The Maheno was a passenger liner that was blown ashore by a cyclone in 1935, while being towed to a Japanese scrap yard. Its photogenic, oxidised bones,…
Matt Munro
Fraser Island
The local Butchulla people call it K’gari – 'paradise' – and for good reason. Sculpted by wind, sand and surf, the striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests of this gigantic sandbar form an enigmatic island paradise unlike any other. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world (measuring 120km by 15km) and the only known place where rainforest grows on sand.
Inland, the vegetation varies from dense tropical rainforest and wild heath to wetlands and wallum scrub, with sandblows, mineral streams and 'perched' freshwater lakes opening onto long sandy beaches. The island, most of which is protected as part of the Great Sandy National Park, is home to a profusion of bird life and wildlife, including the famous dingo, while offshore waters teem with dugong, dolphins, manta rays, sharks and migrating humpback whales.
Explore Fraser Island
- MMaheno Wreck
The Maheno was a passenger liner that was blown ashore by a cyclone in 1935, while being towed to a Japanese scrap yard. Its photogenic, oxidised bones,…
- PPinnacles
Make sure you break your 4WD safari at these multicoloured sand cliffs – they're a photographer's delight.
- SSandy Cape Lighthouse
Dating from 1870, this heritage lighthouse sits on the northernmost tip of Fraser Island. Only hikers and intrepid 4WD drivers can get here, and the…
- IIndian Head
Named by Captain Cook for the 'Indians' he saw assembled there, this headland offers fantastic sea views, and occasional sightings of whales, dolphins and…
- YYidney Rocks
This lovely stretch of Fraser Island's east coast can pose complications for 4WDers trying to pass at high tide.
- PPoona National Park
Two islands and low-lying coastal plains in the Great Sandy Strait are protected in this park on the mainland.
- CCorroboree Beach
This 14km-long beach runs south from Indian Head.
- VValley of the Giants
Some of the largest remaining trees on Fraser Island are found here.
- MManann Beach
East coast beach that stretches 18km from Sandy Cape.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Fraser Island.
See
Maheno Wreck
The Maheno was a passenger liner that was blown ashore by a cyclone in 1935, while being towed to a Japanese scrap yard. Its photogenic, oxidised bones,…
See
Pinnacles
Make sure you break your 4WD safari at these multicoloured sand cliffs – they're a photographer's delight.
See
Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Dating from 1870, this heritage lighthouse sits on the northernmost tip of Fraser Island. Only hikers and intrepid 4WD drivers can get here, and the…
See
Indian Head
Named by Captain Cook for the 'Indians' he saw assembled there, this headland offers fantastic sea views, and occasional sightings of whales, dolphins and…
See
Yidney Rocks
This lovely stretch of Fraser Island's east coast can pose complications for 4WDers trying to pass at high tide.
See
Poona National Park
Two islands and low-lying coastal plains in the Great Sandy Strait are protected in this park on the mainland.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Fraser Island
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.