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A favourite stopover city for many travellers, here are some Singapore sights and delights you don't want to miss.
UNESCO World Heritage-listed K’gari (formally Fraser Island), stands proudly as the world's largest sand island, captivating the hearts of both locals and international adventurers. K'gari, named by the traditional owners and custodians, the Butchulla people, offers a place to recharge and reconnect with its glistening freshwater lakes, lush tropical rainforests and native wildlife.
The name K'gari is derived from the Dreamtime story about a goddess named K'gari who fell in love with the earth and never wanted to leave. She transformed into the great sand island so that she could stay forever and is kept company by the lakes, forests, flowers, animals, bird and people.
Whether you're embarking on a family beach camping adventure packed with excitement or a relaxing romantic getaway in resort-style luxury, here are 10 things not to miss on Queensland's favourite island, K'gari.
1. Discover the vanishing lake
Green-coloured freshwater Lake Wabby is the deepest lake on K'gari but is slowly being swallowed by the colossal sand dune Hammerstone Sandblow with reports that it may completely overtake the lake sometime in the next century. Lake Wabby is home to several species of native fish and turtles and makes a great picnic spot, but be prepared for a 45-minute walk from the One Tree Rocks car park to get there.
2. Gaze upon Butterfly Lake from the air
The only way to see the twin wings of Butterfly Lake is from above on a scenic flight with Air Fraser Island, taking off and landing on 75 Mile Beach.
3. Enjoy a free water ride
Up to four million litres of fresh water flow out from Eli Creek to the beach every hour and the current creates a natural water ride. Bring a tyre tube, blow-up pink flamingo or your floaty of choice and drift downstream to the beach. There’s a boardwalk alongside the creek that connects you with the starting point.
4. Take in the serenity of a silent creek
Winding through a rainforest valley filled with tall trees and palms, Wanggoolba Creek is a little bit different to streams you’re likely to encounter elsewhere. It sounds eerily quiet as the clear water flows across white sands, rather than rocks in a creek bed, making this one of K'gari's ‘silent creeks’.
5. Indulge in a bubbly dip
K'gari’s eastern beaches are pounded by surf and strong currents and not recommended for swimming, so the only safe spot for an ocean dip are the Champagne Pools between Waddy Point and Indian Head at the northern end of 75 Mile Beach. The volcanic ‘coffee rock’ formation creates natural pools fed by the crashing waves for some frothy fun.
6. Take your adventure off road
With 123km of island paradise to explore, going off road on a four-wheel driving tour is a great option to experience all the top spots. Hop aboard K’gari Explorer Tours to get the best mix of beach and forest adventure. Or if you want to make the experience extra special, join Fraser Experience Tours to go sightseeing in their Hummer with a max of four guests per tour.
7. Soak in the sparkling Lake McKenzie
Lake McKenzie is K'gari’s most popular lake with pure silica sand that's not only dazzling white, but also perfect for cleaning jewellery. For a quieter swim in the clear waters away from the crowds, head to the hidden beach just around the corner on the west side.
8. Take in the best sunset view
For a truly memorable sunset view it is hard to find a better spot on the island than the jetty at Kingfisher Bay Resort. It's one of the island’s gateways and a favourite fishing spot too. Grab a glass of wine from the jetty bar and settle in for a dramatic red sunset across the calm western bay. This also is an excellent place to see the island’s wild dingoes at sunset or sunrise.
9. Wander under a majestic canopy
Be awed by the majestic K'gari satinay trees (that can grow to be 1,000 years old) on a stroll through the Pile Valley. The trees once were used in the construction of the Suez Canal and London docks, but logging has long been prohibited and the forests of K'gari have been designated part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative, officially commemorated by Prince Harry and Meghan on their 2018 tour.
10. Dine on bush tucker
Nibble on native berries bursting with flavour, relish in the refreshing citrus of lemon myrtle and discover how these and other locally sourced ingredients can be used in cooking as part of Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Tastes of Australia program, guided by their chef.
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