The world's largest sand island has rainforests growing from sand dunes, 100+ freshwater lakes, and wild dingoes. Drive 250km of beach roads or swim in pure Lake McKenzie.
K'gari stretches 123 kilometers along Queensland's coast as the world's largest sand island. You can swim in Lake McKenzie's blue waters, watch humpback whales breach from August to October, or drive your 4WD along 250 kilometers of beach roads. Satinay trees grow up to 240 meters high directly from sand dunes, and ancient rainforests thrive in this sand-based ecosystem, making K'gari a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Getting to K'gari
You can reach K'gari by taking a 50-minute ferry from either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Ferries run from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay and Wanggoolba Creek, or from Inskip Point to Hook Point. You can also fly to the island via charter flights from Sunshine Coast Airport. If you're driving from Brisbane, it takes about 3.5 hours to reach the ferry terminals.
Transportation on K'gari
You'll need a four-wheel drive vehicle to explore K'gari - there are no paved roads on the island. The eastern beach functions as the main driving route, where you must time your drives according to the tides. You can bring your own 4WD or rent one in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Before driving on the island, purchase your vehicle permit through the Department of Environment and Resource Management website.
Lakes and Swimming
K'gari has more than 100 freshwater lakes, making it second only to Tasmania in Australia. At Lake McKenzie, you'll find white silica sand and clear blue water so pure that it supports minimal aquatic life. Eli Creek releases 4 million liters of clear freshwater per hour into the ocean, creating a natural lazy river where you can float downstream to the beach.
Wildlife Encounters
K'gari bans domestic dogs to protect its pure-bred dingo population. As you explore the island, you might see wallabies hopping through the brush, flying foxes in the trees, or some of the 230 bird species that call the island home. From August to October, humpback whales swim past the coast, and dolphins often play in the waves year-round. Keep your distance from all wildlife, especially dingoes, and never feed any animals.
Camping and Accommodation
You'll find camping areas throughout K'gari, including Dundubara Campground with its sheltered sites and hot showers, Central Station amid the rainforest, and Waddy Point overlooking the ocean. Book your camping permits in advance. The K'gari Great Walk connects these sites along its 90-kilometer trail. If you prefer indoor accommodation, stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort or K'gari Beach Resort, both with restaurants and swimming pools.
