K'gari (Fraser Island), Great Sandy National Park Fraser Coast

Lake McKenzie is just one of the stunning features along this circuit. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Fraser Island (K'gari) is the traditional land of the Butchulla Aboriginal people and a world heritage area. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Critical information for your safety

Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.

Kingfisher Bay circuit

Take in coastal views and island history on this overnight circuit walk to the blue water and white shores of 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
Where
View map

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Toilets (flush)
  • Walking

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 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 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.

Getting to K'Gari

You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.

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

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.

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.