Swimming Hole Heaven
← Back stroke Next swim →

Lake Benaroon
Kgari, Queensland

This isolated swim is near the unfenced bush camping area that provides a stopover for hikers along the K'gari Great Walk. A little section of the white sand beach is free of reeds, which provides access to the transparent, tea-coloured water, and open water swimming beyond. Swimming at Lake Benaroon, Kgari Above: The beach near the campground at Lake Benaroon (Order this image)

Wandering around the campground here, along the beach, and out into the water, I felt like I was the only person who had been here for quite some time. Any walkers who had previously passed through had left no trace of their presence, as it should be in a wilderness experience like this.
For the best swimming, head to the campground near the westernmost point of the lake, about 1 km by foot from Meeting Point M1 on the K'gari Great Walk. There is a track that leads directly down to the water at the (closer) northern end of this beach, but there are reeds blocking the way as you approach the water here. Instead continue along the track that runs on top of the dune behind the beach, all the way to the campground. From the campground there is a short, sandy track that runs down to the beach where there is a clear area for accessing the water. Swimming at Lake Benaroon, Kgari Above: Limited access to the water near the northern tip of Lake Benaroon (Order this image)

The cleared section of beach near the campground is only small, at a few metres deep and a few metres across. If you are the only one here, which is likely, it is more than enough space to leave your gear on the sand or spread out with a few friends.
The entry into the water is shallow, with thin tree roots criss-crossing the sand. You need to wade out about fifteen metres or so to reach the deeper, large expanse of open water beyond the shore. Here you can swim for several hundred metres uninterrupted, noting however that there is only one well-defined entry and exit point that you need to come back to. Swimming at Lake Benaroon, Kgari Above: The unfenced walkers campground at Lake Benaroon (Order this image)

If you are planning to camp here, be aware that the campsites are not dingo-proof, so preparing and eating your food out in the open could attract some four-legged visitors. There is a steel box at each campsite to store your food securely, but no other barriers between you and any dingos. The campsites that I looked at were flat and sandy, surrounded by a good cover of scrub and overhead trees.

Here is a video of the beach in front of the Lake Benaroon campground including the campground itself and a snapshot of conditions in the water.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location:Lake Benaroon, K'gari Great Walk between meeting points M1 and M2, along the Birrabeen Road (Southern Lakes Road), 8 km south of Central Station. K'gari is opposite Hervey Bay, which is 300 km (approximately 3.5 hr drive) north of Brisbane.
Latitude:-25.515068 Longitude:153.050911
Getting there: From Central Station head south along the Southern Lakes Road / Birrabeen Road to Meeting Point M1 along the K'gari Great Walk. At Meeting Point M1, which is the closest road access, there is a small parking area for 2-3 cars only. I did not see any parking spaces near Meeting Point M2, but I might have missed them. From Meeting Point M1, it is a 1 km walk to the swimming area near the campground. As you approach the lake, take the walking track that runs along the dune behind the beach, rather than the wider path that goes downhill to the lake, as there are obstacles (reeds) along the beach that make walking more difficult along that route.
Facilities: Unfenced campground with lock boxes and a pit toilet. No other facilities.

Entrance fee: None at Lake Benaroon, but you will need to purchase a vehicle permit from the Queensland Government if driving on K'gari.
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners near the edge of the lake, where the water is shallow. Experienced swimmers only in the deeper water further from the shore.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no fires, no fishing.
Sun shade: No shade at the lake. There is shade at the campground.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: The track to Lake Benaroon is not wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: Queensland Government
Nearby attractions: Lake Birrabeen, 2 km to the north, and Lake Boomanjin, 10 km to the south.
Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this swim, this site is quite isolated, so make sure you are being dingo safe by at least carrying a stick, walking in a group, and not carrying any food with you if possible.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the swimming entry point at the lake. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I am particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like to see your comments appear on this website.

Your name:

Your email:

From (city, country):

Your zipcode:

Your comment:

I consent to having these comments published on this website (note: your email address is not published).



← Back stroke Next swim →
Australia Queensland
Water Safety Map
Links Your Support
List of Lists Suggest a Swim
Community, Media, Research

Share this swim:

Follow my updates on new swimming, waterfall and splash park experiences:
© Brad Neal 2026. All rights reserved. Swimming Hole Heaven is a registered trademark. Here are my affiliate links and cookies policy and opportunities to provide support to Swimming Hole Heaven.