hero media

12 weird and wonderful things to know about Lake McKenzie

Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
Prepare to be amazed by nature all over again.

It might be one of Queensland’s most famous places to swim, but just how much do you actually know about the unusual and beautiful Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie? Read below to find out more about the coastal lake – one of the best things to do on K’gari.

1. It’s a perched lake

aerial shot of Lake McKenzie on k'gari fraser island
Lake McKenzie is all rainwater. (Image: TEQ)

The surreal beauty of Boorangoora, also known as Lake McKenzie, is in part due to it being a perched lake. A perched lake forms when an impermeable layer forms underground, meaning rainwater gathers at the surface in depressions in the sand dunes without running away. Conditions like this, and … voila! You have yourself a perched lake.

Other features of perched lakes like this that are found along the Queensland coast include their lack of groundwater and the fact that they aren’t fed by streams or flow into the ocean. And while Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie isn’t the only coastal dune lake, we’re willing to bet our bottom dollar that it is the most famous.

2. The sand is pure silica

friends relax on the white sand at Lake McKenzie
The white sand is synonymous with Lake McKenzie. (Image: TEQ)

The sand at this always photo-ready lake is actually made out of silica, which in itself is mostly made out of broken-down quartz. The 98 per cent silica content is one of the reasons that the sand is so soft, silky and white here.

3. The waters really are that crystal clear

family playing in lake mckenzie on k'garu fraser island
The waters are impossibly clear. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

No, the superb aquamarine of the water isn’t the result of some crafty photoshopper. It really does look like that!

The sand acts as a filter for the rainwater that falls here, meaning extra-pure water can be found here to bathe in. And let’s keep it that way, people! While we’ve all had ‘Slip, slop, slap’ drilled into our deep unconscious, sunscreen, as well as other lotions and soaps, that wash off swimmers and into the waters can have a seriously bad impact on the lake’s ecosystem.

4. It is an important place of contemplation for the Butchella peoples

the boardwalk leading to an empty Lake McKenzie
It’s as culturally significant as it is beautiful. (Image: TEQ)

The island of K’gari has a rich and long Indigenous history, which started an estimated 5000 to 20,0000 years before Europeans arrived.

The lake, which the locals named Boorangoora, has a particularly special place in the stories of the local Butchella peoples. In their stories, the island K’gari was named after a spirit who assisted Yindingie, the messenger of the god Beeral. As a reward for her help, Beeral turned her into a lovely island. And what is the lake’s place in the legend? The deep-blue lake of Boorangoora is one of her eyes.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

5. Lake McKenzie is only six metres deep

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

The lake has an average depth of around six metres. And you don’t just have to stick to snorkelling here to enjoy it. Bring a kayak to explore the balmy waters, or bring pool floaties for the kids (and you) to play with.

6. There is no marine life

group of friends swimming in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
Only humans swim here. (Image: Sean Scott)

Oddly enough, there is no animal life in the lake. While the acidity level of the lake only makes the water that much purer and cleaner, it discourages any marine life. (And yes, that does include crocodiles and sharks).

7. Expect a warm dip

man swimming in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
Stay all day in the warm waters. (Image: Sean Scott)

The water at Boorangoora is a balmy 23 degrees, making for the perfect ‘just right’ conditions to take a dip.

8. It’s easier to reach Lake McKenzie than you might think

a woman walks down the wooden stairs to Lake McKenzie
There are plenty of ways to get to Lake McKenzie. (Image: TEQ)

The lake is inland in the southern part of the island. Once you’ve reached Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie, the lake itself is relatively easy to access, with a nearby car park for your 4WD, or the bus if you’re on a group tour of K’gari.

9. A trip here can make for a veritable spa day

man walks in water while woman relaxes under a beach umbrella in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
Relax in nature’s day spa. (Image: Sean Scott)

Skin feeling dry after days spent camping? The super-soft silica sand could be the much-needed exfoliating treatment for your flaky skin. Just do a patch test first to see if it suits your skin type. Plus, the slightly acidic pH of the water can also be beneficial for your skin, as well as your hair.

Top all this with a meditation in the shade of the surrounding bushland and you’ll be feeling even more zen on your Fraser Island adventure.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

10. You can cook up a snag while you’re here

kids playing with a frisbee in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
East, stay and play. (Image: Courtney Atkinson)

It’s no surprise to anyone that a good swim can work up an appetite. The good news though is that the lake has both barbeque and picnic facilities. The picnic area is accessible by wheelchair and has toilets. Hot tip: Get there early to nab a spot for barbequing, and be careful about leaving food out that could attract dingoes (also known as wongari).

11. You can pitch a tent here

woman under beach umbrella as couple walk by in lake mckenzie on k'gari fraser island
Set up an umbrella, or a tent. (Image: Sean Scott)

Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie walker’s camp is an ideal spot to rest for the night if you’re doing either the Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie circuit or the K’gari Great Walk. While the facilities are pretty basic, with not much more than toilets and picnic facilities, a kip here does mean you have crowd-free access to Boorangoora/Lake McKenzie first thing in the morning and last thing at night. No wonder it’s one of our favourite spots to camp on the island.

12. It’s not the only spot to swim on K’gari

aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow on k'gari fraser island
Explore the island’s best swimming spots. (Image: TEQ)

While we are in no way saying you shouldn’t stop at this iconic lake, you shouldn’t make it your only H20 destination while visiting K’gari. Lake Wabby, Lake Boomajin and Eli Creek are just some of the spots that should also make your list of safe, freshwater swimming places to stop by. (We’ve rounded up some of our favourite K’gari swimming spots for you here.)

Tempted to take an ocean dip? Don’t. The rips and strong currents off the island are notorious, as is the presence of sharks, deadly stingers and – on rare occasions – saltwater crocodiles.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Kate Bettes
Kate Bettes is a freelance travel writer. Whether having a picnic in Vietnamese jungle with new friends, or partying in the back of a limousine in Hollywood, Kate’s experiences have left her with the sneaking suspicion that the best travel memories happen when you least expect. It’s this feeling - and how to get it - that she loves to write about.
View profile and articles
a lone tree on a sandy beach of Lake Mckenzie K'gari
K'gari

K’gari’s unique ancient lakes once dried out. Could this happen again?

Read more
two people drinking cocktails at sunset bar, kingfisher bay resort
K'gari

What it’s really like to stay on the world’s largest sand island

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

Read more
aerial of Lake Wabby & Hammerstone Sand Blow, k'gari lakes
K'gari

9 of K’gari lakes and other beautiful swimming spots

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

Read more
Tasman Venture at Wathumba Creek.(Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
K'gari

9 K’gari tours to help you see the whole island

It's time to sit back and let the experts show you how to really experience their slice of paradise.

Read more
hero media

From reef to rainforest: Discover the best Port Douglas experiences

(Credit: TTNQ)

    Lucy Cousins Lucy Cousins
    Continue
    Ancient rainforest, coral reefs, laid-back luxury and adrenaline-fuelled adventures, Port Douglas offers a side of Australia unlike anywhere else.

    Mornings in Port Douglas start with a beautiful symphony. As day breaks, the lyrical calls of Rainbow Lorikeets, cries of the sulphur-crested cockatoos and rhythmic Coral Sea waves create a colourful soundtrack for Tropical North Queensland’s sunrise. If there’s one place in Australia that captures the sweet spot between luxury and laid-back living, it’s here. This small, seaside village has just enough glamour to feel indulgent and just enough barefoot charm to make you feel like you’ve escaped the chaos of everyday life.

    Whether you’re diving into the warm waters on Four Mile Beach or enjoying an ice-cold drink and a Barramundi burger overlooking the marina, Port Douglas offers more than just a seaside holiday.

    Local gourmet goodies

    Nautilus restaurant port douglas
    Nab an open-air table beneath a canopy of palms at Nautilus. (Image: Toby Stanley)

    The tropical food scene in Port Douglas is influenced by the rich agricultural regions surrounding it, with fresh produce arriving daily from nearby farms and tropical growers across the region. At Nautilus – a hidden, palm-fringed restaurant just off Macrossan Street – the menu showcases regional flavours. Its Signature Nautilus Mango Soufflé is a long-time favourite.

    Nearby, Hi-Tide by the Beach offers a relaxed way beachfront dining experience overlooking the Coral Sea. From crocodile and lemon myrtle spring rolls to wild barramundi and a volcanic hot stone steak, taste the diverse flavours of Tropical North Queensland.

    Visitors can also explore the region’s local markets. Port Douglas Markets offers artisan products and tropical treats each Sunday, while the Saturday morning Mossman Markets is the place for fresh local produce from the surrounding farming community.

    Just outside of Port Douglas, Ospreys at Thala Beach Nature Reserve has one of the region’s most memorable dining outlooks. Perched on a small headland between rainforest and sea, take in views across the coastline and mountains while you dine. The seasonal menu highlights local seafood, tropical fruits and native ingredients sourced from across the region

    Travelling with young humans

    Hartley's Crocodile Adventures port douglas
    Catch a spectacle at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Port Douglas caters for all types of visitors, but families especially love the walkable streets, wide beaches and range of activities nearby. An attraction that never fails to delight all ages is Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – a wildlife sanctuary and ecotourism park with some of the region’s largest crocodiles. Here, you’ll also find koalas, cassowaries, turtles and other Australian wildlife.

    For something slower paced, sit back and enjoy a tranquil visit aboard the historic Lady Douglas River Cruise. Glide along the calm waters of Dickson Inlet, keeping an eye out for birdlife and estuarine crocodiles along the mangroves. Children can take part in activity sheets onboard and even have the opportunity to help steer the boat.

    This region is also deeply connected to Indigenous culture, and a Dreamtime Walk is one way to learn about it. Discover the stories, traditions and connection to Country of the local Kuku Yalanji people from local Indigenous guides, while exploring the rainforest and waters of Mossman Gorge.

    Exploring local waterways

    Coya Beach port douglas
    Walk along the peaceful Cooya Beach. (Credit: TTNQ)

    Join a guided tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures to explore the peaceful Cooya Beach. Led by deeply knowledgeable local Aboriginal guides, try seasonal local bush tucker, take in the beautiful landscape and gain insight into the history, culture and traditions of this land.

    Surrounded by dense canopy and ancient species, nearby Hartley’s Creek Falls are at their finest after rain. These beautiful falls are reached via a lush rainforest walk that winds through creek crossings, towering greenery and moss-covered boulders.

    To swim where the locals swim, head out past local farms and into the foothills of the Mossman River to Shannonvale – a low-key freshwater swimming hole surrounded by sun-warmed rocks and deep pockets of clear water. It’s a quiet area to spend a few hours retreating from the world.

    Adrenaline adventures

    Sailaway Port Douglas
    Take to the ocean with Sailaway Port Douglas. (Credit: TTNQ)

    One of the most high-octane ways to enjoy the nature of Tropical North Queensland is white-water rafting down the impressive Barron River. With Grade two and Grade three rapids, expect plenty of splashing, some teamwork, and a few moments where everyone in the raft screams and laughs at the same time.

    Join Back Country Bliss for the most unique floating experience you’ll ever encounter. Head into the rainforest and float along the serene Mossman River on your individual board, taking in the sights and sounds of the ancient landscape around you.

    If you prefer ocean swimming, Sailaway Port Douglas explores the idyllic Low Isles and the outer reef on their snorkelling tours. Enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from above or below and look out for coral gardens, giant clams, colourful reef fish and, if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

    For land-lovers, the Devil’s Thumb is a challenging but rewarding hike with incredible views over the coast and endless cane fields. This 10km return hike will take around six to eight hours, so leave a whole day and pack snacks!

    Experiences that give back

    Skyrail Rainforest Cableway port douglas experiences
    See the rainforest from above on The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. (Credit: TTNQ)

    With two UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics of Queensland rainforest region – it’s not surprising Tropical North Queensland is a hub for eco-tourism. The stunning Daintree Ecolodge was founded on the principles of minimising environmental impact, supporting the local community and teaching guests about the local Indigenous culture. Their elevated rainforest-style ‘bayans’ are tucked among the trees, bringing nature into every part of a guest’s stay.

    Further down the coast, the luxury bungalows and treetop hideaways of Thala Beach Nature Reserve are dotted across 45 acres of protected headland, forest and beach. The property’s design intentionally preserves large areas of native vegetation and beachfront ecosystem, while conserving the surrounding habitat. The private beach and various swimming pools offer a cool retreat from the heat of the day, while the main lodge offers the perfect place to read and relax.

    The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, a 7.5-kilometre cableway between Cairns and nearby Kuranda, has won multiple tourism and environmental awards. It’s also the first tourism attraction in the world to achieve Platinum EarthCheck Accreditation, for its long-term environmental management and sustainability initiatives.

    Start planning your Port Douglas adventure at tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au.