After more than two decades of travel writing, I’m always searching for destinations that surprise me. K’gari — the world’s largest sand island (710 square miles) off the coast of Queensland, Australia — managed to leave me completely captivated.

Getting There

From Texas, there are several flight options into Brisbane. Yes, it’s a long trip, but Australia rewards those willing to make the journey. Once in Brisbane, we rented a car and drove about three-and-a-half hours north along the beautiful Sunshine Coast to River Heads. There, we parked in a secure lot, boarded a short shuttle bus to the Sealink ferry terminal, and enjoyed a scenic 50-minute ferry ride across the Great Sandy Strait to Kingfisher Bay Resort.

K’gari (pronounced “Gurri” with a silent K) was formerly known as Fraser Island. About a decade ago, efforts began to restore the island’s Indigenous name in honor of the Butchulla people, the traditional custodians of the land. The official renaming was celebrated during a 2018 visit by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The island resort has welcomed members of the Royal Family dating back to visits by then-Prince Charles in the 1990s.

What makes K’gari so remarkable is that it is both the world’s largest sand island and home to rainforests growing directly out of sand — a phenomenon found in very few places on Earth. Because the island is a protected wilderness area, most roads are simply tracks carved through the sand and accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Kingfisher Bay Resort makes exploring easy (nightly rate around $215 in June).

Opened in 1992, the Kingfisher Bay Resort was designed with sustainability at its core. The main lobby, built largely from timber and integrated into the surrounding landscape, reflects the property’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Even the resort’s swimming pool feels like an extension of the natural environment rather than something imposed upon it.

A series of elevated boardwalks connects the guest accommodations, minimizing impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Our room was simple, comfortable and exactly what we needed after the long flight. From our patio, we overlooked a peaceful wooded area where native birds provided a soundtrack from sunrise to sunset.

Exotic Exploring

As sunset approaches, the place to be is Sunset Bar, located at the end of the resort’s jetty. Watching the sun slowly sink toward the horizon between 4 and 5 p.m. was a show in itself. The menu focuses on drinks and light bites, including a popular platter featuring locally sourced Queensland prawns.

One of the resort’s experiences was the Bush Tucker Talk, where we learned how Indigenous Australians have used native plants for food and medicine for thousands of years. We tasted lemon myrtle and cinnamon myrtle, the latter known for its unique numbing properties. We also sampled native macadamias and learned about their nutritional benefits, including their antioxidant properties and potential heart-health benefits.

One of the highlights of our stay was joining the resort’s “Beauty Spots” tour. Our guide, Peter Meyer, is not only an expert on the island but also one of K’gari’s best-known photographers. His stunning images can be found at shops throughout the island. Peter’s passion for K’gari was contagious as he shared stories and insights about this unique landscape.

Our first stop was Lake McKenzie, where the water was among the clearest I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world. Its brilliant blue hues, framed by pure white silica sand, created a whimsical scene.

Throughout the island, we encountered fascinating natural wonders, from tiny plants that trap insects called Carnivorous Sundews to glow-in-the-dark mushrooms hidden within the forest. We learned that K’gari is home to some of the oldest sand dunes on the planet, further adding to the island’s geological significance.

We also visited 75 Mile Beach, one of the most pristine stretches of coastline I’ve ever experienced. Running almost the entire length of the island, the beach resembled a painting. There, you’ll also find the rusting remains of the Maheno Shipwreck, which has rested on the shoreline since 1935 and remains one of K’gari’s most visited tourist attractions and most photographed landmarks.

The island itself is surprisingly remote. In fact, Peter reported there is only one police officer and one ambo (ambulance) serving the entire island. There are more tow trucks on the island that help stranded vehicles that underestimated the sand or surf.

Back at Kingfisher Bay Resort, guests can experience Illumina, an outdoor light and sound show overlooking a tranquil pond. Using colorful lasers, music and storytelling, the 30-minute presentation shares the cultural and environmental story of K’gari in a way that feels both educational and entertaining.

Dining on the Dunes

At The Dune Restaurant, located off the lobby, we enjoyed a casual dinner featuring Australian wines and globally inspired Asian fusion dishes. The wine list showcased selections from across Australia, including an excellent Cabernet from Western Australia. Menu highlights include traditional egg-fried rice with chicken (which we had twice because it was so good), chicken wontons, and vegetable spring rolls.

Also off the lobby is the other resort restaurant, Sand & Wood which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The breakfast buffet offered a hearty start to the day, while dinner featured what the resort describes as “Australian fare”. During our visit, favorites included a chicken schnitzel, hearty Bolognese and a classic cheeseburger. An Italian Chianti paired beautifully with the meal.

Wilderness Wonder

Visiting K’gari during the Australian winter — which corresponds with our summer in Texas — felt ideal. The temperatures were comfortable (70s), the crowds were manageable and the island’s natural beauty took center stage. I imagine that during Australia’s summer months (our winter), the resort is filled with families and children enjoying school holidays.

For travelers looking beyond Australia’s iconic cities, K’gari offers something increasingly rare: a destination where nature still leads the experience. Kingfisher Bay Resort doesn’t compete with the island’s beauty; it complements it.

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Cover Photo Marika Flatt.

Marika Flatt, Outstanding Austin Communicator 2021, is the Travel Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She began her travel writing career in 2002, and can be seen as a contributor on TV shows across Texas, such as Great Day Houston, San Antonio Living, Spectrum News product showcase and Spectrum News Travel (airs statewide), Good Morning Texas, KVUE, Daytime (airs statewide), and Studio 512! Marika spent five years as the voice of the “Weekend Trip Tip” on NPR’s Texas Standard pre-Covid. Follow Marika on Instagram.