K’gari (Fraser Island) is listed as one of the prized World Heritage sites in Australia. It boasts an amazing network of freshwater lakes that equal more than half the number of the identified perched lakes in the world. Many adventurers and travellers flock to Fraser’s remarkable water spots to camp or enjoy a picnic, swim or simply marvel at its awe-inspiring beauty. One of the amazing places to visit on K’gari (Fraser Island) that continues to invite travellers is Lake Wabby.
Learn why you should take a trip to one of Fraser Island’s breathtaking sites now with these five fascinating facts:
1. Lake Wabby is the deepest lake on Fraser Island
‘Of the 40 perched dune lakes on Fraser Island, Lake Wabby is the deepest at 11.4 metres,’ according to QueenslandAustralia.com. The Department of National Parks, however, advises against diving, jumping or swimming in the lake. Serious injuries have occurred in the past, as the lake’s emerald green tingle can be misleading when it comes to gaging the depth.
2. A number of fish species thrive in the lake
Unlike Lake McKenzie and the other Fraser Island lakes which contain high acidity levels, Lake Wabby’s is fairly low, allowing it to be home to most aquatic life. Several species of fish that live in the lake include the catfish, rainbow fish and the rare honey blue-eye. So don’t be surprised if something brushes or tickles your leg when exploring the lake but don’t be scared, they’re harmless.
3. Lake Wabby is both a window lake and a barrage lake
Lake Wabby is popular among tourists, being a unique body of water – it is the only barrage lake on Fraser Island and is also a window lake. A barrage lake is formed ‘when the wind carries sand across the island, the sand forms a bank that then dams an already existing creek or stream forming what is known in Australia as a billabong.’ Window lakes, on the other hand, are formed by a natural depression or valley in the sand exposing the water table.’
4. It has a historic significance to the Butchulla people and the inhabitants of the area
Taking a trip to Lake Wabby also means that you become a part of the rich history of the area. Lake Wabby is an area of high significance to the traditional Butchella people and was a mens only area. Ceremonies took place on the sand dunes for thousands of years, as boys were brought here but only men left.
5. In a hundred years or so, Lake Wabby will be gone
Lake Wabby is ever-changing. Experts advise tourists to enjoy the beauty of Lake Wabby while it lasts, since a hundred years from now, one of Fraser Island’s jewels may be no more. Being a barrage lake, the giant sand dune that borders Lake Wabby’s emerald green waters will eventually move into the lake and occupy its waters. In a century or so, the sand dune’s inexorable march westward across Fraser Island will see it completely swallow the lake. Hammerstone sand blow advances at the rate of around 1 metre a year and there is no doubt that it will eventually swallow the lake. Old paths are already inaccessible.
Among Fraser Island lakes, Lake Wabby is truly the one of its kind. Don’t miss the opportunity of witnessing and exploring its rich wildlife, fresh green waters, fine, delicate sand dunes and colourful history while you still can. Book a tour with us at Drop Bear’s K’gari Adventures, or your own 4WD hire package. Our popular all-inclusive Fraser Island tours include a trip to Lake Wabby and the rest of Fraser Island’s attractions, such as Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Champagne Pools and more.