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Beach · Hervey Bay, Queensland
75 Mile Beach
A beach of about 120 km on K'gari’s ocean side that also functions as a road for 4x4 vehicles, featuring Eli Creek, the Maheno wreck and the colored sand cliffs of The Pinnacles.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About 75 Mile Beach
The 75 Mile Beach runs along almost the entire east side of K'gari, facing the Pacific Ocean, with about 120 km of sand. Officially it is a road: 4x4 vehicles drive on the firm sand at low tide under speed rules, and small aircraft use sections of it as a runway.
There are several stops along the beach. Eli Creek, the largest creek on the island’s east coast, discharges millions of liters of fresh water into the sea each day; visitors float down the creek in the clear water. The rusted hull of the Maheno, a former passenger ship, has been stranded on the sand since 1935, when a cyclone broke the towline carrying it to Japan.
Further north, The Pinnacles are colored sand cliffs in shades of red, orange and yellow. The beach is the gateway to other island highlights, such as the interior lakes and the Indian Head lookout.
The ocean on this side has strong currents and is unsafe for swimming; visitors swim in the creeks and lakes.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day, depending on how much is covered.
Best time
At low tide, when the sand is wide and firm enough to drive. Tours plan routes according to the tidal table.
How to get there
By 4x4 from the River Heads ferries near Hervey Bay or from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach, with a park vehicle permit. Also available on organized tours.
Tip
If you drive, check the tides and beach rules before you go and bring vehicle-recovery gear. Do not swim in the ocean on this side of the island.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about 75 Mile Beach
Can you drive on 75 Mile Beach?
Yes, with a 4x4 and a park vehicle permit. The beach functions as a road, with speed and traffic rules.
Can you swim in the sea at 75 Mile Beach?
It’s not recommended: the sea on that side of the island has strong currents. Swim in the creeks, such as the Eli, and in the lakes.
What is the Maheno shipwreck?
The hull of a former passenger ship that ran aground on the beach in 1935, when a cyclone snapped the towline taking it to Japan.