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Lake McKenzie
K'gari, Queensland

The tranquil azure blue waters of Lake McKenzie (aka Boorangoora) lend this swimming hole a striking beauty, not only to look at, but to embrace wholeheartedly with a dip in this freshwater, sand-bottomed lake. Swimming at Lake McKenzie, Kgari Above: The brilliant blue water of Lake McKenzie (Order this image)

The lake is perched on top of a dune and as a result has a bed of fine white sand that cushions the feet. If you are normally afraid of creepy crawlies in the water, have no fear at Lake McKenzie.
The lake is slightly acidic, and whilst it is safe to swim in, almost nothing lives in the water which makes it some of the cleanest water in the world. Accordingly, the visibility under the water in the shallows is extraordinary if you want a holiday snap of your friends or relatives using an underwater camera. Swimming at Lake McKenzie, Kgari Above: The beach entry at Lake McKenzie (Order this image)

The lake is most popular for a quick dip in the shallows and a stroll along the beach, and is a mandatory stop for the 4WD tour buses coming in from Kingfisher Bay. For the shallowest entry, head towards the northern end of the main beach.
At the southern end, the water can get deep quickly, but it easily noticeable by the change in the shade of the water to a deeper blue. At over one kilometre long, the lake is also suitable for long distance swimming. For the best swimming conditions, head here in the morning (or anytime on days of no wind), as the afternoon sea breezes can make the lake choppy later in the day.

It is roughly a 120 metre walk to the lake from the car park. Whilst I have not seen any on my visits here, dingoes do frequent the area, which means that you cannot take any food for a picnic on the beach. If you want to have a picnic, there are some picnic tables next to the car park in several separate enclosed picnic areas, each with a dingo-proof fence, but without views of the lake. Swimming at Lake McKenzie, Kgari Above: The fenced picnic area at the car park at Lake McKenzie (Order this image)

Here is a video of swimming in Lake McKenzie on a windy afternoon. It includes the trip across on the ferry, the road to the lake, testing out the properties of the low acidity water, and going for a swim.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Lake McKenzie Road, 14 km south of Kingfisher Bay and 9 km north of Central Station. The lake is also located along the K'gari Great Walk. K'gari is opposite Hervey Bay, which is 300 km (approximately 3.5 hr drive) north of Brisbane.
Latitude:-25.444437 Longitude:153.052135
Getting there: If you have your own high clearance 4WD, take a barge from River Heads to Kingfisher Bay, or from Inskip Point on the southern tip of the island. Kingfisher Bay is the closest option, with 16 km of sometimes nailbiting single-lane sand tracks to the lake. The driving on Lake Wabby Road was actually a bit easier than the road out of Kingfisher Bay. There is a car park on Lake Wabby Road, then a 3.1 km walk that is moderately steep in parts. You can also walk in from the coast, but it is further, with the limitations of vehicle access along the beach being only at low tide. A popular travel option is to take a guided tour on a 4WD bus, which you can organise from anywhere along the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, or on the island at Kingfisher Bay. You can also hire 4WD vehicles at Kingfisher Bay.

Facilities: Public toilet, car park, dingo-proof fenced picnic areas, information boards.
Entrance fee: Entry to Lake McKenzie is free, 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 in the shallows. Experienced swimmers away from the shore as the lake is deep.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: No dogs, no fires, no camping, no drinking water from the taps at the toilets. Taking, preparing, or consuming food or drinks at the lake (except water) is prohibited with the threat of on-the-spot fines. Whilst not strictly prohibited, the managing authority advises to keep insect repellent, detergent, soap, shampoo, litter, and sunscreen out of the lake. It also advises to use the toilet at the car park before going to the lake to avoid bush toileting around the lake, and to not leave any rubbish at the lake.
Sun shade: Limited to no shade on the beach, apart from a few small eucalypts. Shade available at the picnic areas near the car park.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: Accessible toilets at the car park and wheelchair access to the picnic areas. The path to the lake has steps and is on soft sand in parts.
Managing authority: Queensland Government
Nearby attractions: Basin Lake, 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. There have been a few attacks on people here by the local dingoes. Whilst these are rare, heed the numerous warning signs on site to be dingo safe. The managing authority also advises to wear shoes because the sand can be very hot, to take enough drinking water, and to wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt to avoid dehydration. The managing authority states that "swimming is not recommended" because the lake is deep and not patrolled by lifeguards, to not dive into the lake, and to supervise children at all times.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the beach that I visited. 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:

Here is one swimmer's recommendation about swimming in Lake MacKenzie:

"I visited the lake around about 2014. I am coming back in late 2023 but I can't go on the island as I have had a spine operation and I am absolutely gutted I will not be able to come again. I was planning to do it on my birthday, but at age 76 I can't risk another injury. I love it so much I want to drink it. Do not miss this icon." - N. Armstrong, Auckland, New Zealand 21/7/2023

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