Champagne Pools, Fraser Island
The Champagne Pools on Fraser Island are natural rock pools just north of Indian Head. They’re generally safe to swim in, but be wary of the tides when driving north along 75 Mile Beach.
The Champagne Pools are one of the lesser-visited attractions on Fraser Island in Queensland. They often get left off day tour itineraries due to their location. These Fraser Island swimming holes are considerably further north than other highlights, such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Rainbow Gorge, Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck.
Pick the best K’gari/ Fraser Island tour for you
- HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE: One day coach tour from Hervey Bay.
- FROM THE SOUTH: One day 4WD tour from Rainbow Beach.
- PACK MORE IN: Two day tour, staying at K’gari Beach Resort.
- BEACHY: Boat cruise with west coast beach stops.
- BACKPACKERS: Three day, drive-yourself camping adventure from Hervey Bay. Or similar from Rainbow Beach.
- MORE LUXURIOUS: Three day adventure, staying at the Kingfisher Bay Resort.
What are the Champagne Pools?
The Champagne Pools on Fraser Island are a collection of naturally-formed swimming holes right on the edge of the ocean. They are rock pools, with shallow, sandy bottoms, and the waves wash over the edge of the rocks. There’s a spa-esque effect that comes from the fizzing ocean foam – hence the attraction’s name.
The Champagne Pools are calmer at low tide, and if you’re self-driving, that’s when you should approach. 75 Mile Beach – the main highway – is not safe for driving on for around two hours either side of high tide. Given that Champagne Pools is at the northern end of 75 Mile Beach, you’ll need to time the drive there carefully.
Is it safe to swim at Champagne Pools?
Swimming at Champagne Pools is generally safe, but you must stick to the pools rather than chancing it in the ocean. The ocean here has strong currents and frankly prodigious numbers of sharks.
There’s a reason why swimming on Fraser Island is generally limited to the lakes and rock pools.
Getting to Champagne Pools
The Champagne Pools are just to the north of Indian Head. There’s a special sand track that heads there, and it’s just off the Eastern Beach Scenic Drive. Once parked up, there’s a 700 metre return boardwalk that heads to the edge of the pools. There are public toilets at the start of the boardwalk, but the nearest campground is to the north at Waddy Point.