Fraser Island officially renamed K'gari

The Queensland Government has officially reinstated the name of one of Australia's favourite four-wheel drive destinations to its traditional name.

Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island and a bucket-list destination for 4x4ers, will be officially gazetted and recognised by its traditional name K'gari, in an announcement that formally recognises the Butchulla People’s connection to the island.

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“K’gari is one of those places that is incredibly well known, not just nationally but internationally," Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Butchulla Woman, Dr Rose Barrowcliffe, explained. "We have a huge amount of international visitors that come to see K’gari every year.

"So, what we are doing when we are respecting Indigenous place names, is we are respecting Indigenous culture.”

“Australia has the oldest continuously living cultures in the world. It’s the most unique thing about us as a continent and a destination," Dr Barrowcliffe said. "So, by honouring Indigenous cultures and using place names, we are raising up the culture and saying we are proud of it. And we are showcasing a unique part of our offering to the world.”

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Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Language and Cultural Coordinator, Aunty Joyce Bonner, elaborated on what K’gari means to the Butchulla People.

"K’gari means to me, home. Home amongst my People, the descendants, the ancestors, the Midiru (Traditional Owners). It’s our place. It’s what we call home.”

Not sure how to pronounce K'gari?

Similar to hurry, K'gari is pronounced GUR-rie or Gurri, with a silent 'K' – like knife, or knee.

K'gari gained UNESCO World Heritage Area status in 1992, and due to its beauty and close proximity to Brisbane - just 300km and a short ferry ride - it has remained the go-to destination for tourers and adventurers keen to explore the area.

In 2022, more than 800,000 visitors travelled to K'gari, experiencing the island's many sights including Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), the Champagne Rock Pools, 75 Mile Beach and Eli Creek.