It’s a hefty claim but Fraser Island’s coastline us up there with some of the world’s best. The varying landscape of impressive sand dunes, incredible beaches freshwater lakes and rainforests make for spectacular scenery, best experienced on a slow cruise along the 75 Mile Beach. The 4WD tracks come so close to the shoreline you can taste the salt in the air.
I recently booked a tour with K’gari Explorer Tours which saw me hop on a 4WD tour bus and take in sights including the tranquil Eli Creek, the historic SS Maheno and the crystal clear Lake Mackenzie. This tour remains as one of my favourite experiences in Australia and although I could have easily hired a 4WD, it was worthwhile having a tour guide as they explained the significance of the island.
From iconic rock pools and beaches to beautiful freshwater lakes and cultural landmarks, these are the must-see destinations on the island. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of K’gari!
1. Pile Valley
Located at the heart of Fraser Island, Pile Valley is the only place in the world where rainforests can grow from the sand at 200 metres above sea level! This UNESCO World Heritage listed site home to the beautiful ancient rainforest that surrounds Central Station which was once the host of a logging camp. Take the 4km Pile Valley circuit to admire the giant Fraser Island Satinay trees which have watched over this space for centuries.
2. Champagne Pools
Champagne Pools is hands down one of the best places to visit on Fraser Island and the best rock pool you can swim in on the island. These naturally formed rock pools are located on the island’s northeast coast and sit right on the edge of the ocean so you can bet the views are out of this world. The sea around this island is famously rough and dangerous so the pools provide a really great place to splash in the saltwater safely.
3. SS Maheno Shipwreck
If you’ve been to Fraser Island before, you have no doubt spotted the shipwreck lining the shore of 75 Mile Beach. The SS Maheno was once a luxury passengers ship that brought chartering guests across from Sydney to Auckland. During her final journey from Melbourne to Japan where she was set to be scrapped, a cyclone struck and left the Maheno adrift in the ocean off the east coast of Australia. The ship was eventually abandoned completely on the shores of 75 Mile Beach where it’s become popular among tourists seeking the perfect selfie.
2. SS Lake Mckenzie
What better place to soak in the beauty of Fraser Island than to relax in the awe-inspiring waters of Lake Mackenzie. This gorgeous freshwater lake contains only rainwater and the sand matter at the base of the lake prevents any water from draining away. Perhaps the most stunning thing about the lake is the pure white silica sand that is not only beautiful to look at but feels beautifully soft to walk on. The blues and greens of the lake are absolutely mesmerising and it’s worth rising early and staying for sunset for the very best views.
1. Eli Creek
Eli Creek holds a special place in my heart. As a kid, my favourite thing to do during summer was visit a water park with the family and spend the entirety of the day floating on a lazy river. Well, Eli Creek is a naturally formed lazy river which pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour! This hidden gem is a popular picnic and swimming spot all year round and I recommend bringing your own floaty to spend the day drifting around the boardwalk.
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