The K'Gari Wreck refers to the iconic SS Maheno shipwreck, a steel-hulled ocean liner that ran aground on the eastern beach of K'Gari (Fraser Island) during a 1935 cyclone and has rusted in place ever since. This 150-metre wreck sits on the shoreline of 75 Mile Beach, offering snorkelers the surreal experience of swimming around a century-old maritime relic. The surrounding waters are rich with marine life drawn to the artificial reef structure, while the rust-coloured hull rising from the sand creates a dramatic contrast against turquoise waters.
K'Gari Wreck (dive site)
AdvancedMAYBE
MAYBE
Fair. Experienced snorkellers only.
Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.0 mSwell Period 0.0 sWind Speed 1.4 knPrecipitation 0.0 mmTidal Phase unknown
Last evaluated
DANGER: Explicit Risks Present
K'Gari Wreck (dive site) has hazards marked as danger. Entering the water here means you may face serious risks to your personal safety.
- Exposed sharp wreckage danger
The SS Maheno wreck has corroded metal, sharp edges, and protruding debris that can cause serious cuts. Do not climb on or touch the wreck.
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
High risk: Exposed sharp wreckage
The SS Maheno wreck has corroded metal, sharp edges, and protruding debris that can cause serious cuts. Do not climb on or touch the wreck.
Moderate risk: Strong beach currents
75 Mile Beach experiences strong longshore currents and rips that can sweep snorkelers along the shore. Exercise extreme caution.
Moderate risk: Limited shore access
The wreck is only accessible via 75 Mile Beach, which requires a 4WD vehicle. Tides can cut off access sections of the beach.
Moderate risk: Marine stingers
Box jellyfish and Irukandji may be present during warmer months (October to May) in Queensland coastal waters.
Low risk: Humpback whale presence
Whale migration season (June to November) may attract sharks feeding near the wreck area.
Wildlife Guide
No wildlife notes for this spot yet.
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Getting in
Snorkel tour
Entry
K'Gari (Fraser Island) is accessed via ferry from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point. The SS Maheno wreck sits on 75 Mile Beach on the eastern side of the island. A 4WD is essential for beach driving. Most visitors join guided 4WD tours from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach that include the wreck as a stop along the beach highway.
Parking & facilities
No formal parking at the wreck site itself. Vehicles park on the sand of 75 Mile Beach. Parking available at ferry terminals in River Heads (Hervey Bay) and Inskip Point.
toilets
No fee to view the wreck from the beach. Guided day tours from Hervey Bay start at approximately $200-300 AUD per person. Dhow snorkel tours are available from the western side of the island.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports