Blue Lakes Eco Walk: A Guide to the 5 Freshwater Lakes
Thinking about hiking the Southern section of the K'gari's Great Walk? Here's what the trail looks like, which lakes you'll pass, and what to expect over 3 days on the track - on our Blue Lakes Eco Walk!
Blue Lakes Eco Hike: Explore the Southern Great Walk on K'gari
The Blue Lakes Eco Hike is a 3-day, 2-night pack-free hiking tour along the southern section of K'gari's Great Walk, covering around 45km and taking in five of the island's most beautiful freshwater lakes, including Lake Boomanjin, Lake Benaroon, and Lake McKenzie.
This blog walks you through each day of the Blue Lakes Eco Hike, from Dilli Village to Eastern Beach, plus what to know before you book.
A Quick Snapshot of the Walk
- Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
- Distance: Around 45km total
- Difficulty: Moderate, average fitness required
- Accommodation: Tent camping at Lake Benaroon and Lake McKenzie
- Availability: March to October
- Price: From $1100 per person, including all food
This hike is built for people who want to genuinely immerse themselves in K'gari's southern lakes country, an area of the island that fewer day-trippers ever get to properly explore.
Day One: Dilli Village to Lake Benaroon
Your hike begins with a 4WD transfer to the Great Walk trailhead at Dilli Village. From here, you'll walk 6.3km through spectacular forest to Lake Boomanjin, one of the largest perched lakes in the world, for a lakeside packed lunch.
After lunch, it's a further 7.2km to Lake Benaroon, where your support guide will have camp set up, complete with a cheeseboard, cold drinks, and dinner ready to cook.
Day Two: Central Station to Lake McKenzie
Start the morning with a swim before setting off on a 7.5km walk to Lake Birrabeen and on to Central Station, where a cooked lunch awaits.
From there, it's 6.6km through Basin Lake to Lake McKenzie, arguably the most photographed lake on the island.
Your camp will be ready on arrival, so you can enjoy an afternoon swim, watch the sunset with a cold drink in hand, and tuck into dinner under the stars.
Day Three: Lake Wabby and Eastern Beach
An early swim and quick breakfast set you up for the final 12km push to Lake Wabby, K'gari's deepest lake, with a bush picnic lunch at the lookout along the way.
After a swim in the emerald waters, it's a short 2km walk to Eastern Beach, where your 4WD transfer meets you for the trip back to the barge and home to Hervey Bay.
What Makes the Blue Lakes Eco Hike Special
- Five stunning freshwater lakes on one trip: Boomanjin, Benaroon, Birrabeen, McKenzie, and Wabby.
- A genuine taste of K'gari's less-crowded southern Great Walk section.
- Fully supported: Camp set-up, meals, and a complimentary drink each night are included.
- A moderate 45km total distance: Achievable for reasonably fit hikers without requiring advanced hiking experience.
- Small group sizes: Capped at six people for a more personal experience.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Hikes run in groups of two to six people, with a levy applying to private transfers of fewer than four people.
- Alcohol, beyond the nightly complimentary drink, and personal toiletries are not included.
- Camps have composting toilets, though showers vary by location, so pack a washcloth or quick-dry towel.
- Departure is from the K'gari Walking Tours office in Urangan at approximately 7am.
Ready to See K'gari's Southern Lakes for Yourself?
The Blue Lakes Eco Hike takes you to five stunning freshwater lakes over three unforgettable days, all fully supported, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Spots are limited to small groups, so book early to secure your dates.
Call K'gari Walking Tours on 07 4125 6386 or visit K'gari Walking Tours to check availability and reserve your place today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be for the Blue Lakes Eco Hike?
An average to moderate fitness level is recommended, since you'll be covering roughly 13–15km per day over three consecutive days on sand and forest tracks.
Which lakes will I swim in?
You'll have the chance to swim at Lake Boomanjin, Lake Benaroon, Lake Birrabeen, Lake McKenzie, and Lake Wabby—five lakes across three days.
What's included in the hike price?
All meals, snacks, one complimentary drink per night, 4WD and barge transfers, camp set-up, tents and sleeping gear, and National Park permits are included.
When does this hike operate?
The Blue Lakes Eco Hike runs from March through to October each year.
Can I do this hike solo?
Solo hiking isn't recommended on K'gari, so this hike always runs with a minimum of two people. Solo travellers can join once a group of two is already confirmed.