K'Gari, formerly Fraser Island, means "paradise" in the Aboriginal language. And there is no other term that better describes the beauty, diversity and uniqueness of this island.
My family and I spent 2 days on K'Gari, exploring the island in my own car. There are so many different natural wonders to discover and I can only recommend everyone to take the trip to K'Gari!
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The off-road adventure begins
For those of you who are just joining the series: my family and I have been traveling down the east coast from Cairns for almost 2 weeks and are now almost halfway there. After spending a night in Rainbow Beach, we board the ferry early the next morning. You can take 2 different routes to K'Gari. You can either take the ferry from Hervey Bay or from Inskip Point (Rainbow Beach). The ferry from Rainbow Beach cost exactly $140 (round trip) for 4 adults in their own car and was therefore more than half the price of the ferry from Hervey Bay. Also, the Inskip ferry only takes 10 minutes and the ferry from Hervey Bay takes 45 minutes.
The car was packed early in the morning, the off-road equipment was ready and the excitement was high. Let's go!
Day 1
Our plan was as follows: We knew we had to catch the ferry back to the mainland around midday the next day. So on the first day, we drove as far north as possible and then drove from stop to stop towards the south, where the ferry would leave again the next day. The map illustrates the whole thing.
(Source: https://fraser-tours.com/article/where-is-fraser-island?srsltid=AfmBOoq8Ez8HsVk2dhI3k3ySj54Ww19-PYRlXaHSJIzPJ7eaQAqs94w3)
Stop 1: Champagne Pools
The drive from Hook Point in the far south (where the ferry docks from Inskip Point) to the Champagne Pools in the north was absolutely amazing. The route goes (at low tide!) all the way along the east side, which means you drive along the beach with the ocean on your right. We were able to spot lots of whales during the trip. The beach, on the other hand, was teeming with dingoes. They look super cute and sweet, but they are wild predators that should not be underestimated. Never feed them and watch out for each other, especially with small children. It definitely makes sense to arm yourself with a stick. When you arrive at the Champagne Pools, a boardwalk leads off from the parking lot, from where you have a great view over the rocky coast. After a few minutes' walk, you will see the Champagne Pools. Enjoy the natural pools friends! Go swimming, snorkeling or just lie down on the sand. It's a dream.
Stop 2: Lunch at Indian Head
Not far to the south of the Champagne Pools is Indian Head. A small hill that goes into the ocean like a jetty. From the top you also have a great view of the water and you can spot dolphins, whales, sharks and turtles. Unfortunately, access was closed this time, so we set up our lunch camp on the beach and just chilled out.
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Stop 3: Pinnacles and Maheno wreck
After our lunch break, we continued down the east beach. We had already passed the Maheno Wreck and the Pinnacles on the way there, but this time we stopped to take a closer look. The pinnacles are a type of sand dune that have solidified over many years due to wind, salt and rain and are now a beautiful sight in different colors.
The wreck of the SS Maheno is also very impressive. In 1935, on its way from Melbourne to Japan, the former passenger and hospital ship was caught in a cyclone, which capsized the ship and left it stranded on 75 Mile Beach on K'Gari. After several failed salvage attempts, it was decided to leave the ship there. Today it is a spectacular sight.
Stop 4: Eli Creek
A little further south at 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek flows into the sea. From the beach, a beautiful short boardwalk leads along the creek into the tropical rainforest. After a few minutes, the path ends and there is access to the crystal-clear creek. From here you can either walk (the creek is not deep) or use a buoyancy aid to make your way back down the creek towards the beach.
This was the end of the first eventful day for us and we made our way to our accommodation at K'Gari Beach Resort (located on Eurong Beach).
PS: The Pajero did a good job :).
Day 2
Day 2 here we go! After a good night's sleep in our beautiful room, we set off refreshed. Today's plan was to visit all the lakes, which are all located inland on the island. Let's go!
Stop 5: Lake McKenzie
Lake McKenzie is a must-see, folks. Yes, it may be crowded, but such a clear lake in the middle of a sandy island is simply breathtaking. The way there is a bit bumpy over the soft sandy paths but it's absolutely worth it. The sand is snow-white and the water deep blue and super refreshing to swim in.
Stop 6: Lake Birrabeen
Lake Birrabeen was recommended to us by a local in Agnes Water. He said the lake was at least as beautiful as Lake McKenzie, but it was deserted and quiet. And what can I say, he wasn't lying. We were the only 4 people there, there was nothing but nature to be heard and the lake really was just as beautiful as Lake McKenzie. So, if you have time, make a stop at Lake Birrabeen and enjoy the silence of nature.
Stop 7: Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby was still on our itinerary, but unfortunately we ran out of time as we still had to drive a good distance to the ferry.
But I can still remember it well from when I was there 5 years ago. Lake Wabby is closer to 75 Mile Beach and is surrounded by gigantic sand dunes. Unlike the other lakes, Wabby is deep green. Getting there requires a little more stamina, as you have to trudge through the deep sand for quite a while (about 20 minutes, I'd say). But the view makes it worth it (as so often).
The way back was a bit hectic as the tide was already quite high and the beach was very narrow in some places. So here's another appeal to you and me: check the tide before you go, because you rarely have an internet connection on K'Gari. Well, the Pajero was put through its paces, but didn't disappoint and got us safely to the ferry. And with that, the adventure on K'Gari came to an end. Put it on your travel bucket list. It is amazing.
And with that I say, safe travels and see you in the next episode.
Cheers
Jesko
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