Kingfisher Bay circuit
Take in coastal views and island history on this overnight circuit walk to the blue water and white shores of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie).
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 23.2km circuit The same start and finish point, but the traveller doesn’t return along the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 9hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (natural)
- Toilets (flush)
- Walking
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Lake McKenzie is just one of the stunning features along this circuit. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
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Capture another wonderful west coast view along this circuit. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
After a steep climb from Kingfisher Bay, stunning views along the North White Cliffs accompany you before heading inland through shady eucalypt forests.
Learn about the World War II training camp and McKenzie's Jetty along the way.
Reward yourself with a refreshing swim at Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie)—a prized natural wonder—before pitching your tent at the Lake McKenzie walkers' camp. Read about the Butchulla Aboriginal people’s connection to this land at the nearby Lake McKenzie day-use area.
Sleep under a blanket of stars and wake for breakfast and an early dip. Then it’s time to head back Kingfisher Bay via the upper reaches of Dundonga Creek.
This park is part of the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of coastal dune landform development and evolutionary history.
Getting there and getting around
The Kingfisher Bay circuit is on K'gari (Fraser Island),15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.
- The circuit starts on the Lake McKenzie walk.
Getting to K'Gari
You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.
Check the K'gari (Fraser Island) conditions report for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
- Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).
By 4WD
- Your high clearance 4WD must have low range functions.
- Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
- Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
- A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area.
From Inskip Point (15mins from Rainbow Beach)
- At the end of the bitumen on Inskip Point Road, reduce tyre pressure, engage 4WD and drive 500m onto the beach.
- Drive onto the Manta Ray barge for the 10–15min trip to Hook Point on the southern tip of K'gari (Fraser Island), and the start of the Eastern Beach scenic drive.
- Bookings for this barge are not required.
From River Heads (east of Maryborough)
- Travel 10.6km along River Heads Road to the Fraser Island Barges landing area.
- The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on western K'gari (Fraser Island) takes 30–45min.
- The trip to Kingfisher Bay on western K'gari (Fraser Island) takes 50mins–1hr.
- These barges run at fixed time and bookings are essential.
On foot
- Walkers can board a vehicle barge to the island (details above) or arrive by plane.
By plane
- Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.
By private vessel
- Access K'gari (Fraser Island)'s sheltered western coastline by private vessel. The eastern coastline of the island is extremely hazardous and exposed to very rough ocean conditions.
- Launch your boat at one of the many boat ramps on the mainland between Tin Can Bay and Burnett Heads. There are no boat ramps on K'gari (Fraser Island).
- See Maritime Safety Queensland's Beacon to Beacon Guides for the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay for detailed navigational maps.
- The waters adjacent to Fraser Island are in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
- If you're heading out on the water make sure you know your zones so you can follow the rules.
- Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.
Commercial tours
- You can join a range of tours that leave from a variety of centres.
- For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
- Bring your own drinking water, or fill up your containers at the tour operators' area in the Lake McKenzie walkers' camp.
- Treat all water before use.
- Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Kingfisher Bay circuit is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and Walk with care.
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurro (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 1 July 2022
- Park Alert Northern Forests Walking Track 14 October 2021 to 31 July 2022
- Park Alert - Prescribed Burn Orchid Beach Service Station and Airstrip Blocks 14–30 June 2022
- Smoke Alert - Orchid Beach Service Station and Airstrip Blocks 14 June to 6 July 2022
- SMOKE ALERT -WADDY POINT CAMPGROUND 2–30 June 2022
- Smoke Alert 3–30 June 2022
- Park Alert Prescribed Burn Waddy Point Campground 4–30 June 2022
- Prescribed Burn - Dundubara Campground 20 April to 30 June 2022
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Breeding Season 1 June to 31 August 2022
- K'gari Planned Burn Season 2022 1 March to 31 August 2022
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari (Fraser Island) conditions report Updated 21 Jun 2022
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.