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Exploring K'gari & Rainbow Beach: A Queensland Adventure to Remember
- Maxine Reid
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 2
If you're looking for a nature-filled adventure off the beaten track, K’gari (Fraser Island) and Rainbow Beach make the perfect duo. I recently visited this unforgettable space and wanted to share my experience—packed with highlights, hidden gems, and tips to help you plan your own escape to this pristine part of the world.
Discovering K'gari and Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a charming coastal town with everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay. We based ourselves at Breeze Holiday Parks – Rainbow Beach, a well-located van park with easy access to town and a great pick-up point for day tours.
If you love your food (like I do), there are some standout spots:
Rainbow Beach Bowling Club – Great value dining specials if you become a member.
Tapas Bar – Sip cocktails with views of the coast.
Surf Club – The ultimate spot for panoramic ocean views.
Rainbow Beach Hotel – A classic Queenslander-style pub serving generous portions of delicious pub favourites.
Full-Day 4WD Bus Tour to K’gari (Fraser Island)
We booked a K’gari Explorer Tour, and it was one of the best travel experiences I’ve had. Pick-up was at 7:30am directly from our accommodation, and we returned in the late afternoon after a full day exploring the island.
Optional Scenic Flight – Worth Every Cent
For an extra $100 each, we took a 15-minute scenic flight that departs and lands directly on the beach—one of only two places in the world where this is allowed (the other is in Scotland). Seeing the vastness of K’gari from the air was simply breathtaking and highly recommended.
Planning a trip to K'gari - check availability below
K'gari Highlights – What You’ll See
Throughout the day, our guide—a local K’gari expert—shared fascinating stories about the island's ecology, wildlife, and Indigenous history. Here's a snapshot of what we experienced:
75 Mile Beach
The iconic beach highway where we drove along the sand, spotting birds of prey above and, if you’re lucky (July–October), migrating humpback whales offshore.
The Pinnacles
Learn about the colourful sand formations, a sacred Indigenous site with rich Dreamtime stories tied to the land.
Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora)
This crystal-clear freshwater lake with soft white silica sand is picture-perfect. The swim here is refreshing and unforgettable.
Central Station Rainforest Walk
Originally a logging station, this tranquil forest trail winds through towering ferns and ancient satinay trees, home to rare flora and fauna.
Eli Creek
A gentle float along this freshwater stream is a favourite among visitors. Too chilly for me on the day, but beautiful nonetheless!
Maheno Shipwreck
A haunting reminder of the past, this rusted shipwreck is one of K’gari’s most iconic photo stops.
Buffet Lunch
Lunch was served at a resort along the way with a wide range of choices. Dietary requirements were taken into account when we booked.
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, the tour was professional, comfortable, and full of awe-inspiring sights. Our guide/driver was knowledgeable and friendly, adding an extra layer of insight to the experience.
Whether you're staying in Rainbow Beach for a few nights or just passing through, make time for this day trip to K'gari—it's an adventure you'll never forget.
Tips for Your Trip:
Wear swimmers under your clothes if you plan to float in Eli Creek or swim in Lake McKenzie.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water bottle.
A lightweight backpack is handy for carrying a towel, camera, and other essentials.
Don’t miss the scenic flight if your budget allows—it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Looking to book your K’gari adventure? Click here to check availability and prices.
Maxine has travelled extensively around the world and is now, along with her husband Waz, exploring Australia. When she's not hanging out with her staffy, Savvy, attending to family and being a great friend, you will find her curating clothing and gifts at her boutique, Bohemian Spirit in Tea Gardens, regional NSW.
