5 Things to do on K'gari (Fraser Island) When it Rains
Undoubtedly, it’s not always ideal when you see a little “liquid sunshine” forecast for your upcoming holiday, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do on K'gari while you wait for the sun to appear! While this destination is amazing to visit for all it’s freshwater swimming options, there are still lots of other ways to explore before the weather clears. Here are our top 5 picks to get the most out of your time on the great sandy island when it’s a little wet!
1. Go 4-Wheel-Driving
You heard us right - K'gari is known as the largest sand island in the world, and all the roads and highways are made of sand, with the exception of a few paved areas at the resorts on the island. For this reason, Fraser is a well-loved destination for the adventure 4X4 driver! The added benefit of a little rain means the sand gets compacted, making the normally challenging and soft inland tracks are packed down, so even if you have no experience sand driving, this is a really fun and exciting activity to pass the time while the clouds roll by. You can book from many hire companies, or better yet - join a tag-along tour to follow a lead vehicle for extra informative commentary!
2. Spot a Dingo
K'gari is home to the purest strain of wild Dingo in the world, and therefore these amazing creatures are heavily protected. That being said, there is no reason you can’t enjoy an encounter safely from your vehicle. The added bonus is that you will be less likely to want to get up close to them outside your vehicle (which is strongly discouraged) since it will be raining! The best chance of spotting them is on the Eastern Coast of the island on 75 Mile Beach, near dusk or dawn when they can be found foraging the shores for food.
3. Explore the rainforest
A trip to K'gari wouldn’t be complete without exploring the beautiful ancient rainforests that uniquely grow right out of the sand. Hop on a tour and you’re bound to head to destinations like Central Station, where you can see the history of logging camps on K'gari or Pile Valley and Valley of the Giants - Aptly named for its towering satinay trees that are over 1000 years old! If you’re self-driving, truly lose yourself for the day getting amazing photos and stepping back in time away from the crowds. The added bonus of the rain is that the forest will come alive with a chorus of native birds and plenty of other wildlife to spot!
4. Get the best pics of The Pinnacles
One of the must-see attractions on Fraser, The Pinnacles are an incredible sand formation that literally paints a rainbow on the earth as you can see the hundreds of thousands of years of layered sands that have built up from erosion, wind and tide. Just a bit further north of the S.S. Maheno shipwreck, this is one of many stops on 75 Mile Beach that are amazing to see in rain or shine. The added bonus of the rain is that the colours really pop on this natural phenomenon when they’re wet, making for some stunning photo opportunities!
5. Treat yourself to a resort stay
If getting out and amongst the action when it’s raining isn’t your cup of tea, why not indulge yourself in some R&R on one of the two fantastic resorts on the island? King Fisher Bay Resort on the west side has plenty of pools (and a covered and heated jacuzzi!) and dining options, as well as some great views of the sunset (which can really pop if the timing is just right during the rain!). Eurong resort resides on the east coast of the island and is the best place to stay if you want to catch the sunrise on the beach. Ask us about guided bus tours, or tag-along 4wd tours that include resort stays instead of camping to make the most of your time on K'gari, rain or shine!
