Why should I visit the K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre on Fraser Island?
The newly-opened K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre on Fraser Island educates visitors about the wildlife, vegetation and ecosystems on the world’s largest sand island. It can be found inside the Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Detailed answer: Fraser Island is one of Australia’s great tourist draw cards. The world’s largest sand island has a diverse collection of attractions that appeal to visitors on a 4WD tour. You can drive down 75 Mile Beach to see the Maheno shipwreck. Or divert inland to swim in Lake McKenzie and take a rainforest walk from Central Station.
But despite the name Central Station, what Fraser Island lacks is a focal point. In other national parks, a visitor centre fills this role. But Fraser Island has always lacked a main information and educational hub.
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.
New Discovery Centre on Fraser Island
Until now, that is. In March 2021, the K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre opened on Fraser Island – now officially known as K’gari.
This interpretation centre can be found inside the Kingfisher Bay Resort complex, but entry is free to all visitors.
The idea behind the K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre is to educate travellers about the environmental initiatives and conservation efforts on Fraser Island.
Staff and students from the University of the Sunshine Coast have designed and curated information panels within the centre. These go into the complex ecosystems of Fraser Island. They also explore the natural phenomena that led to it being World Heritage listed in 1992.
Fraser Island vegetation and wildlife
Visitors can also learn about the island’s vegetation, such as the rainforests growing straight out of the sand and the unbelievably pure freshwater lakes. There are also displays on Fraser Island’s wildlife, including the famous Fraser Island dingoes.
There are plans to expand the K’gari World Heritage Discovery Centre in future, with another four steps of interactive digital displays.
The two main access points to Fraser Island are Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. The Fraser Island barge from Rainbow Beach is quicker and cheaper than the ferry from Hervey Bay.