Are There Koalas On K'gari (Fraser Island)?
There are no koalas on K'gari (Fraser Island), despite the incredible forests full of trees that could likely support them. As the world's largest sand island, K'gari has a unique ecosystem where diverse flora and fauna can thrive. However, it is isolated from the mainland and therefore has its own special environment.
So while you can find koalas in several places around Queensland, K'gari is not one of them. If you are keen to see koalas, head to the nearby wilderness. of the Fraser Coast, where wild koalas may roam Noosa National Park. Or you can visit the nearby Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, or Magnetic Island up in the tropics!
Why are there no koalas on K'gari (Fraser Island)?
There isn't much evidence as to exactly why there are no koalas on K'gari (Fraser Island). But there are a few theories!
Some believe that there used to be koalas on K'gari thousands of years ago. In this case, the Indigenous Butchulla people, the Traditional Owners of the Land, likely hunted them to extinction for food.
Another theory is that koalas never actually existed on K'gari at all. K'gari is a sand island that formed off the Queensland coast due to wind, sand, and tide movements. So it was never connected to the mainland, and koalas may not have been able to make the journey across the Great Sandy Strait. Some believe this to be the most accurate theory, as there have never been any skeletal remains or proof of koalas existing on K'gari.
What animals live on K'gari (Fraser Island)?
Though there are no koalas on K'gari (Fraser Island), the island is home to many other Australian creatures. The island is a protected, Heritage-listed national park with abundant rainforests, lakes, beaches, and untouched landscapes. Wildlife can thrive here with little to no influence from humans, which is pretty incredible. Here are some local animals you might be able to see during your visit to K'gari.
Spot incredible wildlife on a K'gari wilderness adventure!
Dingos
Dingos are the most famous animals you can see on K'gari (Fraser Island). They are majestic wild dogs that are only found in Australia. The dingos on K'gari are the most closely related to their ancient ancestors, as they haven't had the chance to breed with domesticated dogs like they do on the mainland.
You can often see dingos on K'gari at dawn and dusk, particularly on 75 Mile Beach as they scavenge for food. You may also spot them in the forests, or anywhere on the island. Though dingos look like beautiful dogs, remember that they are wild carnivores and should never be approached! Find more info on our dingo safety guide.
Lizards and Snakes
K'gari (Fraser Island) is also home to several species of lizards and snakes. Goannas, also called monitor lizards, are the most commonly spotted. Sand monitors and lace monitors are also popular around the island's forest terrains.
There are also snakes on K'gari, though they are more elusive and generally harder to spot. Carpet pythons, eastern small-blotched pythons, common tree snakes, and several species of venomous snakes call the island home. But don't worry about the poisonous snakes! They are very rare to see, and you can read our guide to snake safety on K'gari to ensure you're prepared.
Freshwater turtles
Freshwater turtles also live on K'gari (Fraser Island). They tend to hang out near rivers and streams, and the most popular spot for finding turtles on K'gari is Lake Allom. There is a lookout platform over the lake where you can often see adorable little turtles bobbing in the calm waters. As for sea turtles, you may occasionally see them frolicking around the Eastern K'gari coastline!
Fish
Fish also thrive on K'gari (Fraser Island), both in the onshore lakes and in the surrounding oceans. Small species of fish can be found in some of K'gari's lakes, including Lake Wabby. As K'gari's deepest lake, Lake Wabby has catfish, rainbow fish, and the rare honey blue-eye.
On K'gari's beaches, fishing is a popular pastime as well. Fishing on K'gari can bring in catch such as whiting, jewfish, golden trevally, bream, flathead, mackerel, tuna, and more.
Birds
The vast wilderness on K'gari also supports lots of different birds. Kookaburras, ospreys, sea eagles, cockatoos, herons, ducks, pelicans, quails, swans, gulls, oystercatchers, and honeyeaters are all in abundance around the island. You can spot birds while hanging out at the lakes, driving along the beach, hiking through the forest, or camping under the stars. Find a full list of the many K'gari bird species on the national parks website!
Whales, dolphins, and sharks
Just offshore from K'gari, the oceans around the island are packed with marine life! Dolphins and sharks roam the waters year-round, as do other participants in the ocean ecosystem like turtles, fish, and more.
Whales appear in the waters off K'gari every winter, generally between May and September. This is when thousands of whales migrate along Australia's East Coast in order to nurse their young in the warm waters of the tropics. Hervey Bay is one of the world's best whale watching spots! You can often spot whales, dolphins, and sharks off the coast of K'gari, particularly from the eastern beach or coastal headlands.
