K’Gari

Getting to discover K’gari (Gurrie) is an incredible opportunity that I’d encourage any traveller to grab with both hands. The authorities made a landmark move by renaming Fraser Island to K’gari. Recognising the Butchulla People’s connection to the island, and the creation story that gave it its name.

The name K’gari means paradise and originates from a Dreamtime story passed down by the Butchulla people. The great god Beeral sent the goddess K’gari and Yendingie, his messenger, to Earth to search for a place where humans could settle. K’gari fell in love with the earth and never wanted to leave. They transformed her into the Great Sand Island, honoring her wish to remain in her true form. The great god Beeral then lakes and forests, filled with plants, animals, birds and humans to keep her company.

Dreamtime stories hold great significance to the Butchulla people as well as all Aboriginal people. The Dreamtime is how Aboriginal people understand the creation of the world and its meaning. They are passed down through generations and record the history and beliefs of their people whilst preserving their memory. In fact, the Butchulla people have lived on K’Gari for at least 5000 years, but studies have shown that it could even be as far back as 50,000 years. 

Given only a single night, I embarked on a quest to discover K’gari, but wish I given longer. Tours have a habit of cramming in as much as possible in a short amount of time. Luckily for me that wass made easier here with everything so close together. The terrain can make it tricky to navigate, the only one onto the island is by ferry, and you must drive a 4×4. Cars can easily get bogged down in the sand, so you will need every ounce of grip to get through. The further inland you go, the tougher the track becomes, so you’ll be grateful for the extra traction.

K’gari is unique, as it’s the largest sand island in the world. That means there’s no mud or dirt. You can dig as far as you can, but all you’ll find is sand. This environment makes it incredibly hard for plantlife to grow, but what can grow is beautiful though. The sand filters any water, making it crystal clear, but also difficult for plant and animal life to set up camp. 

Just make sure you grab a dingo stick as you leave the safety areas. Dingos are opportunistic and will go for you if they see you as prey or you have food. No need to be afraid as they are easily warned off, but for more information read all about Dingo Safety here.

There’s no way to discover K’Gari and avoid the 75 mile beach. The names a misnomber and not actually 75 miles. But this beach is both classed as a Motorway, and a landing strip, so you won’t see people catching their tans here. Planes often land here offering tourists the opportunity for a scenic flight around the island. This is an incredible experience, allowing you a birds eye view of some of the most sensational sites on K’Gari. This was the first thing I did when I arrived and by the time the plane landed I was raring to go and take a swim in Lake Mckenzie and float along Eli Creek. 

I stayed at Beachcamp Eco Retreat, which is without a doubt my favourite hostel in Australia. It’s the only hostel in Australia I would admit to enjoying as much as a hotel. I was awoken in the morning and called down to the beach. On K’Gari you have the opportunity to head down to the beach and witness the sunrise. One of the most beautiful moments I have ever seen was sitting on that beach. Just don’t forget your dingo stick.

K’Gari deserves a place on every traveller’s bucket list. If you want to learn more about the individual sites on K’Gari check out my articles below.