A World Heritage icon

K'gari (Fraser Island) is formally recognised as a global natural treasure. In 1992, its outstanding universal value satisfied three selection criteria to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Exceptional natural beauty

• Over 250km of clear sandy beaches with long, uninterrupted sweeps of ocean beach.
• More than 40km of strikingly coloured sand cliffs and spectacular blowouts.
• Majestic remnants of tall rainforest grow on tall sand dunes, a phenomenon unique in the world.
• Half of the world's perched freshwater dune lakes occur on the island, producing a spectacular and varied landscape.
• The world's largest unconfined aquifer on a sand island.

Outstanding example of the earth's formation

• Immense sand dunes that are part of the longest and most complete sequence of coastal dune systems in the world and are still evolving.
• Successive overlaying of active dunes on remnants of older dunes are stabilised by towering rainforests at elevations of up to 240m.
• An exceptional number of freshwater dune lakes, including the oldest, largest and highest in the world.

Outstanding, evolving geological and biological processes

• Rainforests grow in sand, a phenomenon that occurs nowhere else on the planet.
• Vegetation binds the sand together in a complex and unusual adaptation of rainforest succession.
• Rare and significant species of plants and animals have adapted to the Island's unique ecosystems, including the world's only sub-tropical patterned fens and acid frogs.
• The Island's sands support wallum heathlands of evolutionary and ecological significance.

What does World Heritage listing mean?

The World Heritage listing of K'gari (Fraser Island) recognises its exceptional universal value and ensures the protection and conservation of this natural wonder.

Other UNESCO World Heritage sites include the Grand Canyon, Easter Island and the Great Barrier Reef.

To be awarded World Heritage status, a place must meet at least one out of tenselection criteria.

Recognition of the cultural value of the Island is being sought by the ButchullaPeople: the Native Title holders.

More information on Fraser Island's World Heritage status is available on the UNESCO website.

Great Sandy Biosphere

In 2009, the Great Sandy region was awarded Biosphere Reserve status by UNESCO. The decision gives world-wide recognition to the Island, Fraser Coast region, neighbouring Gympie area and the Bundaberg coastline.

The UNESCO's Man and Biospheres program protects natural resources while using them at the same time - balancing conservation and sustainable development.