• Keep an eye out for burnt-orange scribbly gums. Photo credit: Jenna Tapply © Queensland Government
• Walk to a quieter section for a different view of the lake. Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

You’ll have to conquer some steep hills and soft sands but the visual rewards along the way make it worthwhile.

After zig-zagging up a steep hill from Kingfisher Bay take a breather atop the North White Cliffs. Drink in the magnificent views over the Great Sandy Strait and Marine Park. Get your history on at the World War II ruins and McKenzie Jetty.

Heading inland, the next stop is Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), where the clear blue water will entice you in for a welcomed dip. This renowned lake is the jewel in the island’s crown and a must-see for all visitors.

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

• The walk links the Kingfisher Bay barge landing to Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) on the K'gari Great Walk.
• From the barge landing follow the jetty road to the resort roundabout and turn right.
• Walk for about 100m along the bitumen driveway, past the tennis courts, shop and fuel pumps, to the trail head.

Getting to K'gari

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

• Check the K'gari conditions report (PDF, 1.6MB) for the latest information on access, closures and conditions within the recreation area.
• Subscribe to the RSS feed to receive automated updates. (About RSS feeds).

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

• Flights leave from Hervey Bay and Maryborough.

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 tour operators' area in the Lake McKenzie walkers' camp.
• Treat all water before use.
• Use water wisely and report damaged or leaking taps and tanks.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Lake McKenzie 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.