Trail Fast Facts
Kingfisher Bay Resort - Lake McKenzie is a 20km, grade 3 hike in Great Sandy National Park, Queensland. This hike typically takes 5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Kingfisher Bay Resort to Lake McKenzie is on Fraser Island Great Sandy National Park and is a stunning destination.
At Kingfisher Bay Resort, walk to the right of the Village Store and go past the fuel bowsers, up the bitumen road and exit to the sand track on your left marked Beerillbee Trail / Lake McKenzie / Dundonga Circuit. The track is quite steep and sandy and this will take you out of the resort valley.
Continue to follow the signs to Lake McKenzie. At the ridge top, veer to the right and follow the track downhill to a junction with bollards and a track marker. Turn right following the fire trail to Dundonga Creek and then uphill to the crossing of Cornwells Break Road. Cross the road and follow the marked walking track to junction of Sleeper Hill Fire Trail. The climb up Sleeper Hill is long, but gentle. On the southern descent, cross Lake Wabby Road. Follow the fire trail cross the road and follow the walking track to Lake McKenzie Road and go through the National Parks boom gate and to Lake McKenzie picnic area.
Have lunch at Lake McKenzie and relax in the crystal clear blue water ringed by pure white sand and fringing Blackbutt forest. Lake McKenzie is a perched lake and is purely rain water fed. It is one of Fraser Island's premier attractions. Most of the walking track itself is compacted sand and the surface is not too difficult to traverse.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Tips
Bring a towel and swimmers to enjoy a swim at Lake McKenzie. There is limited mobile phone reception except at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Camping is available for hikers at Lake McKenzie (part of the Fraser Island Great Walk). Bookings can be made through the Queensland Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing.
Be Dingo Safe - don't approach or feed dingoes.
Map and GPX file
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Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
To get to Fraser Island, the Kingfisher Bay Ferry has three return services which depart River Heads (20 minutes south of Hervey Bay) daily and land at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the western side of Fraser Island. Bookings at www.fraserislandferry.com.au
At Kingfisher Bay walk to the right of the Village Store past the fuel bowsers, up the bitumen road exit to the sand track on your left marked Beerillbee Trail / Lake McKenzie / Dundonga Circuit.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
Long beaches, dramatic coloured-sand cliffs, natural sandblows, rocky headlands and pristine freshwater lakes and streams are some of K'gari's (Fraser Island's) spectacular natural features. Fraser Island, off Australia's eastern Queensland coast, is the world's largest sand island, stretching over 120km. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island's easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of coloured sand. It's a camping and ecotourism destination, with beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and other freshwater pools.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.