Rating: 🌟 Highly Recommend
K'gari (pronounced gurri), meaning "paradise" in the Butchulla language, is the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 120 km along Queensland’s coast. With crystal-clear freshwater lakes, lush rainforests, sandy highways, and shipwrecks, K'gari is pure off-grid adventure — accessible only by 4WD and ferry.
Top Things to Do
Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) – Stunning perched lake with white silica sand and brilliant blue water.
75 Mile Beach Drive – An official highway along the eastern coast — best done by 4WD.
SS Maheno Shipwreck – Rusted remains of a 1935 ship, stranded on the sand.
Champagne Pools – Natural rock pools where ocean waves fizz like bubbles.
Eli Creek – Float down this freshwater stream on a tube or just walk the boardwalk.
Indian Head Lookout – Panoramic cliff top views of whales, turtles, rays, and sharks (in season).
Central Station Rainforest – Dense rainforest growing straight out of the sand, with boardwalk trails.
How Many Days to Spend
Minimum: 2–3 full days – Visit Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, see the Maheno Shipwreck, and explore 75 Mile Beach by 4WD.
Ideal: 4–5 days – Add hikes through rainforest trails, swim in Lake Wabby, visit Indian Head, and camp or stay at remote beach spots.
More time? Take your time to explore the island's rugged north or combine K’gari with a Great Sandy National Park adventure or a stop in Hervey Bay.
Tip: Stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort for comfort and convenience, or opt for beachfront camping if you're up for an off-grid 4WD adventure.
Best Time to Visit
Winter (Jun–Aug): Cool, dry, and great for wildlife (plus, no stingers).
Spring (Sep–Nov): Mild temps and wildflowers — a great time to explore.
Summer (Dec–Feb): Hot, humid, and potential cyclones. Not ideal for 4WDing or camping.
Autumn (Mar–May): Quieter, still warm, and easier to book tours.
Getting Around
4WD vehicle required – The entire island is sand-based, and normal cars won’t make it.
Bring recovery gear – Or rent from operators who include it.
Driving permits required – Book through QLD Parks.
Watch tides – Beach access changes with tide levels.
Tours available – For those without a 4WD (tag-along or guided).
Where to Stay
Camping: Dozens of campgrounds – beach, lakefront, and bush (book in advance via QLD Parks).
Eco Retreats:
K'gari Beach Resort (Eurong) – Mid-range, central.
Kingfisher Bay Resort – More luxury, ferry access via Hervey Bay.
Cathedrals on Fraser – Budget-friendly cabins and camping.
Tag-along tours often include accommodation in beach lodges or safari tents.
Food & Supplies
Bring groceries – Limited shopping on the island.
Fuel is expensive – Top up in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
Self-catering is common – Most visitors cook or BBQ at campgrounds.
Resorts have restaurants/bars – But expect higher prices and limited menus.
Top Photo Spots
Lake McKenzie – Unreal turquoise tones from above or water level.
Champagne Pools – Ocean splashing into clear rock pools.
SS Maheno Shipwreck – Rusted against golden sand = iconic.
Indian Head – Whale spotting and sweeping ocean views.
Lake Wabby sand dune – Contrast of dune vs green lake.
Eli Creek aerials – Clear stream winding through the beach.
Travel Tips
Book your 4WD, ferry & permits early – Especially in peak months.
Check tide charts – Plan beach driving during low tide windows.
Watch for dingoes – Never feed them; secure food at campsites.
Swim only in lakes/creeks – The ocean has dangerous rips and marine stingers.
No phone signal in many areas – Download maps + offline info.
Go with a group if you're new to 4WDing — recovery on sand can be tricky.
Budget Breakdown (per day)
Camping: $10–$20 AUD
Resort: $180–$350+ AUD
Food: $20–$50 (if self-catering)
Ferry: ~$140 return (vehicle + passengers)
4WD hire: $250–$400/day (inc. insurance)
Tours: $180–$550 (tag-along or all-inclusive)
Tip: Group up with friends or other travellers to split the cost of a 4WD and ferry.
How to Get There
From Hervey Bay: Vehicle/passenger ferries leave from River Heads.
From Rainbow Beach: Use Inskip Point ferry (shorter ride, rougher drive).
By Tour: Options from Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach
No airport on the island – fly into Hervey Bay or Sunshine Coast and drive
