Lake Wabby walk
Walk to the Hammerstone Sandblow, Lake Wabby and then onto a lookout for panoramic views over this dynamic landscape.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 4.1km one way A path where the start point is different to the finish point
- Time suggested
- Allow 2hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 4 walking track
Accessible by
- High clearance 4WD
Journey facilities
- Lookout (constructed)
- Toilets (non-flush)
- Walking
Walk through a changing forest to the edge of Hammerstone Sandblow and the crescent-shaped Lake Wabby. Take a refreshing dip here before climbing the northern side of the sandblow to the lookout.
Lake Wabby has formed over time as the migrating sands of exposed dunes gradually blocked a coastal creek. Today the lake and the sandblow are in a slow-motion battle for survival. Slowly but surely sand is blowing down the east-facing dune and filling the lake.
With the ocean in the background, this is a great spot for a family selfie!
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 Lake Wabby walk is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.
- The walk links the Eastern Beach to the K'gari Great Walk at Lake Wabby.
- The track starts on the Eastern Beach scenic drive about 4.1km north of the Eurong township, or from the inland Lake Wabby lookout walk car park on the Central Lakes scenic drive.
- The Eastern Beach scenic drive is only accessible 2hrs either side of low tide and the Central Lakes scenic drive is not suitable for trailers.
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 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, 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 Barges landing area.
- The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari takes 30–45min.
- The trip to Kingfisher Bay on the western side of K'gari takes 50mins–1hr.
- These barges run at fixed times 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'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.
- 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 K'gari 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.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Lake Wabby walk 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.
- Central Station visitor facility upgrades planned from April to July 2024 4 March to 31 July 2024
- Park Alert-Tukkee Wurroo (Indian Head) walking track temporary closure 14 June 2021 to 30 June 2024
- Woralie Road Dump Ezy Temporary Closure 13 July 2023 to 13 July 2024
- Prescribed Burn - Figtree Creek 14 April to 31 May 2024
- Prescribed Burn - Duck Creek 19 March to 31 May 2024
- Prescribed burn - Exploration Break East 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Planned burn - Binngih Sandblow to Orchid Beach 1 March to 31 August 2024
- Dingo (Wongari) Seasonal Information - Mating Season 1 March to 31 May 2024
- Marine Stingers Warning 1 November 2023 to 31 May 2024
- Park Alert - K'gari Planned Burn Season 2024 12 February to 31 August 2024
- Threatening dingo activity - Eli Creek, Waddy Point and Wathumba 8 December 2023 to 30 April 2024
- Beware crocodiles
- Be dingo-safe
- Beware marine stingers (jellyfish)
Conditions report
K'gari conditions report Updated 26 Apr 2024
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.