K'gari (Fraser Island)

The world's largest sand island, 123 km long, officially renamed K'gari, its Butchulla name, in 2023. Despite being made of sand, it's covered in rainforest and has more than 100 freshwater lakes. The most beautiful is Lake McKenzie, with white silica sand and clear blue water. Other highlights are Eli Creek, the rusting Maheno shipwreck, the Pinnacles coloured sands and the Champagne Pools.

There are no sealed roads: you need a 4WD, a vehicle access permit and a barge from River Heads (near Hervey Bay) or Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach). The 75 Mile Beach on the east coast is used as a highway, so learn the tide times. If you've never driven on sand, take a guided 4WD tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach instead; they're well run and very informative. Plan at least 2 days.

Don't swim in the sea on the east coast (strong rips and sharks); swim in the lakes and creeks instead. Never feed the dingoes, and keep children close. From July to early November, humpback whales rest in Hervey Bay, and whale-watching trips leave from the marina. Choose your dates carefully: school holidays bring crowds of 4WDs and campers.