K’gari, formerly known as Fraser Island, is one of Australia’s most remarkable natural treasures. Located off the coast of Queensland, it is celebrated for its vast sand formations, crystal-clear freshwater lakes, and diverse wildlife.

The island’s Aboriginal name, K’gari, means “paradise” in the language of the Butchulla People, who have cared for and lived on this land for thousands of years. Today, it remains a World Heritage–listed destination [source: UNESCO] that represents both natural beauty and cultural depth.

History of K’gari (Fraser Island)

For over 5,000 years, K’gari has been home to the Butchulla Aboriginal People, whose traditions and stories are inseparable from the island’s landscapes. According to Butchulla belief, ancestral spirits shaped K’gari’s lakes, dunes, and forests as a gift for their people.

European arrival in the 1800s brought major change. The 1836 shipwreck of Eliza Fraser led to the island’s colonial name, while later logging and sand mining caused lasting environmental damage. In 1992, UNESCO recognized K’gari as a World Heritage Site, and in 2023, it officially reclaimed its traditional name, honoring the Butchulla People’s enduring guardianship of this unique environment.

Name Change: From Fraser Island to K’gari

In 2023, the island officially reclaimed its traditional name, K’gari, meaning “paradise” in the language of the Butchulla People, its Traditional Owners. The change marks an important step in recognizing the island’s Indigenous heritage and restoring respect to its original identity after decades under the colonial name “Fraser Island.”