K'gari's beautiful 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, the lakes of K’gari make it 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.

Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie

One of Australia’s most famous perched lakes 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.

A woman paddle boarding on Lake Mckenzie. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lake McKenzie’s white sand is iconic. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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.

Champagne Pools

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.

Looking over Champagne Pools on a sunny day. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Feel the salt on your skin at Champagne Pools (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Ocean Lake

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.

Lake Boomanjin

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.

Group of people hiking on Lake Boomanjin. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Take a walk on the sand. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lake Wabby

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 that is. 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.

An aerial shot of Lake Wabby. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lake Wabby is identifiable with its dark green water. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lake Allom

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.

A group of people sitting on the shore of Lake Allom(Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

You might see some turtles. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Basin Lake

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.

Person bathing at Basin Lake (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Have a dip at Basin Lake. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Lake Birrabeen

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.

Explore K’gari and you will not only discover the rainbow-coloured cliffs sacred to the local Indigenous people, or a coastline that swoops and soars, or the astonishing turquoise waters of a lake so translucent you want to stay immersed in it forever.

For the world’s largest sand island, there is a surprising number of things to do on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). From wandering through thick rainforest, to spending the whole day hopping from lake to pool to lake, to experiencing the island’s ancient and modern history. It’s clear that a trip to K’gari is more than just a day trip.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or a natural adventure, buckle up. Here are 12 things to do on K’gari, appropriately named by the local Butchulla tribe to mek’gari an ‘paradise’.

1. Explore the rainforest

pile valley on k'gari fraser island queensland

Find yourself in the middle of lush rainforest, like Pile Valley. (Image: TEQ)

Fraser Island is the only place in the world where rainforest is found growing on sand dunes at elevations of more than 200 metres. The low-lying shrubs and heaths on the island are of great evolutionary and ecological significance as they make up the most complete age sequence of coastal dune systems anywhere in the world.

The diverse vegetation on the 184,000-hectare island also includes towering kauri pine and piccabeen palms, flora-rich shrubland and heath and subtropical rainforest. Don’t miss: The magnificent wildflower displays in spring and summer on the island, which is about three and a half hours’ drive north of Brisbane.

2. Lake McKenzie

aerial of Lake Mckenzie on k'gari queensland

Relax on the silica sand shores of Lake McKenzie. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

Sit and watch the way young children approach Lake McKenzie/ Boorangoora: they advance at speed, arms pinwheeling, and propel their bodies into the water again and again. This is the way to do it. The crowds that converge around the lake make this a top spot for people-watching. Choose your tribe: dreadlocked hippies sitting in the shade of an eucalyptus tree; flashpackers with their selfie sticks prodding the sky; and families advancing and retreating from the water.

The white sandy beach tinged with a turquoise swirl of water is one of the most visited natural wonders in Australia. Lake McKenzie is a ‘perched’ lake, meaning it contains only rainwater, and it is set into the landscape like a precious stone.

It’s accessible by 4WD or on foot when following a 20-kilometre return loop trail from Kingfisher Bay Resort.

3. Indian Head

people walking on Indian Head Headland at one end of Seventy Five Mile Beach opn k'gari

Walk to Indian Head. (Image: Mark Fitz/TEQ)

Located on the eastern side of K’gari, Indian Head is a rocky outcrop said to have been originally created by volcanic activity up to 80 million years ago.

Captain Cook first caught sight of the Butchulla people in 1770 and named the eastern beach after them; the term ‘Indian’ was used to describe Indigenous people centuries ago. Known to the local Indigenous people as tuckee (stone), the distinctive head shape of the rocky cliffs made it one of K’gari’s most notable attractions.

It’s both an iconic landmark and a natural lookout for spotting sea life: look out over the ocean for manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles and whales.

4. The Cathedrals

Aerial shot of 4WD driving along the beach at The Cathedrals on k'gari

Drive passed the rusty-coloured Cathedrals. (Image: Kyle Hunter/ TEQ)

These cliffs of coloured sands are permanently stained in various shades of rust and ochre and are one of many sacred sites on the island for the local Butchulla people. According to Dreamtime legend, the cliffs were formed long ago as a result of a love story gone wrong.

Watching The Cathedrals change colour as the sun moves across the sky and the first rays of dawn paint the pinnacles is like watching the final touches being applied to an artwork. Over time, the elements have clawed at the cliffs and resulted in this breathtaking construction.

5. Champagne Pools

aerial of champagne pools on k'gari queensland

Enjoy the natural fizz of the Champagne Pools. (Image: TEQ)

Why Champagne? Because of the pleasant fizzing sensation that happens when waves crash into the water of the pools. Sit back and relax in the blue-green water of this natural spa bath – or we should say, baths. The Champagne Pools are a series, hemmed in by rocks and polished smooth by the sea. Soak in the gorgeous ocean views while you do.

The pools are about 2.2 kilometres north along the 75 Mile Beach from Indian Head. Go at low tide when the sea is calm – while they are relatively safe, caution should be taken at high tide.

6. 75 Mile Beach

a dingo walking along the water on 7r mile beach on k'gari fraser island queensland

Spot resident wildlife, curve off to explore more sections of the island, or stay to fish. (Image: Jessica Miocevich)

75 Mile Beach is long, surprisingly long despite its very obvious name. Yes, it is 75 miles long – or over 120 kilometres – but it’s not until you’re standing on this straight, sandy stretch that you realise the reality of those numbers. Looking out onto the horizon here makes you understand why people once thought the world was flat: it’s all straight lines of blues and yellows, from the sand between your toes to the cloud-spotted skies.

This spectacular stretch of sand traces the eastern side of K’gari, and is officially a national highway and runway – it’s one of the few beaches in the world where light aircraft can actually land and take off.

You’ll spot plenty of 4WDs pulled over along this beach, its occupants trying their luck catching a fish or two. It’s a great place to pass a few hours, or to carve off a trail to places like Eli Creek or stop at the famous shipwreck (more to come).

7. Eli Creek

Mother and daughter enjoying Eli Creek, as part of the Beauty Spots 4WD tour on k'gari

Ride the tide along Eli Creek. (Image: Courtney Atkinson/ TEQ)

Speaking of Eli Creek pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour. The result? A pleasantly steady – but not scary – current that will also carry humans on floatie devices along it. I don’t care how old you are; it’s surprisingly fun.

Even if you don’t want to ride the tide, it’s a popular picnic spot with a boardwalk following the creek inland. So you can still have a gander at it, and the surrounding banksia and pandanus.

8. The Maheno Shipwreck

aerial of the ss maheno on 75 mile beach k'gari fraser island queensland

Drive by the SS Maheno. (Image: TEQ)

The SS Maheno is a beacon for visitors to K’gari because it’s a bit of lingering evidence of history: a cyclone devastated parts of the Queensland coast in 1935. The ship was on its way to a Japanese shipyard to be turned into scrap metal when its tow line snapped; it is now better known for being washed ashore on Fraser’s Eastern beach than for being the fastest ship to cross the Tasman between Australia and New Zealand.

Formerly a First World War hospital ship, the skeleton of the SS Maheno has a broken hull that looks like cracked ribs. It’s worth seeing, especially with that backdrop of waves, dunes and tangled trees.

9. Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow

aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow on k'gari fraser island

See striking sand dunes and a crescent-moon lake. (Image: TEQ)

As the deepest lake on the island (it’s 11.4 metres deep at its lowest point), the half-moon shape and dark green water of Lake Wabby is a popular sight on K’gari. It’s what know as a barrage lake, meaning it was formed when sand dunes shifted over time, blocking a body of water before it could reach the ocean. Brush box, satinay, tallowwood trees and more form a striking, thick green border around the lake.

Perhaps even more striking than the lake is the massive collection of sand dunes right next to it, creating Hammerstone Sand Blow. Walking along here feels like you’ve stepped right onto a desert moon out of Star Wars.

There are two ways to get here. The most common way is to park on 75 Mile Beach (where signs point to Lake Wabby) and walk 1.5 hours (return) along the bush track. The secret way is to park at Lake Wabby Car Park off Cornwall’s Break Road, and walk a steep but short 15-20 minutes.

10. Central Station

Couple with a guide at Central Station things to do on k'gari

Discover the boardwalks of Central Station with a guide. (Image: TEQ)

Central Station was originally home to a community of more than 100 people during its days as a forestry camp when timber logging was the thing here in the 1920s. Thankfully, chainsaws are a thing of the past on World Heritage-listed K’gari.

Lace up your boots for a walk along the boardwalk that hugs the curves of Wanggoolba Creek as it snakes through the rainforest. The creek was used for Secret Women’s Business before the land was cleared for forestry operations. These days, the picnic area sits amid a botanical garden.

11. Indigenous history

Bush Tucker Talk and Taste at kingfisher bay resort things to do on k'gari

Try native ingredients. (Image: Sean Scott/ TEQ)

The original inhabitants of K’gari were the Butchulla people, who occupied the land for about 5000 years. There are around 500 Indigenous archaeological sites located across K’gari, which are rich with Dreamtime stories.

It is also equipped with ingredients from the original Indigenous pantry. You can taste some of these native Australian flavours during a Bush Tucker Talk + Taste session at Kingfisher Bay Resort. See, touch and taste native ingredients in their raw state before the chef turns them into a tasty meal.

12. Kayaking through the mangroves

Kayaking near Bowarrady Creek things to do on k'gari fraser island

Explore mangrove systems on a kayak. (Image: Reuben Nutt/ TEQ)

Another brilliant way to get out on the water (and get a very good workout) is taking to a kayak and exploring K’gari’s beautiful mangrove system.

Hire one (or a canoe or stand-up paddle board) from Kingfisher Bay Resort to explore on your own. If you’re not so comfortable with a paddle and would like extra support, or you’d just like to learn more about the ecosystems you’re adventuring through, join a tour led by Kingfisher Bay Resort’s rangers. Check at the resort’s front desk for timings.

Still want more K’gari tips? Let the experts guide you on one of our picks of top K’gari tours.

beautiful lakes and swimming spots in K’gari