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Driving off-road round Ok’gari (Fraser Island) is among the most enjoyable adventures we had in Queensland, Australia.
We cruised on lengthy seashores and bumped down sandy forest tracks, swam in a turquoise lake and floated in a crystal clear creek, hiked down sand dunes and thru rainforest, and noticed the enduring dingo.
Ok’gari is a particular place—it’s the world’s largest sand island (122km lengthy) and is UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its distinctive landscapes.
It’s the one location on Earth the place subtropical rainforests develop solely on sand, and it’s house to half the world’s perched freshwater lakes, which type on sand dunes.
Many individuals go to Ok’gari on a tour (driving here’s a problem), however we actually loved the liberty to discover on our personal.
Listed here are our prime picks for the most effective issues to do in Ok’gari (Fraser Island) plus the two evening/3 day itinerary we adopted.
You’ll discover a map with all these Ok’gari should see locations close to the tip of the submit.
Contents
A Few Issues to Know About Ok’gari
- The Butchulla folks are the normal house owners of Ok’gari.
- In 2023, its identify was formally modified from Fraser Island to its aboriginal identify, Ok’gari (the Ok is silent), which implies paradise.
- You may solely drive on the island with a 4WD and you have to organize a allow earlier than you arrive.
- As the primary “freeway” is a seaside, the tides have an effect on the time you’ll be able to go to many locations. You may’t drive on the seaside for two.5 hours on both aspect of excessive tide. Test tide tables right here.
- The 2 gateways to the island are Rainbow Seashore and Hervey Bay (3-4 hours north of Brisbane and 1.5-2.5 hours north of Noosa).
- Ok’gari is house to dingoes (wongari), Australia’s solely wild canine. Don’t feed or strategy them.
- Cell sign may be very restricted on the island.
Greatest Issues to Do in Ok’gari (Fraser Island)
1) Drive a 4WD Off-Street
For an journey, drive your self on Ok’gari. A 4WD is important as there are not any paved roads. As an alternative, driving takes place on lengthy seashores and sandy tracks by the forest.
It’s doable for assured drivers who haven’t pushed off-road earlier than. We managed to not get caught in sand, however it will probably occur (we employed Maxtrax simply in case).
We rented from Rainbow Seashore Journey Centre 4WD Rent who have been actually useful. They gave us driving suggestions, organized our ferry ticket and driving allow, and helped plan our itinerary.
Their recommendation was important as we realized that the tracks to 2 of the lakes we wished to go to (Lake Boomanjin and Lake Birrabeen) have been a large number (the remainder have been dangerous sufficient so we didn’t need to deal with even worse).
They even allow us to do the paperwork the afternoon earlier than our rental began so we might get an early begin. (We stayed the evening earlier than at Debbie’s Place in Rainbow Seashore, which was supreme).
As they’re primarily based in Rainbow Seashore, we took the Manta Ray Barge from Inskip (quarter-hour from the workplace) to Hook Level on the southern finish of the island.
The choice (for those who hire a 4WD in Hervey Bay) is taking the Sealink automotive ferry from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay Resort or Wanggoolba Creek on the east aspect of the island.
We most well-liked the barge choice because the journey is shorter (simply 10 minutes) and so they run roughly each half-hour between 6am and 5pm, so that you don’t need to guide a selected ferry time as you do with the opposite route.
As soon as on the island, driving on the seaside is the simpler, smoother choice (with a velocity restrict of 80 km/hr).
The inland tracks are extremely bumpy with a velocity restrict of 30 km/hr (and we hardly ever received to that). Taking journey illness drugs was important for me.
They really feel like an actual journey, although, and also you received’t need to miss the attractive rainforest and lakes within the centre of the island.
2) Keep at Kingfisher Bay Resort
Tenting is the basic solution to expertise Ok’gari, but when that’s not your factor (like us), there are a few snug motels and vacation leases.
We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the west coast of the island and beloved it.
Ok’gari Seashore Resort in Eurong on 75 Mile Seashore would have been extra handy (no bumpy inland driving to get to the east coast), however Kingfisher has a extra lovely forest setting, higher facilities (4 swimming pools and varied bars and eating places), and is positioned on a calmer, swimmable seaside (you’ll be able to’t swim on the east coast).
Better of all, the sundown views on this aspect of the island are superb, and the resort has a Sundown Bar proper on the sand subsequent to the jetty. It’s the right solution to finish the day on Ok’gari.
Dune is the most effective restaurant on the resort with tasty Asian fusion delicacies (bookings are important). The Sand Bar is a extra informal spot with pub grub and Sand & Wooden overlooks the pool (breakfast and lunch solely).
Even for those who don’t need to drive your self on Ok’gari, a keep at Kingfisher Bay is among the finest methods to expertise the island in consolation.
You may take a passenger ferry direct to the resort from Hervey Bay, chill out in a lovely setting, and take one of many resort excursions to see extra of the island.
Test availability for Kingfisher Bay Resort right here.
3) Swim within the Turquoise Waters at Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)
Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) is among the hottest spots on the island and for good purpose—it’s completely gorgeous.
The white sand and turquoise water seem like they need to be on a Caribbean Island, however that is certainly one of Ok’gari’s distinctive perched sand lakes which are stuffed solely with rainwater.
Swimming within the crystal clear water was a Ok’gari spotlight for me regardless of it being a bit of chilly on our winter go to.
The lake is within the centre of the island accessed down a kind of bumpy inland tracks.
The bogs subsequent to the automotive park have altering areas so get into your swimwear there. It’s a 100-metre stroll all the way down to the seaside.
You aren’t allowed to take meals or drinks (besides water) all the way down to the lake shore as they appeal to dingoes. We had lunch within the fenced-off picnic space subsequent to the automotive park as a substitute.
We received fortunate on our noon go to and missed the tour teams. It could get busy, however the seaside is an efficient dimension (the left aspect is quieter) and also you’ll need to chill out on this lovely spot for some time.
Lake Birrabeen is a quieter different, however the highway there was very tough on our journey so we skipped it.
4) Drive Down 75 Mile Seashore
Driving a 4WD on the sandy 75 Mile Seashore on the east coast is among the finest issues to do on Ok’gari.
It’s the most well-liked driving route because it’s smoother than the inland tracks and takes you to prime points of interest like Eli Creek and Champagne Swimming pools (extra on these under).
It feels unusual driving on sand at first however you do get used to it. Simply keep away from the shiny sand so that you don’t get splashed by the surf (rental corporations will change if there’s salt water within the engine).
Some components of the seaside are more difficult the place the sand is deeper (the trick right here is to maintain momentum) or it’s a must to detour off the seaside round some rocks.
You’ll additionally move by many shallow creeks—go very slowly (strolling tempo).
Many of the seaside is wild and empty with varied tenting areas (most with no amenities). Seashore fishing is fashionable however swimming isn’t allowed on account of rips and sharks.
You may cease wherever you want however park above the excessive tide mark at 90 levels to the ocean so it’s apparent you’re stationary.
Small planes even land on the seaside so preserve a watch out when passing by the marked touchdown areas (we did see one take off!).
5) Look Out For Wongari (Dingoes)
Dingoes (wongari) are wild canines that will seem like rangier pets, however they are often harmful (largely as a result of people feed them and encourage them to strategy).
Should you do get fortunate and see a dingo, preserve your distance, don’t feed them, and don’t run (in the event that they strategy, preserve eye contact and again slowly away).
We noticed dingoes on three events whereas driving on 75 Mile Seashore (we didn’t get out of the automotive) and it was very thrilling to see these basic Australian animals.
Learn extra about being dingo protected.
6) Benefit from the Coastal Views at Champagne Swimming pools
Champagne Swimming pools is the furthest north that rental corporations permit you to go on 75 Mile Seashore.
It’s a protracted drive up right here (about 2.5 hours from Kingfisher Bay), but it surely’s nicely price it because the coast turns into extra dramatic.
You’ll must plan the timing of the drive rigorously to be sure you get again down and off the seaside earlier than excessive tide.
Champagne Swimming pools is the one protected saltwater swimming spot on the east coast of the island, however I loved it extra for the unbelievable coastal views on the quick stroll there over Center Rocks.
We parked on the Southern automotive park the place there are bogs with altering areas for those who plan to swim.
Then it’s a 10-minute stroll on a boardwalk across the headland with incredible views again to 75 Mile Seashore and Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head), a rocky headland attributable to volcanic exercise 30 million years in the past (word you’ll be able to not climb it on account of extreme erosion).
After strolling down the steps you’ll attain the Champagne Swimming pools, which received their identify from the effervescent water after the waves crash over the rocks into the swimming pools.
The swimming pools are fairly small so it’s extra of a wading spot, but it surely’s good if it’s scorching. (On a cool morning we saved our swim for Eli Creek).
Once more, we received fortunate and have been simply forward of the tour teams—heaps arrived as we have been leaving at 9.45am (tour instances differ with the tides although).
7) Float Down Eli Creek
Eli Creek is one other fashionable spot on 75 Mile Seashore that you just received’t need to miss. Tubing down this clear, freshwater creek is among the most enjoyable issues to do on Ok’gari.
From the parking space you’ll must wade by the creek so don’t hassle with sneakers. You may then comply with the boardwalk subsequent to the creek (possibly a 5-minute stroll) earlier than moving into the water on the different finish to comply with the present again down.
Our 4WD rental firm supplied a tube, however for those who don’t have one, you may float or stroll by the creek, which is about knee-deep. It’s price moving into the water because it’s a very fairly journey.
There are bogs with altering areas, however they’re fairly removed from the beginning of the boardwalk.
There’s no picnic space at Eli Creek and dingoes are widespread, so watch out when consuming (don’t eat on the bottom).
8) Stroll Down a Sand Blow to Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby is one other distinctive, gorgeous place to go to on Ok’gari.
Like Lake McKenzie, it’s a perched lake, however that is the deepest on the island, and the water is an excellent olive inexperienced color.
It’s important to stroll to the lake but it surely’s nicely price it. The beginning of the observe is simply north of Eurong on 75 Mile Seashore. There’s an indication and bogs a bit of manner down the path.
The 5km return stroll took us 1 hour and 10 minutes (plus a break on the lake) with a 138m elevation acquire. There are some small ascents, but it surely isn’t too difficult.
Many of the stroll is thru the forest earlier than you emerge on the golden sand of the large Hammerstone sand blow with ocean views.
Head down the dune (working is unfortunately not allowed) to achieve the beautiful lake. I had critical regrets about not bringing swim gear—don’t make my mistake and plan to chill out on this peaceable spot for some time (once more, picnics usually are not allowed on account of dingoes).
9) See the Maheno Shipwreck
In 1935, the Maheno steamer was shipwrecked and deserted on 75 Mile Seashore and it has remained there ever since.
Positioned 5 minutes north of Eli Creek, it is a Ok’gari must-see, though it’s only a fast cease to see the rusty, barnacled stays.
Its decay was accelerated when it was used as goal observe throughout WWII.
There are not any amenities.
10) Admire the Colors at The Pinnacles
5 minutes north of the Maheno Shipwreck is one other fast cease (no amenities).
The Pinnacles, also referred to as the colored sands, are a set of sand dunes which were sculpted by wind and water into rifts and crumbling spires.
Supposedly there are 74 totally different colored sands within the craggy dune in variations of pink, brown, and yellow.
11) Hike By the Rainforest at Central Station
Central Station is within the centre of the island and is the most effective place for a forest stroll.
There are many choices, however the best is the 0.7km Wanggoolba Creek circuit on a boardwalk subsequent to a crystal-clear freshwater creek.
If you need one thing longer, the 5.6km/1.5-hour return hike to Basin Lake is meant to be pretty and also you’ll doubtless have the lake to your self.
There are picnic tables and bogs on the Central Station day-use space and there’s a campsite close by.
Our Ok’gari Self Drive Itinerary
This was our 2-night/3-day Ok’gari itinerary that covers all the Ok’gari actions above.
The order and instances you’ll be capable to go to locations will depend upon the tides, although. Once we visited low tide was round 8am – 10am.
Day 1
- 8.15am Go away Rainbow Seashore (we did the paperwork for our 4WD rental the afternoon earlier than)
- 9.15am Arrive at Hook Level, Ok’gari after getting the barge
- 10.30am – 11.40am Central Station stroll
- 12.10pm – 1.30pm Lake McKenzie picnic and swim
- 2.15pm Test in at Kingfisher Bay Resort
- Discover grounds, Sundown Bar, dinner at Dune
Day 2
I’m glad we received an early begin as we have been about an hour forward of the excursions. Everybody follows an analogous route as a result of limitations of the tides.
- 6.40am Go away Kingfisher Bay
- 7.30am Arrive on 75 Mile Seashore Seashore and drive north (we handed Eli Creek at 8.05am however didn’t cease as we wished to verify we had sufficient time later)
- 8.10am – 8.30am Maheno Shipwreck
- 8.35am – 8.40am The Pinnacles
- 9.15am – 9.50am Champagne Swimming pools
- 10.40am – 12.10pm Eli Creek tube float and picnic
- 1.30pm Again at Kingfisher Bay
- Chill out, Sundown Bar, dinner at The Sand Bar
Day 3
- 9am Go away Kingfisher Bay
- 10am – 12pm Lake Wabby hike
- 12.45pm Arrive at barge touchdown at Hook Level
- 1.25pm Get off barge at Inskip Level
- 1.40pm – 3pm Rainbow Seashore (refuel, vacuum automotive, get the surface washed, return 4WD)
Map of Issues to Do in Ok’gari
Is Ok’gari Price Visiting?
Ok’gari is unquestionably price visiting. This particular island was certainly one of our favorite locations in Queensland.
We beloved the journey of off-road 4WD driving (regardless of the nausea-inducing forest tracks) and the pure landscapes are really gorgeous from various forests to vibrant lakes and wild seashores. Seeing a dingo is enjoyable too!
Whether or not you determine to drive your self or take a tour, we extremely suggest a go to to Ok’gari.
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