K'gari: The largest sand island in the world is in Australia

Australia is the land of superlatives: the largest coral reef in the world, the most poisonous animals in the world. And with K'gari, formerly Fraser Island, Australia also has the largest sand island in the world.

It used to be called Fraser Island. Some people may still know the largest sand island in the world by that name. In 2023, Fraser Island was renamed K'gari. Or rather, it was 'renamed back,' as this was always the island's name in the indigenous language.

According to the Butchulla people, K'gari is the name of the white spirit sent from the sky by God Beeral to help his messenger Yindingie create the island and the waterways. That's where the name comes from. In the Butchulla language, K'gari also means paradise. And this name truly fits.

K'gari is located in the Australian state of Queensland. More specifically, it's at the so-called Fraser Coast about 186 miles north of Brisbane. The largest sand island in the world is 76 miles long and on average 9 miles wide. But K'gari is more than just this superlative. Its flora and fauna are stunning. That's why the island has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992.

K'gari has more than 100 lakes. Probably the most famous of them is Lake McKenzie, likely because it is also the most beautiful. Light blue, turquoise, crystal-clear water. And what makes it extra special: it's a freshwater lake on a sand island in the ocean. How cool is that?

At another lake, you can get something for free that many pay for: a fish pedicure. In the emerald waters of Lake Wabby, small fish swim and nibble at your toes.

The animal you are most likely to encounter on K'gari is the dingo. And if not the dingo itself, then at least its paw prints in the sand. The approximately 200 wild dogs living on the island love roaming the beaches.

A beautiful viewpoint with wide vistas is Indian Head, a rock on the east coast of K'gari. Between August and November, with a bit of luck, you can see dolphins and humpback whales there.

The trail to the highest point takes about 20 minutes to walk. However, the path is quite steep, and good footwear is worthwhile. You might even sense a bit of mysticism. For the indigenous people of K'gari, Indian Head has always been an important site for traditional ceremonies.

North of Indian Heads is another highlight-not just because of its name. The Champagne Pools are volcanic rock pools, separated from the open sea by rocks. Whenever ocean water splashes into the pools, countless bubbles form.

This fizz effect has given the Champagne Pools their name. The natural pools are also a good place for snorkeling at low tide. That's when many colorful fish swim around here, until the tide comes and washes them back out to the open ocean.

Sand islands form when a large amount of sand accumulates in one spot. Unlike volcanic or rock islands, sand islands don't have a solid foundation. They don't rest on a massive base like a rock. Vegetation helps hold the landmass together. Without plants, wind and rain would gradually erode the island.

Travelers heading to K'gari can easily reach the island by ferry from the Australian coast. The journey takes between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on which of the two ports you leave from: River Heads or Rainbow Beach.

If you plan to drive on K'gari, you'll definitely need four-wheel drive. Without it, you'll get nowhere on this sand island. On K'gari, there isn't a single paved or sealed road. This is part of what makes K'gari worthy of the title of the largest sand island in the world.

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