K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) from Rainbow Beach

From the tip of Inskip Point you can almost throw a stone to K’gari. The island stretches about 123 kilometres to the north. It is the largest sand island in the world, a place of freshwater lakes, rainforest growing out of pure sand, towering dunes and an ocean beach that doubles as a highway. Rainbow Beach is the closest town to its southern end, and the barge from Inskip Point makes it an easy day trip or the start of a longer adventure.

The Butchulla people and the name

K’gari is the Country of the Butchulla people, who have lived on and around the island for thousands of years. Their name for the island, K’gari, is often translated as “paradise”. The Federal Court recognised Butchulla native title over the island in 2014. The name of the World Heritage Area was changed to K’gari in 2021, and in June 2023 the Queensland Government officially restored the name K’gari to the island itself, replacing Fraser Island.

Getting there from Rainbow Beach

1. Buy permits. You need a QPWS vehicle access permit for K’gari, plus camping permits if you are staying in national park campgrounds.
2. Drive to Inskip Point. It is about 15 minutes north of Rainbow Beach. Lower your tyre pressures at the start of the sand.
3. Take the barge. Vehicle barges cross to Hook Point in about 10 minutes, according to QPWS.
4. Drive the beach. From Hook Point, the eastern ocean beach heads north towards Dilli Village, Eurong and 75 Mile Beach. Plan around low tide.

Prefer not to drive? Guided tours to K’gari depart from Rainbow Beach, Noosa and Hervey Bay.

What to see

Lakes

K’gari has more than 100 freshwater lakes, and QPWS describes the island as having about half of the world’s perched dune lakes. The most famous is Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), with white silica sand and clear blue water. It is a culturally important place for the Butchulla people. Other well-known lakes include Lake Wabby, which is slowly being swallowed by a sandblow, and Lake Birrabeen.

Rainforest

At Central Station and along Wanggoolba Creek, tall rainforest, including satinay and kauri pines, grows in deep sand. A boardwalk follows the crystal-clear creek, whose water flows so cleanly over white sand that it can be hard to see.

75 Mile Beach and the SS Maheno

The eastern beach is a gazetted road with aircraft landing on it in places. About halfway up lies the rusting wreck of the SS Maheno. Built as a passenger liner, the Maheno served as a New Zealand hospital ship during the First World War, carrying wounded from Gallipoli and the Western Front. In 1935 it was being towed to Japan for scrap when a cyclone parted the tow line, and it drifted ashore on K’gari. Its hull remains on the beach today. Do not climb on the wreck, which is unsafe.

Eli Creek and the Pinnacles

Eli Creek pours fresh water across the beach and is a popular place to float downstream. Further north, the Pinnacles are coloured sand cliffs similar to those at Rainbow Beach.

Driving on K’gari

• Drive within about two hours either side of low tide on the beach.
• Obey speed limits. The beach is a road with police patrols, and the inland tracks are much slower.
• Watch for washouts, creek crossings, aircraft and pedestrians.
• Carry recovery gear and know how to use it.

Our beach driving guide covers tyre pressures, tides and recovery basics.

Be dingo-safe

K’gari’s wongari (dingoes) are among the purest dingo populations in eastern Australia, and there have been serious attacks on people. QPWS advises staying within arm’s reach of children, walking in groups, carrying a stick, never feeding wongari and securing all food and rubbish. Fines apply for feeding or disturbing them.

Swimming on K’gari

The ocean beaches of K’gari are not patrolled and are known for strong rips. Sharks are also present, so QPWS advises against swimming in the surf. Swim instead in the freshwater lakes and creeks, such as Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), Lake Birrabeen and Eli Creek. Even there, never dive in, and supervise children closely. To protect the lakes’ fragile water quality, avoid applying sunscreen or insect repellent just before you swim.

Camping on K’gari

QPWS runs fenced and unfenced campgrounds and beach camping zones across the island. Fenced campgrounds are recommended for families with young children because of wongari. All camping requires a permit booked in advance, and sites fill quickly during holidays. Carry enough water and fuel, plan your rubbish disposal, and check park alerts for closures, including fire-related closures.

Day trip or overnight?

A day trip from Rainbow Beach can take in the southern lakes and Central Station, but the island rewards a longer stay. Two or three nights let you explore the lakes, rainforest and 75 Mile Beach without rushing the tides. Camp in QPWS campgrounds or stay at one of the island’s resorts or townships.