When planning your trip to Australia, you may have had Fraser Island on your bucket list, but now you're seeing a name change to "K'gari". We're here to shed some light on the changes.
The world's largest sand island, formerly 'Fraser Island', has recently changed to the Butchulla peoples' traditional name, K'gari (pronounced 'GUR-rie' or 'Gurri'). In an ongoing attempt to honour and reconcile with Australia's First Nations people, you will likely see a lot of traditional place names during your trip down under.
How to pronounce K'gari
Hearing of "Fraser Island" from tales of travellers, friends and family can be slightly confusing. But rest assured, K'gari is the same beautiful island; now, it honours its creation story.
What does it mean?
K'gari doesn't have a direct translation as it gets its name in honour of the story of the island's creation. The creation story is a beautiful tale, best told by direct descendent and Elder of the Butchulla people, Olga Miller. According to Olga, the story is of a white spirit called Princess K'gari who created breathtaking natural beauty, and one day decided she wanted to stay on the land. However, Beiral, the great God in the sky, said that she could not remain on Earth as a spirit.
"So he changed her into a beautiful island. So she wouldn't be lonely, he then made some beautiful trees and flowers, and some lakes that were specially mirrored so that she could see into the sky. He made creeks and laughing waters that would become her voice, and birds and animals and people to keep her company. He gave these people knowledge and laws, and told them what to do, and how to procreate, so that their children and ancestors would always be there to keep K'gari company.
And she is still there today, looking up at the sky in one of the truly most beautiful places on Earth. She is very happy in, and as, "paradise"." Tells Olga.
You can read the full story of K'gari HERE as told by Olga Miller.
So why visit K'gari if you're visiting from overseas?
We know we may be biased, but K'gari may be one of the most beautiful spots on your travels around Australia. Its pristine ecosystem, crystal clear waters, white sand, lovely temperature local dingoes and wildlife draws over 450,000 people to the island each year.
While on a Tasman Venture Tour, you also go off the beaten track to the unique and untouched remote west coast of World Heritage-listed K'gari. After cruising over to the island, you will spend your day snorkelling, kayaking, swimming and bush walking. If you're an adrenaline seeker, we also have our tube to take you on a ride through the beautiful crystal blue ocean. If you happen to be visiting during July - October, you will also see humpback whales on our tour!
If you're looking for a quintessential Australian experience that will see you spending your day in paradise, you can't go past K'gari.
How do you get to K'gari?
K'gari is located on the Fraser Coast in Queensland. To get across to the island, you have to travel by boat or ferry, there are no road connections. At Tasman Venture, our tours depart from Hervey Bay Marina.
The closest international airport is Brisbane International Airport, which is approximately a 4-hour drive away (from Hervey Bay), or you can fly into Hervey Bay (10 min drive) or Sunshine Coast Airport (2hrs 45min drive).
