Lake Wabby K'Garri
Best Beach · QLD
Tourism Australia's Best Beach 2022, No. 17.
A UN World Heritage site, as the world’s highest and largest sand island.
Fraser Island was recently rechristened K’gari (pronounced ‘Gari’) meaning ‘Paradise’ in First Nations’ Butchulla language. While a wide variety of amazing beaches ring the entire 200km shoreline, it’s the unique rain and spring fed lakes amid lush forest that have provided much respite from the wave-lashed coast for millennia. The backbone of K’gari supports more than 40 freshwater perched lakes, the most visited and easiest to access being the legendary Lake McKenzie. But crescent-shaped Lake Wabby is a close runner-up and the deepest at 11 metres. Its emerald green waters hover at around 24 degrees Celsius year-round, an alluring oasis amid the sand dunes. These ephemeral lakes are gradually disappearing year by year, consumed by sand drift from the prevailing easterly winds. There are no amenities, so take out what you take in. K’gari can be reached by vehicle ferry from either Inskip Point or Hervey Bay. The island has been a magnet for anglers, campers, birdwatchers and 4WD’ers for decades. Among the unique wildlife are the ever-present, pure and protected Australian dingo, which must be observed from a distance and not approached.
⚠️ Ocean conditions can change quickly and rips can form even on calm days. Only swim at patrolled beaches, and supervise children at all times.