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Lake Birrabeen
Kgari, Queensland

At this swim a fine white sand beach with shallow entry leads to a wide expanse of crystal clear water. Just as good for swimming and splashing about as the other more famous lake nearby. The water in this perched lake is similarly slightly high in acidity to inhibit the presence of any creepy crawlies in the water.

Swimming at Birrabeen, Kgari

Above: The beach near the alternative car park at Lake Birrabeen (Order this image)

The two access points to the lake here will give you two very different impressions. First I ventured down the slighly overgrown bush track from the car park near the toilets and picnic tables, which is the car park you first encounter when arriving from Central Station. The views of the lake are obscured, both at the viewing platform and along the track. The shore here is quite scrubby, with matted tree roots criss-crossing the sand and sedges in clumps around the water's edge.

My impressions were that it was good for swimming, but with quite a few trip hazards on the beach and in the water, with clear stretches of sand interrupted by the tree roots. The picnic table in the bush on the top of the dune, which is remote from the beach, was not that well maintained, with the vegetation starting to close in around it. This spot does however have the only toilet facilities.

Swimming at Birrabeen, Kgari

Above: Obstacles at the edge of the water at the northern end of the beach closest to the picnic table and toilets (Order this image)

It was not until I ventured on to the "alternative" car park, 400 metres further down Birrabeen Road, that my impression of this lake completely changed. From the top of the dune, there are commanding views of the lake, with a staircase that leads down to an open beach with oodles of clean white sand, and gentle waves lapping the shore.

The first few metres of the lake are very shallow, which makes this a great beach for mucking about on the sand and running through the ripples at the water's edge. Beyond that the water has a white wine glass colour before reaching deeper water for a proper swim. The lake itself is very large, at over a kilometre across, but entry and exit is limited to the western shore.

Swimming at Birrabeen, Kgari

Above: The white sand and crystal clear water at Lake Birrabeen (Order this image)

From the lakes on K'gari that I have visited, this lake was the closest to rival Lake McKenzie for its beach and swimming suitability, so I suggest you prioritise a visit here if doing a tour of the southern lakes on the island.

Here is a video of the beaches accessible from the main car park and the alternative car park.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location:Lake Birrabeen, K'gari, along the Birrabeen Road (Southern Lakes Road), 7 km south of Central Station. K'gari is opposite Hervey Bay, which is 300 km (approximately 3.5 hr drive) north of Brisbane.
Latitude:-25.501352 Longitude:153.050638
Getting there: From Central Station head south along the Southern Lakes Road / Birrabeen Road to Lake Birrabeen. Park in the alternative car park, 400 metres past the picnic area car park, for the best swimming spot.
Facilities: Car parking areas, toilet, information boards, picnic table.

Entrance fee: None at Lake Birrabeen, 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. No drinking water from the tap at the toilets. No feeding dingos, no attracting dingos using food or food waste, no disturbing of dingoes.
Sun shade: No shade at the lake. There is limited shade at the picnic table.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Wheelchair accessible toilets. The track to Lake Birrabeen is not wheelchair accessible. The picnic table is not wheelchair accessible.
Managing authority: Queensland Government
Nearby attractions: Lake Benaroon, 2 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, the managing authority advises that dingoes roam this area, with safety advice on site, including not to take food to the lake.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the alternative car park 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:

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