K’gari

Photo : UrbanDruid (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Located off the southeastern coast of Australia in Queensland, K'gari is a large sandy island that represents a significant example of coastal dune development and ecosystem dynamics. The island is characterised by its extensive sand masses, diverse vegetation zones, and freshwater lakes, which demonstrate important geomorphological processes of island formation and evolution. K'gari holds cultural significance as a site of long-standing Aboriginal occupation and use, with the Butchulla people maintaining traditional connections to the island. The natural systems present on K'gari, including its rare combinations of coastal and freshwater environments, support distinctive biodiversity and provide insights into ecological adaptation in dynamic coastal settings. The site's values encompass both its geological features and its role in sustaining human communities and cultural practices over extended periods. K'gari is recognised within heritage frameworks for the integration of its natural processes and cultural heritage significance.