Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the captivating beauty of K'gari (Fraser Island) on the 90km K'gari Great Walk in Queensland, Australia. This Grade 4 trail takes 6-8 days to complete and rewards hikers with diverse landscapes, including rainforests, lakes, and sand dunes. Highlights include the mesmerising Lake McKenzie, the tranquil Wanggoolba Creek, and the historic Central Station. The journey concludes at the charming coastal town of Happy Valley. Perfect for adventurous bushwalkers seeking a hard, long-distance hike through a unique and precious ecosystem.

Length:

90km

Duration:

6-8 days

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 209m

Min elevation: 11m

Total Ascent: 1804m

Start: Dilli Village

End: Happy Valley

Great Sandy National Park

Queensland

Nearby town: Dilli Village

From state capital: 285km

Latitude: -25.59969623602118

Longitude: 153.09046447277072

Walk map

Weather

Similar

4,142 views

Safety advice

North of Lake Wabby is remote! This section is suitable for experienced bushwalkers only, as distances between walkers' camps are greater, facilities are minimal and access to help is limited. Be dingo-safe! Never walk alone, plan to reach your camp site well before dark and keep your food in the storage boxes provided at walkers' camps.

Hike overview

The K'gari Great Walk is an unforgettable journey through a realm of unparalleled natural beauty. As you venture along its winding trails, you'll be captivated by a mesmerizing tapestry of landscapes that will leave you in awe of the sheer power and artistry of nature.

From the moment you set foot on the world's largest sand island, you'll be transported to a wonderland of towering rainforests teeming with life, pristine lakes reflecting the sky's cerulean depths, coastal heathlands alive with the symphony of native flora, and vast sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

As you hike through these diverse ecosystems, you'll encounter an abundance of unique flora and fauna. Towering ancient trees stand sentinel over lush undergrowth, while vibrant wildflowers paint the landscape with their radiant hues. Melodies of birdsong fill the air as you spot elusive creatures darting through the foliage.

Among the many highlights of the K'gari Great Walk is the iconic Lake McKenzie. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pure white silica sand, this stunning lake is a haven for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in its ethereal beauty.

As you continue your journey, you'll traverse Wanggoolba Creek, a refreshing freshwater haven where you can cool off on a hot day. The creek's clear waters are home to a variety of aquatic life, making it a popular spot for fishing and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature.

A truly awe-inspiring sight awaits you at Lake Wabby, a perched lake nestled amidst lush rainforest. The lake's deep blue waters are said to be home to a number of different types of fish, and its serene atmosphere is sure to leave you feeling invigorated and at peace.

As you make your way through the island's interior, you'll come across Central Station, a historic logging camp that has been transformed into a popular camping spot. Here, you can take a break from your hike and enjoy the amenities on offer, such as toilets, showers, and a camp kitchen.

The K'gari Great Walk culminates in Happy Valley, a charming coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere. Here, you can celebrate your accomplishment by indulging in a delicious meal at one of the local cafes or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun's rays.

The K'gari Great Walk is more than just a hike; it's an immersion into the very essence of nature. As you traverse its trails, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of life that exists within this unique and precious ecosystem.

So if you're seeking an adventure that will leave you feeling rejuvenated and inspired, then look no further than the K'gari Great Walk. Embark on this journey of discovery and allow yourself to be captivated by the wonders that await you along the way.

Walk highlights

Amazing scenery including towering rainforest, crystal-clear lakes, coloured sands and vast sand dunes.
Visit iconic sites such as Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), Wanggoolba Creek, Lake Wabby and Central Station.
Ever-changing landscapes including coastal heathland, mangrove forest, woodland and subtropical rainforest.
Walks—something to suit everyone. Take a short stroll with the family or choose a half-day or full-day walking challenge.
Enjoy camping under the stars, away from the crowds—it takes 6–8 days to complete the total 90km from Dilli Village to Happy Valley.

Tips

Get fit for the walk! Some sections are more challenging than others and sections of soft sand can make walking slow and tiring.
Keep cool! Plan to walk in sunny, exposed areas early in the morning, never in the middle of the day.
Keep together! Always plan to walk at the pace of your group's slowest walker.
Plan for delays, rest stops, sightseeing and meal breaks. Distances and times shown for each section of the track are estimates only.
North of Lake Wabby is remote! This section is suitable for experienced bushwalkers only, as distances between walkers' camps are greater, facilities are minimal and access to help is limited.
Be dingo-safe! Never walk alone, plan to reach your camp site well before dark and keep your food in the storage boxes provided at walkers' camps.
K'gari is remote and facilities are limited. Walkers must be fully self-sufficient.
Ensure you carry adequate equipment that covers the basics.

Gallery

Add your photos

Got some great shots from this hike? Upload your photos here to inspire others and show off the beauty of the trail!

Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You can be credited for your contributions, and you can request removal at any time.

Walk map and GPX file

K'Gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk (90km)

The following GPS route is a guide only as there are a few variations to this walk. Download the PDF map from Parks QLD.

Total distance: 74029 m
Max elevation: 209 m
Min elevation: 11 m
Total climbing: 1804 m
Total descent: -1773 m

Getting there

Closest towns to this walk: Cooroy, Fraser Island, Gympie, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Noosa Heads, Pomona, Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay

Getting to the trailhead in Great Sandy National Park.

You can access K’gari from either Rainbow Beach township or Hervey Bay travelling by vehicle barge, aircraft, commercial tour or private boat. Dilli Village and Happy Valley, on the eastern side of K’gari, are the two main Great Walk start and finish points. For visitors arriving on K’gari on foot there are access tracks from barge landing points to the Great Walk track.

Access from Rainbow Beach

Take the vehicle barge from the beach at Inskip Point—approximately 15km from Rainbow Beach—across to Hook Point on K’gari.
A taxi service is available to walkers from Rainbow Beach and Cooloola to the barge at Inskip Point—phone 0411 072 349.
There are no public buses that service this area.

Access from Hervey Bay

Barges travel between River Heads and K’gari, taking visitors to two destinations—Wanggoolba Creek landing area and Kingfisher Bay Resort.
River Heads barges are approximately 23km from Hervey Bay along Booral and River Heads Roads.
A taxi service is available to take walkers from Hervey Bay to the barge at River Heads—phone 131 008.
There are no public buses that service this area.

Once on K’gari you can either:

Drive or use the taxi service or commercial operator transport service to the Great Walk entrance points near the eastern beach townships of Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Book transport services in advance.
Or walk from your barge landing area, using access tracks, to reach the Great Walk track.

Driving
If you are planning to drive to a Great Walk access point, you will need a high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle—hire options are available in Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay—as soft sand, tides and estuaries contribute to challenging driving conditions. No secure parking area is available on the island. A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service vehicle access permit must be purchased and displayed on your vehicle windscreen before driving on K’gari. Buy the vehicle permit and your camping permit before you go.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

K'gari, Great Sandy National Park. K'gari is the world's largest sand island and an area of remarkable natural beauty. It was listed as a World Heritage Area in 1992 to recognise the island's internationally significant natural features:

evolving dune, lake, soil and forest systems, the extent and age of which are outstanding examples of ongoing geological and biological processes
unique landscapes, which are examples of superlative natural occurrences.

Growing on seemingly infertile sands are a great variety of plant communities ranging from coastal heath, mangrove forests and swamps to subtropical rainforest.

The many archaeological remains found on K'gari record thousands of years of culture and tradition, and provide important links to their past for the Butchulla people.

The island is 123km long and covers an area of 166,038ha, so you need to allow plenty of time to explore and appreciate it.

Similar trails nearby

Looking for hikes and trails in Great Sandy National Park or nearby? Try these walks with a similar grade.

Track grade

Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

K'Gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk (90km)

10 Reviews on “K'Gari (Fraser Island) Great Walk (90km)”

Overall rating

Tam Edwards

Kirsty Lebusque
Shaun Lebusque
Kyle Heron
Too soon 😉

03/03/2024, 22:03

Like
Log in to Reply
1. Kyle Heron
  
  Tam Edwards
  Can I drive
  
  03/03/2024, 22:04
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply
2. Tam Edwards
  
  Kyle, you said you were keen 🤣
  
  03/03/2024, 22:29
  
  Like
  Log in to Reply

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Suggest an edit

Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

K'gari (fraser island) great walk (90km)

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Hike at a Glance

Safety advice