K’gari – the island formerly known as Fraser Island /

The Queensland Government today announced the official name change of one of the state’s most prized and culturally significant destinations to its traditional name ‘K’gari’ (formerly Fraser Island). The announcement formally acknowledges the Butchulla people’s connection to the island and the creation story passed down through generations.

In the traditional Butchulla culture, the island has immense history in its lakes, waterways, coastline, skies and rainforest. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1992, it was formed by sand accumulation over 750,000 years – becoming the world’s largest sand island. The Butchulla people have understood its significance for an estimated 20,000 years and have forged an incredible bond with the land, sea, flora and fauna living together in harmony.

Leading up to the restoration of the original name, Dr. Rose Barrowcliffe, a postdoctoral research associate, and Butchulla Woman explained the importance of returning the original place name to Butchulla People.

“K’gari is one of those places that is incredibly well known not only nationally but also internationally. We have a huge number of international visitors who come to visit K’gari every year. So what we’re doing when we respect Indigenous place names is we’re respecting Indigenous culture,” said Dr. Barrowcliffe.

“Australia has the oldest continuously living cultures in the world. It is the most unique thing about us as a continent and as a destination. So by honoring indigenous cultures and using place names, we elevate the culture and say we’re proud of it. And we are showing a unique part of our offering to the world.”

Located just 300 km north of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, K’gari has been and remains a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. In 2022, over 800,000 visitors traveled to the Fraser Coast, including a record number of interstate visitors from across Australia.

Tourism and events Queensland CEO Patricia O’Callaghan said K’gari was one of Queensland and Australia’s most spectacular places to visit.

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“K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and it has ancient stories to tell and breathtaking moments for visitors to enjoy,” said Ms O’Callaghan. “The return to the island’s traditional name is an important step in history and reflects Queensland’s unique position as the only place on earth where our two ancient cultures continue to coexist. Visitors to K’gari are spoiled for choice with beautiful scenery, but most importantly, they get to embrace the culture of the Butchulla people who have called the island home for tens of thousands of years. We welcome visitors from all over the world to visit and see for themselves why this place is so special. We also look forward to working with the Butchulla People to continue to showcase their culture to visitors.”

Before clarifying the pronunciation of the traditional place name, Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation Language and Cultural Coordinator, Aunt Joyce Bonner, also explained what K’gari means to the Butchulla people.

‘K’gari means home to me. At home among my people, the descendants, the ancestors, the Midiru (traditional owners). It’s our place. It’s what we call home. K’gari is spelled with a K or a G. The K is a silent K as in know, knew, knife,” said Aunt Joyce Bonner.

The Butchulla people of K’gari adhere to three lore that visitors can also observe when visiting K’gari.

“‘Minyang galangoor gu, djaa kalim baya-m’ which is about country, ‘what is good for country must come first,’ explained Aunt Joyce Bonner. “‘Minyang waa nyinung, waa bunmalee dhama-n’ is about ‘touch don’t touch or take anything that’s here on the land’, it’s there for a reason, it’s for the sanctity of our ancestors and it’s our duty to perform and care for It. And our third narration, ‘wangou nyin gamindu, biralunbar nyin wumga-n’, ‘when you have enough, you must share’. So, what we mean by sharing is sharing values, the cultural assets we have here and it’s about sharing the education of culture to ensure that the island is protected for the next generation.”

K’gari is part of the Great Sandy Biosphere, designated by UNESCO in 2009, and is one of the most unique and naturally breathtaking places on Earth. There are no roads on the island and visitors are guided by the sandy paths and waterways that lead to every corner of this World Heritage Site, including the crystal clear freshwater of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – just one of about 100 freshwater lakes on the island. the island. The world’s largest upland lake, known to the Butchulla people as Lake Boomanjin, is also found on K’gari. On the north side of the island, visitors can bathe in the bubbling Champagne Rock Pools before walking along 75 Mile Beach next to towering colored sand cliffs and floating over the cool waters of Eli Creek. Finally, turn the compass inland and leave only footprints on tracks to find the only known place in the world where rainforest grows on a sand island.

Visit queensland.com to find out more and start planning your next K’gari adventure.