This Island In Australia Is One Of The Most Dangerous Places In The World
There are frightening places across the world, places most people wouldn't dream of visiting, unless of course they like potentially life-threatening vacations or have no fear or both.
Take for instance the "Gates of Hell," also known as the "Door to Hell," a fiery burning pit in the desert of northern Turkmenistan. It's reportedly the result of a drilling accident, and Soviet scientists set it on fire to burn off gasses after the drilling rig collapsed, but it's still burning to this day (via National Geographic). Then, there's Bolivia's North Yungas Road, better known as "Death Road," with 43 miles of the most treacherous switchbacks you can imagine. Travelers on this road are likely to encounter fog, rock slides, and cliffs that drop 2,000 feet at every turn. According to Discovery, the road has killed hundreds of drivers since the path was cut out of the mountainous terrain in the 1930s, yet tourists still visit this destination for the thrill of it.
There are dangerous waterways and beaches around the world, too. There's Snake Island, about 25 miles off the coast of Brazil, and Lake Natron in northern Tanzania (via Travel Triangle). Yet, by any standard, Australia's remote Fraser Island, or K'gari, located off the southeastern coast of Queensland, is considered by some as one of the most dangerous places on the planet.
K'gari is dangerous both on land and in the sea
Part of the problem involves its breathtaking beauty. It's so beautiful, people forget about some of the extreme dangers there. The island is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (via World Heritage Convention), but don't be fooled.
As of 2018, there were no medical facilities on the island to handle any emergencies, which, based on the perils there, is a danger in and of itself. The waters around K'gari are a hunting ground for young great white sharks. Also, the country's feral dog population known as dingoes roam the island and can attack humans. Aside from the sharks in the waters around the island, there are two types of poisonous jellyfish, which, if bitten by one, requires medical attention. The seas are very rough, known for deadly riptides that can take tourists by surprise. With no warning signs or lifeguards on duty, unsuspecting visitors could dive in for a swim and find they can't get back to shore (via Culture Trip).
With K'gari's stunning views, it's easy to see why anyone might risk the dangers to visit the world's largest sand island. Between the rainforests, sand dunes, and miles of pristine beaches, K'gari is definitely a sparkling jewel in Australia's crown of great vacation destinations.