The best things to see and do on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

From taking on a 4WD adventure to dipping your toes in shimmering lakes and rock pools, here are the best experiences on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island).

Immerse yourself in this natural wonder where spectacular beauty awaits. K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), the largest sand island on the planet, is the perfect destination if you're looking for a relaxing resort experience or alternately brilliant camping and fishing spots, 4WDing and outdoor activities. Iconic and world-heritage listed, it is the only place in the world where you can see rainforest growing on sand.

Best things to see and do on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

K'gari is a World Heritage-listed destination known for majestic rainforest canopies. Stroll through the towering rainforests. Boardwalks meander beneath the canopy of palm trees and vines, through lush ferns, and over crystal clear creek waters.

Must-see spots on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

K'gari is a nature lover’s paradise and photographer’s delight! Every corner of the island is special and several days of exploring is ideal. If you only have one day to explore though, make sure you visit these must-see spots.

Lake McKenzie

You can’t go to K'gari without visiting its most iconic swimming spot! Relax on the pristine white sand and swim in the crystal-clear water, famous for its stunning blue hues. How brilliant is nature!

Family at Lake McKenzie, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Family at Lake McKenzie, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Central Station

Head inland and explore along the rainforest boardwalk to see towering trees growing out of the sand. Located around Central Station is an amazing rainforest where massive Angiopteris ferns grow. Take a stroll around Wanggoolba Creek and enjoy a peaceful picnic taking in the beauty of this area of the island.

Central Station rainforest
Central Station rainforest

75 Mile Beach

Cruise K'gari's infamous beach highway, running the length of the island. If you’re a 4WD fanatic, you’ll love carving out your own tracks. Part of the appeal of exploring this beach is you’ll come across the famous Maheno shipwreck, the popular swimming spot known as Champagne Pools and the rugged, volcanic rock formation at Indian Head. There are plenty of spots to stop and do a bit of beach fishing, chasing the elusive catch of the day.

Eli Creek

Wade through the shallow waters or float downstream in the largest freshwater creek on the eastern beach of K'gari. This spot is popular with families wanting to enjoy a picnic and cool off in the crystal clear waters. Keep an eye out for eels, fish and perhaps even a turtle as you float down this beautiful waterway. It’s also worth exploring the boardwalk that follows the creek inland, to see a variety of trees and plants if you’re interested in the flora in this part of the island.

Eli Creek, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Eli Creek, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Maheno Shipwreck

See the famous rustic ruins that were once a luxury cruise liner. Washed ashore in a cyclone in 1935, it is now a photographer's dream spot as you capture the different angles of this striking attraction.

The Pinnacles Coloured Sands

Be amazed by these spectacularly technicoloured sand cliffs and the aboriginal Dreamtime tale of how they were formed. Formed over hundreds of thousands of years because of wind, rain, and the fusion of sand and clay, the local indigenous people believe the cliffs were formed as a result of a love story involving the Rainbow Serpent. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll be able to capture some brilliant photos as the colours change with the light throughout the day.

Champagne Pools on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Go for a swim like no other! The Champagne Pools on K'gari are a collection of large rock pools right on the edge of the ocean. With each new wave washing into the pools, the incoming water creates a unique foaming quality like a spa. 

Champagne Pool, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
Champagne Pools, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Spot dingoes on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

K'gari is famous not just for it’s spectacular beaches and iconic landscapes, it’s also home to wild dingoes. They are most often spotted during dawn and dusk when they hunt for food in either packs or as individuals. Their diet includes wombats, kangaroos and other small mammals however they’ll also occasionally eat fish.

Best K'gari (Fraser Island) resorts and accommodation

Rest, relax and rejuvenate at the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort on K'gari. This hidden paradise is perfect for a relaxing island retreat, or a slice of comfort to return to after venturing out on one of the many K'gari day tours.

On the east coast of the island, find your way to K'gari Beach Resort. Offering a diverse range of accommodation options, this family-friendly resort is conveniently located just seconds from the beach.

4WD Adventures

The best way to explore K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is by 4WD. Having an expert local guide as your driver will ensure you get the most out of your time and visit the must-see spots on the island.

A Kingfisher Bay Resort 'Beauty Spots' 4WD tour will take you to some of the best spots on the island including Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, the Central Station rainforest, Maheno Wreck and 75 Mile Beach.

If you prefer to explore on your own and don’t have your own 4WD, you can hire one when you arrive and head out at your leisure for one day or longer. Carving out your own tracks on the beach is the ultimate off-road self-drive adventure!

Whale watching on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Whale watching on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is an unmissable experience between August and late October.

The humpbacks don’t just migrate past the island during these months, they also take time out in the calm, sheltered waters off the western bay to socialise, have fun and nurture the young ones.

Whale-watching tours include expert commentary, so you learn about these amazing sea creatures and get the opportunity to see them up close for a truly memorable experience.

Go fishing on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

The eastern side of K'gari is the most popular location for onshore fishing. Bream, whiting, trevalley, mackerel and sharks are all typical catches. 75 Mile Beach is the most popular fishing spot as there’s plenty of space to find your own spot and try your hand at getting the catch of the day, whether you’re a novice or experienced angler.

K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) Camping

For lovers of adventure, set up in one of the many camping zones. There’s no better way to appreciate the abundant splendour of K'gari than camping beneath the starry night sky. As the night fades, watch the sun rise over the Coral Sea before diving into another day filled with more natural wonder.

Ranger Guided Tours On K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

Learn about the unique fauna and flora on K'gari on one of the ranger-guided tours. Most walks run by the Kingfisher Bay Resort rangers are free to join, with walks varying each week.

As you stroll around the island the rangers talk about a range of topics including Bush Tucker and Bush Medicines, Aboriginal Culture (with particular reference to the local Butchulla tribe), the dingoes of K'gari, and the mangroves and their importance in a coastal eco-system.

Grow your children’s passion for the planet and take the whole family on an interactive wildlife experience run by the Kingfisher Bay Resort Rangers to spark excitement and enthusiasm for nature conservation.

K'gari (Fraser Island) Ranger

Aussie bush tucker tasting

Savour authentic bush tucker at a talk-and-taste interactive session to find out how K'gari food and native bush produce can be used in a variety of dishes. Chefs across Australia and around the world have discovered the amazing food on Fraser Island, using it to introduce a special dimension to their signature dishes.

Current Special Discounts and Deals

Start planning your next brilliant holiday to K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) by checking out the great range of special discounts and deals with Kingfisher Bay Resort or K'gari Beach Resort.

K'gari Special Deals

Fantastic K'gari (Fraser Island)

Unique wildlife, ancient rainforests growing out of the sand, endless beaches and freshwater lakes make K'gari an island paradise you'll never want to leave.

Looking to explore more of Australia's beautiful island destinations? Here are the 8 best islands to visit in Australia.