K'gari, Great Sandy National Park Butchulla Country Fraser Coast

White sands are a stark contrast to the green surrounds at Lake Birrabeen. Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Be Dingo-Safe! on K'gari

The best way to protect yourself, fellow visitors and the dingoes (wongari) is by planning ahead to Be Dingo-Safe.

Critical information for your safety

Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit. Photo credit: Maxime Coquard © Tourism and Events Queensland

Lake Birrabeen walk

Stroll through lush rainforest and tall eucalypts to escape the crowds at this pretty blue lake fringed by white sandy beaches.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
12.6km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 5hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 4 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Starting at the Central Station day-use area you’ll cross Wanggoolba Road and climb steep sand hills in the shade of kauri pines, piccabeen palms and strangler figs.

Step back in time as you join an old logging road in tall eucalypt forest and think back to when this area supported a thriving timber industry. Soon you’ll be back in cool rainforest and, after passing Lake Jennings, follow the edge of Lake Birrabeen, meeting its waters at its southern shore.

Spend some time relaxing and recharging on the white sandy beach and in the cool blue water before returning the way you came.

This park is part of the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, famed for its exceptional natural beauty, outstanding examples of coastal dune landform development and evolutionary history.

Getting there and getting around

The Lake Birrabeen walk is on K'gari, 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and about 300km north of Brisbane.

Getting to K'gari

You can get to the island by high clearance 4WD, on foot, by plane or with a commercial tour.

By 4WD

  • Your high clearance 4WD must have low range functions.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area.

From Inskip Point (15mins from Rainbow Beach)

  • At the end of the bitumen on Inskip Point Road, reduce tyre pressure, engage 4WD and drive 500m onto the beach.
  • Drive onto the Manta Ray barge for the 10–15min trip to Hook Point on the southern tip of K'gari, and the start of the Eastern Beach scenic drive.
  • Bookings for this barge are not required.

From River Heads (east of Maryborough)

  • Travel 10.6km along River Heads Road to the Barges landing area.
  • The trip to Wanggoolba Creek on the western side of K'gari takes 30–45min.
  • The trip to Kingfisher Bay on the western side of K'gari takes 50mins–1hr.
  • These barges run at fixed times and bookings are essential.

On foot

  • Walkers can board a vehicle barge to the island (details above) or arrive by plane.

By plane

By private vessel

  • Access K'gari's sheltered western coastline by private vessel. The eastern coastline of the island is extremely hazardous and exposed to very rough ocean conditions.
  • Launch your boat at one of the many boat ramps on the mainland between Tin Can Bay and Burnett Heads. There are no boat ramps on K'gari.
  • See Maritime Safety Queensland's Beacon to Beacon Guides for the Great Sandy Strait and Hervey Bay for detailed navigational maps.
  • The waters adjacent to K'gari are in the Great Sandy Marine Park.
  • If you're heading out on the water make sure you know your zones so you can follow the rules.
  • Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Commercial tours

  • You can join a range of tours that leave from a variety of centres.
  • For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see Queensland.com, and for friendly advice on how to get there, where to stay and what to do, find your closest accredited visitor information centre.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Drinking water

  • Bring your own drinking water or fill up your containers at the Central Station day-use area. The water is treated.
  • Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lake Birrabeen walk is open 24 hours a day.

Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting K'gari safely and Walk with care.

View all park alerts