From testing out your four-wheel driving expertise to swimming in shimmering lakes, journey awaits on the World Heritage-listed sand island of Okay’gari (previously generally known as Fraser).
For the Conventional Custodians, the Butchulla folks, Okay’gari (pronounced ‘gurri’) means ‘paradise’. And it gained’t take lengthy so that you can see why. Positioned off the southeast coast of Queensland, the World Heritage-listed Okay’gari is the world’s largest sand island. It’s full of numerous landscapes, distinctive wildlife just like the sugar glider and swamp wallaby, plus heaps of land- and water-based adventures.
From whale watching to floating down lazy creeks and tenting beneath the celebrities, listed here are 11 of our favorite issues to do on Okay’gari.
1. Swim in Lake McKenzie
Do you know Okay’gari has over 40 lakes? However when you solely have time for one, we’d suggest Lake McKenzie. Sure, it’s one of the vital well-liked lakes, however there’s a motive for that. The water is among the purest on earth, the water is unbelievably blue and the silica sand is white and delicate.
Right here’s a random query for you: when was the final time you cleaned your gold or silver rings? The sand at Lake McKenzie is that delicate, you should utilize it to wash your jewelry. Or scoop a handful and provides your physique a superb scrub – you gained’t discover a cheaper or extra pure exfoliation therapy.
2. Watch the sundown
Watching the sundown by no means will get outdated. And sundown on Okay’gari is one for the books. Regardless of the place you’re, be sure to get a superb seat to observe the sky mild up with hues of pink, purple and orange.
One of the best sundown spots rely on which aspect of the island you’re on, however Kingfisher Bay is a agency favorite. For those who’re an early riser, it’s additionally price going to Eurong Seashore to observe the dawn.
3. Go four-wheel driving on 75-Mile Seashore
The roads on Okay’gari are principally sand, so your four-wheel driving expertise are about to be put to the check. 75-Mile Seashore is an actual sand freeway (with street indicators and velocity cameras) that runs the size of the island’s east coast. Blast your favorite playlist and really feel the ocean breeze in your pores and skin as you cruise alongside this lengthy stretch of coast.
Preserve your eyes peeled for wild dingoes and other people fishing by the water. And don’t be alarmed when you see the occasional airplane touchdown on the sand – the seashore can also be an airstrip. Driving 75-Mile Seashore is greatest at low tide when the sand is tough and flat.
4. Take a dunk in Champagne Swimming pools
Champagne Swimming pools is a pure spa. It will get its title from frothing ocean waves that spill over the swimming pools’ rocky edges like fizzy wine tumbling down a tower of coupe glasses. It’s the one place on Okay’gari the place you’re allowed to swim within the sea, so you possibly can think about it’s a preferred spot. For those who don’t fancy a dip, admire the swimming pools from the boardwalk that wraps across the headline.
5. Float down Eli Creek
Eli Creek is the most important creek on Okay’gari. It pours as much as 4 million litres of water into the ocean each hour. Take a brief stroll alongside the boardwalk by means of banksia and pandanus groves or pop in your swimsuit for a refreshing float down the creek.
6. Spot humpback whales
The whale-watching season runs from July to October. Yearly, these marine giants migrate from the chilly waters of Antarctica to start their calves within the hotter waters alongside the East Coast. There are many whale-watching excursions accessible alongside the coast, together with Hervey Bay, however you could have a superb probability of recognizing a humpback (or two) from the headlands of Okay’gari.
7. See wild dingoes and different native wildlife
Okay’gari is residence to a various vary of native wildlife, together with swamp wallabies, short-eared mountain possums, sugar gliders (nocturnal gliding possums) and dingoes.
The dingo is the island’s most well-known four-legged resident, with an estimated 30 dingo packs. You’ll most likely see just a few roaming the shores when driving alongside 75-Mile Seashore. You may additionally hear a pack howling within the distance at evening.
Learn extra: 10 must-visit locations on Australia’s East Coast
8. Go to Maheno Shipwreck
The shipwreck of SS Maheno is among the island’s most iconic websites. Nevertheless it’s additionally a reminder of how treacherous the waters surrounding this island may be.
The SS Maheno was a former luxurious cruise liner and WWI hospital ship. She was offered to Japan for scrap after the battle, however a cyclone throughout her last voyage in 1935 meant her destiny was destined for Okay’gari. It’s positively price stopping by to see Maheno’s rusty skeleton.
9. Discover the traditional Pile Valley rainforest
Dubbed the guts of Okay’gari with thick rainforest canopies and plentiful native crops, Central Station and Pile Valley are an amazing place to reconnect with nature. The 4km bushwalk circuit takes you previous large satinay timber (a few of that are over 1,000 years outdated), kauri pines, large king ferns and bunya pines. Don’t overlook to take just a few deep breaths to fill your lungs with historic rainforest air.
Learn extra: The locals on a mission to avoid wasting the Daintree Rainforest
10. Get a free pedicure at Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby is Okay’gari’s deepest lake. Getting there includes a 30-minute hike over sand dunes, however the burning sensation in your calves is completely price it whenever you arrive at this oasis. Leap within the water to chill down after which throw down a blanket to chill out and admire the view. Don’t freak out when you really feel one thing tickling your ft – the lake is filled with tiny fish that eat the lifeless pores and skin off your ft. Consider it as a free pedicure.
11. Go tenting
It’s exhausting to beat falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore or waking as much as birds chirping within the timber above. There are innumerable, assorted tenting areas on Okay’gari, with a number of fenced websites to maintain the dingoes out. If you need somewhat extra consolation, there are many resort resorts, seashore homes, lodges and motel-style lodging choices to select from, too.
Uncover the fantastic thing about Okay’gari on a small-group journey with Intrepid and uncover extra adventures throughout Australia.
