K'gari Great Walk

K'gari Great Walk is a long trail stretching about 75 to 90 kilometers across the island, connecting rainforests with ancient trees, freshwater lakes, sand dunes, and expansive beaches. The path passes through varied landscapes, from dense forests beneath towering Kauri and Satinay trees to soft sandy beaches that stretch for miles.

The island has been home to the Butchulla people for thousands of years, with their stories and traditions woven into the land itself. Millions of years ago, volcanic activity shaped the landscape, creating the sand dunes, freshwater lakes, and forested areas that hikers experience today.

K'gari means 'paradise' in the language of the Butchulla people, who have lived on this land for thousands of years. The island returned to its traditional name in June 2023, honoring the deep connection between the land and its original inhabitants.

Most visitors start from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach, taking a ferry to the southern end of the island, or arrive from Hervey Bay to the western side. Campsites must be booked in advance and are located beside lakes where you can swim after a long day of walking.

Some of the Kauri and Satinay trees along the trail are over 1,000 years old and among the world's oldest trees. In the Valley of the Giants, hikers can stand beneath these massive trees and sense the immense span of time they have endured.