Eli Creek on K'gari: A Freshwater Drift into Paradise
Where stillness flows and nature sings.
Just a short drive north from The Haven, Eli Creek is a sparkling ribbon of freshwater winding its way through lush pandanus and paperbark forest before spilling gently onto the wide expanse of 75 Mile Beach. As the largest freshwater creek on K’gari’s eastern side, it’s a place where time slows down and the world feels soft around the edges.
Fed by the island’s natural aquifer, Eli Creek pumps around four million litres of clear, cool water into the ocean every hour. It’s fresh, it’s cold (in the best way), and it’s absolutely pristine. The creek’s sandy bottom is smooth beneath your feet, and the water is so clear it feels like you’re gliding through liquid light.
Many visitors bring a floatie, a pool noodle, or simply lie back and let the current carry them gently downstream. It’s a short, dreamy drift—but you’ll want to do it again and again.
Eli Creek is perfect for slow exploration. Wade through the shallows, sit with your toes in the current, or wander the boardwalk that follows the creek’s path inland. With shady trees, bird calls echoing overhead, and the endless horizon of beach in the distance, it's a scene that soothes the senses.
Families love it for its easy access and safe, shallow waters. Solo travellers find a moment of peace. Couples tuck into picnics in the dappled light. There’s something for everyone, and it all flows at nature’s pace.
Eli Creek is just 20–30 minutes from The Haven by 4WD along the beach. The drive is scenic and easy, with the Maheno Shipwreck and gentle coastal dunes along the way. There are designated parking areas near the creek, and you’ll find a well-maintained boardwalk and basic facilities nearby.
There’s something deeply calming about Eli Creek. Maybe it’s the water’s clarity, the slow rhythm of its flow, or the way light dances across the surface like it’s telling a quiet secret. It’s a place that invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and remember the simple joy of moving with, not against, the current.
Afterward, return to The Haven—salty, sun-warmed, and a little more relaxed than before. Let a beachside shower wash the sand from your toes and a cup of tea ease you into your hammock. This is how K’gari works its magic.
At The Haven, we believe the best adventures don’t have to be rushed. That’s why Eli Creek is one of our favourite day trips—close enough for a slow start, beautiful enough to take your breath away.
Whether you're here for a few days or a week, make time for Eli. Let the water carry you. Let your mind unwind.