K’gari (Fraser Island) Lakes With Vehicle Access
There are an array of beautiful freshwater lakes on K'gari (Fraser Island), making it the perfect island for 4WD lake hopping! K'gari travellers love to go to for a refreshing dip in the crystal clear and pristine freshwater found all over the island. So, before you head out on your 4WD adventure and create your best travel memories, you should know the top lake locations you’ll be visiting by 4WD!
Lake Mackenzie
What is Lake Mackenzie like?
It’s a major and top favourite destination of local and international travellers alike. All the 4WD tours stop by Lake Mackenzie because of its white soft silica sands and pristine water which is purely from rainfall, perfect for a refreshing afternoon swim!
How to get to Lake Mackenzie
Lake Mackenzie is easily accessible from K’gari Beach Resort or Kingfisher Bay Resort and all our 4WD tours stop by Lake Mackenzie! If you’re coming from Kingfisher Bay Resort, just drive southwest towards Cornwells Road or the ferry terminal for 4km.
Then turn right once you reach Northern Road and drive 6km further. Once you see Lake Mackenzie Road, turn right again and continue driving for 2.5km. You’ll then see Lake Mackenzie’s car park.
If you’re coming from the southern side of K’gari, Lake Mackenzie is best accessed via 4WD from K’gari Beach Resort which is within 75 Mile Beach. Then drive inland to Central Station along the one-way road and in 6km, just follow the signs to Lake Mackenzie! You should then see the short section of stairs towards the lake.
For more information, check out our guide on getting to Lake Mackenzie.
Can I swim in Lake Mackenzie?
Yes, you can definitely go for a rejuvenating swim in Lake Mackenzie! Not only is it invigorating, but its low PH level leaves your skin feeling quite soft too! A total K'gari bucket list item.
Lake Wabby
What is Lake Wabby like?
The half-moon shape of the emerald-green Lake Wabby is bordered by white sands and a rainforest. It’s another rare and natural phenomenon as it is the only freshwater source that is both a window lake and a barrage lake.
How to get to Lake Wabby
Located in Hammerstone Sandblow, it’s 18km away or 47 minutes from Lake Mackenzie via Lake Mackenzie Road and Northern Road.
Lake Wabby is best accessed from K’gari Beach Resort which is within 75 Mile Beach, and it’s only 11km or 36 minutes away. Just drive southeast to Williams Avenue until you reach Oldfield Street and turn left once you reach Esplanade. Drive a further 6km towards Fraser Island Beach Track and take a slight left to Cronwell's Break. After 3.8 km, turn left at Smith Poyungan road and in 1km, you should reach Lake Wabby!
Can I swim in Lake Wabby?
Yes! Lake Wabby is the deepest lake on the island and hosts a wide variety of fish and turtles. While it's not crystal clear, you should definitely visit Lake Wabby as scientists have studied and predicted that in the years to come, the lake will be covered by the Hammerstone Sandblow sand dunes. The lake used to be wider years ago - but little by little, it’s being engulfed by the white sand. So, before the lake completely disappears, you should stop by for a relaxing swim!
Lake Birrabeen
What is Lake Birrabeen like?
Lake Birrabeen is a perched type of lake that’s situated next to two other lakes. It’s less crowded than the other lake destinations which are perfect for that quiet and calming experience! It’s a hidden gem that you should definitely visit especially during the rainy season because it connects itself to another lake next to it, creating a huge invigorating freshwater for you to dip yourself in!
How to get to Lake Birrabeen
Lake Birrabeen is nearest the K’gari Beach Resort (formerly Eurong Beach Resort) and it’s 14.7km or 39 minutes away. Drive your 4WD north to Williams Avenue for 74m until you reach Easton St. After 160m, take the 2nd exit onto Easton St Great Walk and continue on straight for 2km. Make a sharp left once you reach Great Walk and drive on straight for 3.1km then turn right. In 1.8km, you should reach Lake Birrabeen!
It’s also 8.5 km or 18 minutes away from the Central Station camping area via Birrabeen Road if you chose to camp like a true islander! From Wangoolba Road, drive 1.3km straight to Unguwa road and turn left to Birrabeen road after 400m. At the first cross street onto Birrabeen road, drive further for 1.8km then turn right after 3.5km to reach Old Rocky Creek road. In 300m, you should reach Lake Birrabeen for that refreshing dip!
Can I swim in Lake Birrabeen?
Yes, it's awesome to swim in especially during the rainy season as it turns into a huge body of water because of Lake Jennings just beside it!
Lake Boomanjin
What is Lake Boomanjin like?
Lake Boomanjin is known for its red hue, thanks to the surrounding tea trees. The lake is often mistaken for being muddy and mucky due to its colour. But it’s a body of water that’s purely from rainwater and the largest perched lake of its kind in the world!
How to get to Lake Boomanjin
Lake Boomanjin is 23 minutes away or 9.5km away from Lake Birrabeen! Just drive east towards Great Walk M2 to Dilli Village for 6.5km. After 2.3km, turn left and in 650m, turn left once again and you should then see the red lake!
Lake Boomanjin is also easily accessible via K’gari Beach Resort which is almost an hour away or 21km. The 4WD tours will take you there if you’re not driving. So, all you have to do is sit back, relax, snap some memorable photos and enjoy the panoramic views of white sands, rainforests and endless blue oceans beneath the clear skies!
Can I swim in Lake Boomanjin?
Yes! It's a unique and completely safe swimming location where you can spot birds, turtles and bladderworts that thrive in the lake. The lake measures 5m in depth and is 2.5 acres in size and it's a fenced area where backpackers like to camp nearby for that true islander experience!
Lake Allom
What is Lake Allom like?
Lake Allom is known as the "Turtle Lake" for its healthy population of Krefft’s turtles often spotted at the edge of the lake! The lake is named after the conservationist Noel Allom who played a big part along with his daughter in preserving the area.
How to get to Lake Allom
Lake Allom is 26 minutes or 9.1km away from The Pinnacles near the Maheno Shipwreck (on 75 Mile beach). Just drive southwest to Fraser Island Beach Track for 800m. Then turn right to Woralie Road and drive straight for 7.6km. Turn right and drive further for 650m and Lake Allom should be on your left!
Can I swim in Lake Allom?
Definitely! Lake Allom is also popular for wildlife enthusiasts who love soaking in the views of rich flora and fauna thanks to its thick rainforest filled with surrounding trees like hoop pines and kauri.
Basin Lake
What is Basin Lake like?
Basin Lake is a rare and natural phenomenon since it’s both a perched type of lake and a window lake. You'll see frogs (as it’s known for its healthy frog population), a lush rainforest full of scribble gums and bloodwoods within its jaw-dropping natural landscape!
How to get to Basin Lake
The lake is 11 minutes away or 4.8 km from Central Station. Just drive east for 200m and turn left. Drive further straight for 130m and turn right. In 700m, you should reach Wanggoolba road and continue to drive for another 1.3km. Turn right and drive further straight for 1.2km. Turn right once again and go straight ahead for 500m then make a sharp right. In 700m, you should reach Basin Lake!
Can I swim in Basin Lake?
Absolutely! The lake can be as deep as 8 metres depending on the rainy season which is perfect for that tranquil swimming experience away from the crowd. You’ll spot over 300 species of birds and get to walk through the calming and peaceful rainforest.
What 4WD Tours Visit the Lakes of K’gari (Fraser Island)?
Fraser Explorer Lake Mackenzie
Relax on the pristine white beaches and crystal blue waters without feeling rushed as you spend a full afternoon at this renowned natural site. Enjoy Kingfisher Bay Resort’s pool facilities and a scrumptious lunch at the Sand Bar. Perfect for all ages, cruise comfortably on a custom 4WD with stellar views as you hop from one location to another!
Fraser Adventure Nature Day Tour
On this comfortable air-conditioned 4WD adventure that’s complete with huge windows, so you can take in the island’s tropical paradise scenery, you can stop at some of the island's highlights where you can explore, take photos and soak in your stunning surroundings. All fees, ferry crossing, pickups plus lunch and drinks are included!
Backpacker Tours
You can drive your own 4WD along the island’s most iconic locations! Each tour has something unique to offer with your choice of accommodation and itinerary. Explore our chatlines to find out which backpacker tour will suit you the best!
Fraser Experience Day Tour (Hervey Bay)
Hop on an affordable, fun and personalised adventure to Fraser Island's highlights in just one day! With a maximum of just 17 passengers, our friendly guides will take you to some of the top spots like the flowing clear waters of Eli Creek, the historic Maheno Shipwreck and stunning Lake McKenzie! Hurry, because the tour will soon sell out!
Fraser Explorer Day Tour (Rainbow Beach & Hervey Bay)
Jump on board a spacious 4WD bus to experience the island’s beaches, creeks and historical sites! It’s an action-packed and informative tour as you discover the wonders and hidden gems of K'gari. The tour is currently on an online deal, so book before it runs out!
2-Day K’gari Discovery Safari
Ever wondered what it’s like to fall asleep in tents and under the stars? Drive your 4WD to see the world's largest sand island for 2 days! Swim, explore and experience the magic of this hidden gem because at night, you’ll stay at our permanent campsite on the eastern side of K’gari where you can set up a campfire for that true islander experience!
Fraser Explorer Guided Tours 2 Days & 1 Night (from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach)
Spending just one day in K’gari isn’t always enough! So, soak up the action and extend your stay by embarking on the Fraser Explorer 2-Day 1-Night Tour. Offering a relaxing and authentic experience, the tour has something for everyone! Just choose where you want to depart - either from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay.
Fraser Sunrover Resort Guided Tour - 3 Days & 2 Nights
Explore the World Heritage wilderness of Fraser Island with an experienced friendly eco-guide and driver. Walk through towering rainforests growing in sand, discover huge sand blows, swim in beautiful freshwater lakes, wade in fast-flowing creeks, drive along the world's most beautiful beach highway and marvel at coloured sand formations! You can choose to stay either at the Kingfisher Bay Eco Resort or K’gari Beach Resort!
