K'gari, previously known as Fraser Island, is the world's largest sand island, located in the Pacific Ocean off the southeast coast of Queensland, Australia. It sits approximately 250 to 360 kilometers (155 to 223 miles) north of the state capital, Brisbane, within the Wide Bay–Burnett region.

Geographic Location

K'gari is situated parallel to the Australian mainland and is separated from it by the Great Sandy Strait. It serves as a natural barrier for the mainland and lies within the Fraser Coast local government area.

  • Coordinates: Approximately 25.22° S, 153.13° E.
  • Dimensions: The island is roughly 122 kilometers long and up to 22 kilometers wide.
  • Access Points: Visitors typically access the island via ferry or barge from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

Regional Context

The island is part of the Great Sandy National Park and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 for its unique ecological and geological importance.

Feature| Description
---|---
State| Queensland 1
Nearest Large Town| Hervey Bay 3
Traditional Owners| Butchulla people 78
Notable Landmarks| Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck 12

Naming and Culture

The name "K'gari" comes from the Butchulla people's language and translates to "Paradise". After a long campaign for recognition, the island's name was officially restored to K'gari in June 2023, moving away from the European name "Fraser Island".

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.