From testing out your four-wheel driving abilities to bathing in shimmering lakes, journey awaits on Okay’gari.
For the standard house owners, the Butchulla individuals, Okay’gari (pronounced “gurri”) means ‘paradise’. And it gained’t take lengthy so that you can see why. Positioned off the southeast coast of Queensland, the World Heritage-listed Okay’gari is the world’s largest sand island. It’s filled with numerous landscapes, distinctive wildlife and heaps of land and water-based adventures.
From whale watching to floating down lazy creeks and tenting below the celebs, listed below are 11 of our favorite issues to do on Okay’gari.
1. Swim in Lake McKenzie
Do you know Okay’gari has over 100 lakes? However for those who solely have time for one, we’d suggest Lake McKenzie. Sure, it’s one of the crucial standard lakes, however there’s a purpose for that. The water is among the purest on earth, the water is unbelievably blue, and the silica sand is ridiculously white and mushy.
Right here’s a random query for you: when was the final time you cleaned your gold or silver rings? The sand at Lake McKenzie is that mushy, you should utilize it to scrub your jewelry. Or scoop a handful and provides your physique a very good scrub — you gained’t discover a cheaper or extra pure exfoliation remedy than this.
2. Watch the sundown
Watching the sundown by no means will get outdated. And sundown on Okay’gari is one for the books. Seize a chilly drink, get cozy in your tenting chair and watch the sky mild up with hues of pink, purple and orange. One of the best sundown spots depend upon which facet of the island you’re on, however Kingfisher Bay is a agency favorite. In case you’re an early riser, it’s additionally value going to Eurong Seaside to observe the dawn.
3. Go four-wheel driving on 75 Mile Seaside
The roads on Okay’gari are principally sand, so your four-wheel driving abilities are about to be put to the take a look at. 75 Mile Seaside is an actual sand freeway (with highway indicators, pace cameras, and many others) that runs the size of the island’s east coast. Blast your favorite playlist and really feel the ocean breeze in your pores and skin as you cruise alongside this lengthy stretch of coast.
Maintain your eyes peeled for wild dingoes and other people fishing by the water. And don’t be alarmed for those who see the occasional airplane touchdown on the sand — the seashore can also be an airstrip. Driving 75 Mile Seaside is greatest at low tide when the sand is tough and flat.
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4. Take a dunk in Champagne Swimming pools
Champagne Swimming pools is a pure spa. It will get its title from frothing ocean waves that spill over the swimming pools’ rocky edges like fizzy wine tumbling down a tower of coupe glasses. It’s the one place on Okay’gari the place you’re allowed to swim within the sea, so you possibly can think about it’s a well-liked spot. In case you don’t fancy a dip, admire the swimming pools from the boardwalk that wraps across the headline.
5. Float down Eli Creek
Eli Creek is the biggest creek on Okay’gari. It pours as much as 4 million litres of water into the ocean each hour. Take a brief stroll alongside the boardwalk via banksia and pandanus groves or pop in your bathers for a refreshing float down the creek. The water is chilly contemporary, but it surely’s tremendous stress-free when you’re in and the delicate present carries you alongside the winding watercourse. You possibly can even deliver a floaty system for an additional little bit of enjoyable. Inflatable watermelon or unicorn, anybody?
6. Spot humpback whales
The whale watching season runs from July to October. Yearly, these fascinating creatures migrate from the chilly waters of Antarctica to beginning their calves within the hotter waters alongside the East Coast. There are many whale watching excursions out there alongside the coast, together with Hervey Bay, however you’ve gotten a very good probability of recognizing a humpback (or two) from the headlands of Okay’gari.
7. See wild dingoes and different native wildlife
Okay’gari is dwelling to a various vary of native wildlife, together with swamp wallabies, short-eared mountain possums, sugar gliders and dingoes. The dingo is the island’s most well-known four-legged resident, with an estimated 30 dingo packs. You’ll in all probability see a couple of roaming the shores when driving alongside 75 Mile Seaside. You may additionally hear a pack howling within the distance at evening.
8. Go to Maheno Shipwreck
The shipwreck of SS Maheno is likely one of the island’s most iconic websites. However it’s additionally a reminder of how treacherous the waters surrounding this gorgeous island may be. SS Maheno was a former luxurious cruise liner and WWI hospital ship. She was bought to Japan for scrap after the conflict, however a cyclone throughout her ultimate voyage in 1935 meant her destiny was destined for Okay’gari. It’s undoubtedly value stopping by to see Maheno’s rusty skeleton.
9. Discover the traditional Pile Valley rainforest
Dubbed the center of Okay’gari with thick rainforest canopies and ample native vegetation, Central Station and Pile Valley are an ideal place to reconnect with nature. The 4km bushwalk circuit takes you previous large satinay bushes (a few of that are over 1,000 years outdated) kauri pines, large king ferns and bunya pines. Don’t neglect to take a couple of deep breaths to fill your lungs with historical rainforest air.
10. Get a free pedicure at Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby is Okay’gari’s deepest lake. Getting there entails a 30-minute hike over sand dunes, however the burning sensation in your calves is completely value it while you arrive at this oasis. Soar within the water to chill down after which throw down a blanket to loosen up and admire the view. Don’t freak out for those who really feel one thing tickling your ft — the lake is stuffed with tiny fish that eat the lifeless pores and skin off your ft. Consider it as a free pedicure!
11. Go tenting
It’s laborious to beat falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore or waking as much as birds chirping within the bushes above. There are 45 tenting areas on Okay’gari with a number of fenced websites to maintain the dingoes out. In case you’re not the outdoorsy sort otherwise you need somewhat extra consolation, there are many resort resorts, seashore homes, lodges and motel-style lodging choices to select from, too.
Uncover the great thing about Okay’gari on a small group journey with Intrepid.