9 of K'gari lakes and swimming spots

Get ready for a deep dive into the top K’gari lakes and swimming spots.

As a country, Australia is in no way short of spectacular places to swim. But when it comes to sheer breadth of choice, K’gari lakes make the island a top contender. With around 40 freshwater lakes, as well as a number of stunning creeks, it would take even the most committed water-lover days to take a dip in them all.

Before you dive into a list of our favourite swimming spots below, don’t forget one of the most important rules about swimming on K’gari. While it’s good to be sun-safe while swimming, pollutants like sunscreen are incredibly damaging to its delicate ecosystem. Instead, grab a long-sleeved rashie, plonk on that hat and monitor the amount of time you spend having fun in the sun.

1. Lake McKenzie/ Boorangoora

group of friends swimming in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Lake McKenzie’s white sand is iconic. (Image: Sean Scott)

One of the most famous of K’gari lakes, and Australia’s most famous perched lake, is a blue wonder filled with pure rainwater. This, and its startlingly white sand (courtesy of it being 98 per cent silica), makes this coastal dune lake one of the most popular spots to swim on K’gari.

Tips for visiting: Lake McKenzie is undeniably drop-dead gorgeous … but it’s not exactly a well-kept secret. In order to avoid the crowds, the best time to come here is early morning or after 3pm. One of the best ways to get there early is to opt for a spot of camping nearby.

Getting there: Like most of the locations on K’gari, you will likely need a 4WD to reach the lake and park nearby. Alternatively, you could hike to the lake via the Lake McKenzie walk after departing the barge or book a K’gari tour to Lake McKenzie.

2. Orange Creek

Named for its orange-to-tea coloured hue that is caused by fallen leaf tannins, Orange Creek on K’gari is a family-friendly swimming hole.

Tips for visiting: Orange Creek is sandy-bottomed and shallow, making it perfect for a paddle with kids under supervision.

Getting there: Located in the northern part of K’gari, not far from Orchid Beach and the Beach Camping Zone 8, the best 4WD route to reach Orange Creek is by making your way up to Indian Head and Orchid Beach to cross the stream.

3. Champagne Pools

aerial of person swimming in Champagne Pools on k'gari — Feel the salt on your skin at Champagne Pools (Image: TEQ)

As the name would suggest, these sheltered tidal pools are particularly famous for the pleasant fizzing sensation that happens when waves crash into the water of the pools. Sit back in their blue-green depths to enjoy the refreshing tickling feeling across your skin.

Tips for visiting: While the Champagne Pools are relatively safe, caution should be taken at high tide. For a safer all-around experience, visit at low tide instead. And remember, while it might be tempting to cross the rocks and try your luck in the ocean, don’t. It is not safe. (Skip to the end of this list to find out exactly why.)

Getting there: The pools are located along 75 Mile Beach on the eastern side of the island, between Waddy Point and Indian Head. To get here, drive just over 2km north from Indian Head, before parking in the carpark or right on the beach.

4. Ocean Lake

Ocean Lake on k'gari fraser island — Ditch the crowds at Ocean Lake. (Image: Nicolas)

The tea tree-stained waters of Ocean Lake might not have the same aesthetic oomph as the bright aquamarine blues of Lake McKenzie. But the natural oils that are excreted from the surrounding trees have multiple soothing benefits. Expect a bath here to leave you, and your hair and skin, feeling incredibly refreshed.

Tips for visiting: Ocean Lake is a pretty remote location for a swim, so make sure you pack enough food and water and consider pairing it with a trip to the nearby Champagne Pools.

Getting there: Ocean Lake is located in Beach Camping Zone 8, around 5km north of Orchid Beach, on the Eastern Beach scenic drive. From the Champagne Pools carpark, head onto the Waddy Point Bypass and drive just over 10km to the Ocean Lake campsite and the lake beyond. Drivers take note – this drive is only accessible for two hours on either side of low tide, so keep a very close eye on your watch .

5. Lake Boomanjin

Lake Boomanjin on k'gari fraser island — Walk or swim at Lake Boomanjin. (Image: Stephen Edgar)

Another perched lake to compete with the ever-popular Lake McKenzie, the secluded Lake Boomanjin is characterised by its silica sand and reddish-brown hue. This is a result of tannins from the nearby trees.

Tips for visiting: You can actually camp at Lake Boomanjin. The campsite has a picnic table, a dingo-deterrent fence and toilet facilities.

Getting there: The lake is located on the Southern Lakes scenic drive and just over 10km north of the eastern beach at Dilli Village.

6. Lake Wabby

aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow on k'gari fraser island — See the striking sand dunes and dark-green water of Lake Wabby. (Image: TEQ)

The deepest lake on the island is also one of the most picturesque, with striking green water and white sand. See fish dart about in the depths, as you step in there to cool off after finishing the hike needed to get here.

Tips for visiting: While it might be attractive, Lake Wabby is also pretty deep. The walk to get there is also strenuous, and it’s not unusual to see dingoes (known as wongari to the local Indigenous Butchella people). All in all, Lake Wabby is incredible, but not the best swimming spot to visit with kids.

Getting there: You can’t drive up to this lake, and instead, you have to park your 4WD after taking a 10-minute drive north from Eurong along 75 Mile Beach to near One Tree Rocks campsite. From here, you’ll need to walk 45 minutes over soft, sometimes hot, sand dunes to get to Lake Wabby.

7. Lake Allom

people sitting on the edge of LAke Allom on k'gari fraser island — Keep an eye out for turtles at Lake Allom. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

No matter how early you get up to swim in Lake Allom, you’ll find some more ardent locals have beat you to it. We’re talking of course about the resident Krefft’s river turtles. Admire them from a shoreline populated by a rainforest of kauri and hoop pine trees, or head into the waters yourself.

Tips for visiting: There’s a picnic area at Lake Allom , from which it is possible to do the 1.4km Lake Allom circuit walk.

Getting there: You can reach Lake Allom by 4WD via the same track that takes you to the Knifeblade Sanblow lookout, just after Beach Camping Zone 5.

8. Basin Lake

Basin Lake on k'gari fraser island — Have a dip at Basin Lake. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

This perched lake is unique in that it is also a window lake, meaning it contains a combination of rain and groundwater. Basin Lake is a little more remote than some of the other lakes, so you may find that you’re able to slip into its peaceful, clean waters with relatively fewer people.

Tips for visiting: Once you tire out from swimming, sunbathe while keeping an eye out for the over 300 species of birds that call this area home.

Getting there: Not too far from Central Station, you can reach Basin Lake by taking the 5.6km return walking track from there, or by taking the inland track with your 4WD.

9. Lake Birrabeen

Lake Birrabeen on k'gari fraser island — Lake Birrabeen provides a quieter swimming alternative. (Image: Verity Cridland)

A quieter alternative to Lake McKenzie/Boorangoora, the perched lake called Lake Birrabeen can be found in the south of K’gari. Like its more well-known counterpart, Birrabeen has white sands to lie on and warm waters to swim in.

Tips for visiting: Want to camp at Lake Birrabeen? The nearest campsite can be found at Central Station.

Getting there: Travel to the south side of K’gari by 4WD, and take the Southern Lakes scenic drive through the rainforests of the island to Lake Birrabeen.

Where can I find a map of K’gari’s lakes?

Get around the sometimes poor mobile phone reception on the island, and download this map of the island’s lakes from the Queensland Parks and Forests website before you leave.

Can you swim in the sea at K’gari?

Swimming off the coast of K’gari is not recommended and is extremely dangerous. Reasons for sticking to the above options include the presence in the ocean of strong currents and rips, great white sharks, Irukandji jellyfish, and – on occasion – saltwater crocodiles. There are also no lifeguards on the beaches of K’gari.

While some may recommend the relatively sheltered Platypus Bay near Orchid Beach, there are still dangers to be found here, such as venomous jellyfish. Instead, spend a day at the bay keeping an eye out for migrating humpback whales in winter or getting out the tackle and bait for some fishing.

If you are craving the feel of salt on your skin, the Champagne Pools should make for a delightful fix.

Exploring the world’s largest sand island starts with the perfect K’gari homebase.

The morning light is still soft, but it’s already a perfect sunny day. We left our K’gari homebase at Kingfisher Bay Resort with our guide, Peter Meyer, at 9 am to make the most of our time to explore all that the world’s largest sand island holds. The size of K’gari is hard to grasp until you arrive here. This is no sandbar. Stretching 120 kilometres, unique lakes, mangrove systems, rainforest, 75 Miles of beach, historic shipwrecks, small townships and even one of Queensland’s best bakeries are all hidden within its bounds.

But first, one of the island’s most iconic sights: the pure silica sand and crystal clear waters of Lake McKenzie.

Laying eyes on it for the first time, I’m finally able to confirm that the photos don’t lie. The sand is pure white, without the merest hint of yellow. The water fades from a light halo of aqua around the edges to a deeper, royal blue, the deeper it gets (not that it’s particularly deep, six metres at most). The surface remains surprisingly undisturbed, like a mirror.

Arriving with our guide before 10 am means that no one else is around when we get here. Which means we have the pleasure of breaking the smooth surface with our own ripples as we enter. As a self-confessed wimp with chilly water temperatures, my fears are quickly assuaged. Even in the morning, the water stays around 23 degrees – perfect for lazing about all day. But we have more sights to see.

Exploring K’gari

ariel of in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island — Relax in the warm waters of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Ayeisha Sheldon)

This was the Personalised 4WD tour offered by Kingfisher Bay Resort, and my absolute top pick of experiences. Over the course of the day, we had the freedom to create our own bespoke itinerary (plus a provided picnic lunch along the way), with an expert guide who had plenty of stories and local expertise to give context to what we were looking at. From the history of the SS Maheno shipwreck, which survived the First World War only to be washed ashore by a cyclone in 1935, to a detailed description of how an island made of sand could sustain such diverse flora.

If it’s your first time to K’gari, the Beauty Spots Tour is another great option. Departing daily from Kingfisher Bay Resort (you’ll start to notice a trend, as many of the tours do start and end here), an air-conditioned, 4WD bus takes guests to the island’s most iconic locations, including the best places to swim, like Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek. The latter offers a gentle current, perfect for riding with a blow-up tyre out towards the ocean.

The next day, for a look at a completely different side of K’gari, I joined one of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Immersive Ranger-guided tours to kayak through the mangroves of Dundonga Creek. This long, snake-like stretch of creek winds its way inland from the ocean outlet we entered by, at times too narrow for three kayaks to be side-by-side. Small insects buzz from leaf to leaf, while birds call overhead. Occasional bubbles indicate we’ve passed some fish that call this place home.

kayak tour through the mangroves at k'gari island — Learn about the island’s mangroves from your Ranger. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

If kayaking isn’t for you – or if, like me, you simply want more – other ranger-led experiences include nature walks and a dedicated Junior Eco Ranger Program for kids ages five to 12 (these run every weekend, and daily over the peak December holidays). Just ask for a timetable of upcoming tours when you check in.

While during whale season, Hervey Bay Whale Watch & Charters operates tours from the hotel’s jetty to get up close to the famous Humpback Highway of Hervey Bay, from 7 November to 31 May, attention turns to the Aqua Oasis Cruise . Departing from the resort every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday for resort guests, adventure along the island’s remote western coast, pointing out wildlife like dolphins, turtles, flying fish and eagles along the way.

The cruise drops anchor so guests can jump into the water using the boat’s equipment – from SUP boards to inflatable slides and jumping platforms. Then refuel with a provided lunch, of course.

Unwind at sunset

two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort — Unwind at the Sunset Bar. (Image: Sean Scott)

As much as days on K’gari can be filled with adventure, to me, the afternoons and evenings there are for unwinding. Sunsets on K’gari are absolutely unbelievable, with Kingfisher Bay on the west side being the best spot to catch the colours.

The Sunset Bar , located at the start of the resort’s jetty and overlooking the beach, is the ultimate location for sundowners. Let chill beats wash over you as you sip on cool wines, beers and cocktails in a relaxed, friendly vibe. Personally, a cheese board was also absolutely called for. As the sun sinks, the sand, sea and horizon turn a vibrant shade of orange, with the jetty casting a dramatic shadow across the water.

When the show is over, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Asian-fusion Dune restaurant, or the pub-style Sand + Wood. But if your appetite is still whetted for more lights and colours, the evening isn’t over yet.

Settle into the Illumina stage for Return to Sky, an immersive light and sound show leading viewers on a captivating journey through K’gari’s stories and landscapes.

Indulge and disconnect

woman setting up massage room at kingfisher bay resort Island Day Spa — Find bliss at Island Day Spa. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Of course, there is a type of traveller who knows that balance is important, day or night. While Kingfisher Bay Resort offers more than one pool for guests to spend all day lounging by (they’ll even serve you food and drinks while you do it), you’ll find me at the Island Day Spa.

The masseuses could match the magic hands of any big city spa, and I felt the warm welcome as I walked into the light, breezy reception. Choose from a range of botanical facials, beauty treatments and soothing massages using traditional techniques (obviously, I couldn’t go past a relaxing massage). All products used contain organic, native botanical ingredients with nutrient-rich plant extracts to soothe skin and mind. To really indulge, try out one of the packages, couples treatment or even a pre-wedding day offering.

Getting there

kingfisher bay resort 4wd tour driving passed ss maheno on k'gari island — The world of K’gari awaits. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Getting to K’gari is shockingly easy. Find daily flights into Hervey Bay from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a shuttle bus between the airport, their headquarters in Hervey Bay and the ferry to take you to K’gari.

9 of K’gari lakes and other beautiful swimming spots