From testing out your four-wheel driving skills to bathing in shimmering lakes, adventure awaits on K’gari.
For the traditional owners, the Butchulla people, K’gari (pronounced “gurri”) means ‘paradise’. And it won’t take long for you to see why. Located off the southeast coast of Queensland, the World Heritage-listed K’gari is the world’s largest sand island. It’s packed with diverse landscapes, unique wildlife and heaps of land and water-based adventures.
From whale watching to floating down lazy creeks and camping under the stars, here are 11 of our favourite things to do on K’gari.
1. Swim in Lake McKenzie
Did you know K’gari has over 100 lakes? But if you only have time for one, we’d recommend Lake McKenzie. Yes, it’s one of the most popular lakes, but there’s a reason for that. The water is some of the purest on earth, the water is unbelievably blue, and the silica sand is ridiculously white and soft.
Here’s a random question for you: when was the last time you cleaned your gold or silver rings? The sand at Lake McKenzie is that soft, you can use it to clean your jewellery. Or scoop a handful and give your body a good scrub — you won’t find a cheaper or more natural exfoliation treatment than this.
2. Watch the sunset
Watching the sunset never gets old. And sunset on K’gari is one for the books. Grab a cold drink, get comfy on your camping chair and watch the sky light up with hues of pink, purple and orange. The best sunset spots depend on which side of the island you’re on, but Kingfisher Bay is a firm favourite. If you’re an early riser, it’s also worth going to Eurong Beach to watch the sunrise.
3. Go four-wheel driving on 75 Mile Beach
The roads on K’gari are mostly sand, so your four-wheel driving skills are about to be put to the test. 75 Mile Beach is a real sand highway (with road signs, speed cameras, etc) that runs the length of the island’s east coast. Blast your favourite playlist and feel the sea breeze on your skin as you cruise along this long stretch of coast.
Keep your eyes peeled for wild dingoes and people fishing by the water. And don’t be alarmed if you see the occasional plane landing on the sand — the beach is also an airstrip. Driving 75 Mile Beach is best at low tide when the sand is hard and flat.
Don’t fancy driving? Join one of Intrepid’s K’gari trips
4. Take a dunk in Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools is a natural spa. It gets its name from frothing ocean waves that spill over the pools’ rocky edges like fizzy wine tumbling down a tower of coupe glasses. It’s the only place on K’gari where you’re allowed to swim in the sea, so you can imagine it’s a popular spot. If you don’t fancy a dip, admire the pools from the boardwalk that wraps around the headline.
5. Float down Eli Creek
Eli Creek is the largest creek on K’gari. It pours up to four million litres of water into the ocean every hour. Take a short stroll along the boardwalk through banksia and pandanus groves or pop on your bathers for a refreshing float down the creek. The water is cold fresh, but it’s super relaxing once you’re in and the mild current carries you along the winding watercourse. You could even bring a floaty device for an extra bit of fun. Inflatable watermelon or unicorn, anyone?
6. Spot humpback whales
The whale watching season runs from July to October. Every year, these fascinating creatures migrate from the cold waters of Antarctica to birth their calves in the warmer waters along the East Coast. There are plenty of whale watching tours available along the coast, including Hervey Bay, but you have a good chance of spotting a humpback (or two) from the headlands of K’gari.
7. See wild dingoes and other native wildlife
K’gari is home to a diverse range of native wildlife, including swamp wallabies, short-eared mountain possums, sugar gliders and dingoes. The dingo is the island’s most famous four-legged resident, with an estimated 30 dingo packs. You’ll probably see a few roaming the shores when driving along 75 Mile Beach. You may also hear a pack howling in the distance at night.
8. Visit Maheno Shipwreck
The shipwreck of SS Maheno is one of the island’s most iconic sites. But it’s also a reminder of how treacherous the waters surrounding this stunning island can be. SS Maheno was a former luxury cruise liner and WWI hospital ship. She was sold to Japan for scrap after the war, but a cyclone during her final voyage in 1935 meant her fate was destined for K’gari. It’s definitely worth stopping by to see Maheno’s rusty skeleton.
9. Explore the ancient Pile Valley rainforest
Dubbed the heart of K’gari with thick rainforest canopies and abundant native plants, Central Station and Pile Valley are a great place to reconnect with nature. The 4km bushwalk circuit takes you past giant satinay trees (some of which are over 1,000 years old) kauri pines, giant king ferns and bunya pines. Don’t forget to take a few deep breaths to fill your lungs with ancient rainforest air.
10. Get a free pedicure at Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby is K’gari’s deepest lake. Getting there involves a 30-minute hike over sand dunes, but the burning sensation in your calves is totally worth it when you arrive at this oasis. Jump in the water to cool down and then throw down a blanket to relax and admire the view. Don’t freak out if you feel something tickling your feet — the lake is full of tiny fish that eat the dead skin off your feet. Think of it as a free pedicure!
11. Go camping
It’s hard to beat falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore or waking up to birds chirping in the trees above. There are 45 camping areas on K’gari with several fenced sites to keep the dingoes out. If you’re not the outdoorsy type or you want a little more comfort, there are plenty of hotel resorts, beach houses, lodges and motel-style accommodation options to choose from, too.
Discover the beauty of K’gari on a small group adventure with Intrepid.
