’gari is the kind of place that stays with you long after you visit.

To see the best of the island without the stress of driving, we jumped on Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Four-Day K’gari Experience package. It blends adventure with down time, linking the must-see sights with on-site activities, relaxed dining, and eco-friendly stays so we could explore and switch off without the planning.

It’s the ultimate coast-to-coast K’gari experience. We spent our first and last nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort by the island’s calm western beach, with four lagoon-style pools to cool off in, more ranger-guided activities available to book, a plentiful range of on-site dining, and surrounded by dunes and greenery.

Then were the two full days of guided touring to all of K’gari’s most stunning sights (even more than we could squeeze in here!), and a blissful night at K’gari Beach Resort on the east coast in between.

However you choose to visit K’gari, take it slow and let the place set the pace. Respect Butchulla Country, check tides and park alerts, and leave only footprints.