Wild Swimming on Fraser Island

When it’s hot, frolic in K’gari’s (aka Fraser Island’s) freshwater lakes and creeks!
 
With the heat of the summer sun, K’gari’s rainforest (that grows out of sand, don’t you know?) gets incredibly humid with sometimes-extreme temperatures. Luckily, the island is blessed with natural lakes and pools that provide relief from the heat.
 
With more than 100 freshwater lakes dotted around the island, there’s every chance you’ll find one that can accommodate your refreshment needs. 40 of these lakes are perched – the water doesn’t come from streams or flow into the ocean, but it is, in fact, rainwater.
 
The most famous of these lakes is Lake McKenzie. A sparkling azure jewel surrounded by trees, Lake McKenzie is about 150 hectares and five metres deep. Swimming in it is like swimming in a very large manmade pool, only cleaner. The water is so clean that the use of sun lotion and soap isn’t advised, as they act as pollutants. While crystal clear, the acidity in Lake McKenzie means no animals can survive in it – it’s perfectly safe to go swimming in, though. And the lovely, soft, white silica sand is also a great natural exfoliator.
 
Another of K’gari’s perched lakes is Lake Wabby. At 11.4 metres, it’s the deepest on the island, and has much lower acidity levels than Lake McKenzie, making it home to catfish, rainbow fish and honey blue-eye. Make sure to enjoy it while you can – in around 100 years, it may be no more due to the bordering sand dune blowing into the lake and eventually anticipated to swallow it whole!
 

 
 
For nature lovers, Lake Allom is the lake for you. While it’s not as pretty as Lake McKenzie nor as mysterious as Lake Wabby, it does have one trick up its sleeve – turtles. Hundreds or adorable freshwater turtles live in the waters of Lake Allom. While feeding them isn’t allowed, you can clap to gain their attention and watch them pop their tiny little heads out of the water.
 
Discover K’gari’s lakes and more with Drop Bear Adventures. Providing 2 and 3 day camping and beach house tours, you can 4-wheel-drive to many of the beautiful spots on Fraser Island.
 

Book your tour now at www.dropbearadventures.com.au