Ancient mystery on K’gari: World’s largest sand island lakes dried up during rainy era

K’gari’s iconic lakes have existed for tens of thousands of years—but they haven’t always been full. New research shows that about 7,500 years ago, during a time of high rainfall, several of the island’s deepest lakes mysteriously vanished. Scientists believe changing wind patterns may have redirected rain away from the island. As the climate shifts again, the lakes’ long-term survival is no longer guaranteed.