The places to stop in and see while you are exploring K’gari!
- Lake Mackenzie
Pure white silica sand meets fresh rainwater to create this incredible 1.2km long lake. The clear blue of the water is irresistible to swim in year round (though is a touch chilly in the winter), and the fine silica sand beach is a great spot to sit and take in the beauty of the lake.
This is a popular spot on the island and can be quite busy. There are toilet facilities near the carpark.
Lake Birrabeen and Lake Boomanjin are similar, less busy spots further down the bumpy inland road.
2. Eli Creek
Just off the east coast beach is the relaxing Eli Creek. The start of the boardwalk takes you over the creek before diviaating with one path winding up the hill to the facilities and the other meandering along the banks of the creek through the bush. Along the way there are a series of signs providing information about the fast-flowing freshwater creek.
At the end of the path, step down into the creek and float your way back through the bush. A good idea is to take a floaty/inflatable to float down on.
The creek comes out back down at the beach where it slows as it cuts through the channel it’s carved out of the dunes. This is a great, safe spot for kids to play too.
3. Maheno Wreck
Further along the beach from Eli Creek lies what remains of the S.S Maheno.
After breaking free of her tow ropes in the middle of a cyclone, the Maheno drifted off and disappeared. It was eventually found beached on the east coast of Fraser Island. The ship was stripped of it’s fittings and after failed attempts at refloating her it remains a fixture on the beach today, slowly corroding away.
Be careful crossing the beach between the wreck and the softer sand where cars park. It is 40km through there, make sure to look both ways. Also, be careful moving around the ship- there is signage asking not to get too close for safety. Keep an eye out for dingos wandering through there, and incoming planes!
4. The Pinnacles
About five minutes up the road from the wreck are the Pinnacles. Multi layered sand dunes that have developed through wind and erosion over many, many years. There is an easy walking track to get you closer to the formations.
5. Indian Head Lookout
This is the most eastern point of the island with sweeping coastal views of the island. It is also a great spot to search for sea life such as turtles and whales in the winter.
6. Champagne Pools
About three hours from Kingfisher Resort, just north of Indian Head is the Champagne Pools. From the carpark take the boardwalk down the hillside to the pools enjoying the view on the way. Here the waves crash over the volcanic rock wall filling the small pools below with bubbling sea water. Like champagne! This is a great spot to cool off in and is much safer then other parts of the beach.
There are many other parts of the island that are great to see too. If you have the time to explore, take your time and check out as many as possible!
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