Sandy Cape Lighthouse, K'gari (Fraser Island)
The Sandy Cape Lighthouse is a fascinating historic landmark on K’gari (Fraser Island). As the largest sand island in the world, K’gari is full of natural wonders. Its ancient sand dunes, perched lakes, and magnificent forests have earned the island a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
But many forget that there are human-made highlights of K’gari as well! The island has a unique history that dates all the way back to the Butchulla Indigenous People. Though the Sandy Cape Lighthouse only dates back to the 19th Century, it is still an impressive attraction to see on K’gari.
Where is Sandy Cape Lighthouse?
Located on the northern tip of K’gari (Fraser Island), the Sandy Cape Lighthouse is a beacon for ships travelling through the southern Coral Sea. The lighthouse stands about 6km southwest of the island’s northernmost point. This northern section of K’gari is known as the Sandy Cape, hence the name of the lighthouse.
K’gari itself is located off the coast of Southeast Queensland, Australia. It’s about 15km east of Hervey Bay and 10km north of Rainbow Beach. K’gari itself is about 120km long, so it’s a giant island!
How do I get to the Sandy Cape lighthouse?
Getting to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse requires taking a ferry from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay to the island of K’gari. From there, you can drive north along the Eastern Beach Scenic Drive and then walk along the Sandy Cape Lighthouse Walk. Here are some important things to know about visiting the Sandy Cape Lighthouse on K’gari.
4WD vehicle is required
K’gari is only accessible with a 4WD. The island is entirely composed of sand, so the terrain is not suitable for regular 2WD vehicles. You will also need a national park vehicle access permit. If you don’t have your own 4WD, you can hire one in Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach!
Hire your own 4WD to explore the less-touristy parts of K'gari (Fraser Island)!
Check the tide times
To reach Sandy Cape in the north of K’gari, you’ll have to drive along the Eastern Beach Scenic Drive. This 175km long stretch of golden sand runs along the Eastern side of K’gari, and it is truly gorgeous.
But driving on the beach is only accessible within 2 hours before or after low tide. If you try to drive when the tide is too high, the sand will be wet, your vehicle could be damaged, and you may easily get bogged. So always check the tide times and plan your visit to be within 2 hours of low tide.
Most guided tours don’t visit Sandy Cape
The northern section of K’gari (Fraser Island) is quite remote. Most guided tours don’t head any further north than the Champagne Pools. So while guided tours are an amazing and hassle-free way to explore K’gari, you won’t be able to make it up to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse.
You’ll have to visit with a hire 4WD or your own car and plan your own itinerary! There are some camping spots up in Sandy Cape, or you can book a room in the nearby town of Orchid Beach.
History of the Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Built in 1870, the Sandy Cape Lighthouse is the second-oldest lighthouse in Queensland. The Bustard Head Lighthouse is the state’s oldest lighthouse, built in 1868. But the Sandy Cape Lighthouse and the Bustard Head Lighthouse were in construction around the same time and used the same type of prefabricated cast iron plates.
Sandy Cape was also an important location for army soldiers during World War II. The soldiers stationed here were assigned to look for enemy planes and ships, and their bunker still remains today!
K'gari's Sandy Cape Lighthouse Today
With its interesting history, the Sandy Cape Lighthouse is a heritage-listed landmark that is well-maintained today. The cast iron plates are often replaced to keep the lighthouse in good condition. At 33 metres tall, it’s also the tallest lighthouse in Queensland.
The lighthouse is also still active, and its light flashes every 10 seconds to help ships with navigation. Apparently, you can see the lighthouse’s flash as far as 40km out to sea!
Walking the Sandy Cape Lighthouse Walk
When you visit the lighthouse, stretch your legs and see the best of the area on the Sandy Cape Lighthouse Walk. The trail is 4.8km return and takes roughly 2 hours to complete. It’s considered moderate difficulty, as the track can be steep in areas.
On the Sandy Cape Lighthouse Walk, you can check out the WWII bunkers, read informational signs about the area’s history, and spot local flora and fauna. There is even a gravesite for the former lighthouse keeper. There is so much to learn on this educational walk, and it’s a beautiful place to admire the gorgeous K’gari coastline!
