Champagne Pools On Fraser IslandK'gari

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Champagne Pools On Fraser Island/K'gari

Finding a place to swim in the K'gari World Heritage Area on Fraser Island is not hard. But among all the lakes and beaches, one seaside spot that stands out is the Champagne Pools, where there are 2 natural pools of water by the sea protected by rock formations. The water bubbles and froths like Champagne in the spray from breaking waves.



The name of the island

So some people are confused about the name K'gari and I was too until I did a bit of research. Now as far as I can tell, and at this point in time, the name Fraser Island is still the official name of the island as well as the government locality. Meanwhile the term K'gari, from the local Butchulla people, which is pronounced gurri and means paradise, is taking over, but it refers to the world heritage area that essentially covers the island. So you can use either name and you are talking about the same place. Maybe in the near future, the official name of the island and area will change to K'gari, or it might take a long time to make the change because that might undermine the brand name of Fraser Island.

About the Champagne Pools

While Fraser Island/K'gari is the largest sand island in the world, it is not all sand. Instead there are outcrops of rocks which probably helped in the formation of the island. You will see various rock formations along the eastern side of the island and they would help with maintaining the stability of the sand there.



One rocky patch is Champagne Pools. These are circular depressions surrounded by the rising rock cliff on the coast and low rock ridges towards the water. The bottom of the pools are filled with sand. Yes, they can become inundated with sand at times, making them unusable, but then the water will wash out the sand on another day and they are back to normal.

Getting there

The pools are located just past the northern end Corroboree Beach, Indian Head (Tukkee Wurroo) and the small beach beyond that. There is pretty much no other way to the pools other than 4 wheel driving along the beach as this is well past any of the walking tracks.



The best time to visit is during high tide, as the idea is that you drive there during low tide as the tide is coming in when you can drive along the hard sand of the beach, enjoy the pools, and then drive out again when the tide starts to drop again. Generally the pools are going to be enjoyable at high tide, as long as it is not a super high tide that covers the pools completely.

Enjoying the pools

There are 2 car parks at the pools and then it is just a short walk to the pools. The southern car park leads along the boardwalk with views down the beach to Indian Head. The northern car park has a trail that goes straight to the stairs leading down to the pools, but it is worthwhile walking up the boardwalk to get the views.



I can only talk about my experience of the pools, as the shifting sands could give you a different experience. So when I was there, the pool on the right was the easiest to get into with sand leading into the water, while the pool on the left required walking over rocks. It was also deeper than the left, with the deepest part above my head. But you could walk between the two pools.



Speaking of the rocks, it is worthwhile wearing sandals or other foot gear into the water. This not only protects your feet against the rocks and there can be various shells growing on the rocks that can give you a nasty cut. But you can get into the pools without any footwear.

Sitting on the inward side of the rock shelf is not dangerous, and the game is to see how long you can sit on there before a breaking wave washes you off. The answer if you are interested in, not long at all. But sitting on the outer side of the rock shelf is not advised as you can be washed into the sea and then battered onto the rocks.



There are currents in the pools as well. I found that when I went into the pool on the left side I was dragged along by currents, nearly running into a seashell-covered rock (which I assume would have been painful). So watch your kids if they are in the water, as while I was struggling myself in the current, a young boy was washed past me shouting "Dad Dad". Luckily I was able to call out to my friend who was further down "Grab that kid!" who obliged before the child was washed into some rocks. And he didn't even say "thank you" to my friend.

Nearby

There is a tiny beach area beside the pools. You can find some shelter from the sun among the rocks, but you can consider bringing a shelter. But remember there is not a lot of space there.

Between the Champagne pools and Middle Rocks is a small secluded beach. You can get here by walking along the rocks or by a path just up from the top of the stairs. Few people go to this beach, so it becomes an easily accessible private beach without 4 wheel drives zooming past.



Overall

On Fraser Island/K'gari you can swim in one of several lakes, jump off a jetty, swim in the calm waters on the western side of the island, or brave the waves on the eastern side. However, the Champagne Pools provides a great place for a dip in bubbly frothy sea protected from ocean waves that makes it a must-visit stop on the Island.

#attractions
#beaches
#escape_the_city
#free
#national_parks
#natural_attractions
#outdoor
#swimming
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