Visit Fraser Island
Story by Fi
Fraser Island - You
Will Love It!
If you do nothing else when you visit Queensland, you must see
Fraser Island. It is the largest sand island in the world, World
Heritage listed and heaps of fun. It is so diverse - from long
pristine beaches, to rocky headlands, desert-like dunes to beautiful
rainforests and filled with Australian native flora and fauna.
Believe me - you will love it!
I have my own 4WD vehicle, and I highly recommend that you hire one
because half the fun of this island is that there are no proper
roads - only beach and sand tracks. It won't take you long to get
the hang of four-wheel driving on sand - and don't worry - there is
the odd sign-post, so you won't get lost.
If you are heading to Fraser from the south, you can access the
island onto its southernmost point from Inskip point, Rainbow Beach,
and this is only a 10 minute barge crossing. You then drive up the
eastern side on 75 mile beach. If you are heading to Fraser Island
from the north, stop at Hervey Bay and catch a barge over from
there, this will land you on the western side of the island.
I like to camp at Fraser Island, but there are also some excellent
accommodation facilities, from 4-star apartments to cabins. The
small resorts are set way back behind the dunes though, and don't at
all infringe on the natural beauty of the place. In fact, you'll
have a little trouble believing that they exist at all!
You can camp pretty much anywhere you like along 75 mile beach, and
I normally pick a spot under some shady trees just off the beach and
near the Maheno Wreck because it's a good landmark and fairly
central to lots of great things to see. It's also close to a fresh
water stream for drinking water and for bathing as well as a little
village for supplies.
Pack a picnic for the day and head to Central Station where you will
marvel at the incredible rainforest that has grown out of sand. The
water in the creek is so clear here that you actually can't see it.
There is a great boardwalk along the creek where you will see all
sorts of wildlife and beautiful flora.
From Central Station it's not too far to visit the most popular of
many lakes, Lake McKenzie. Again, you will marvel at the clarity and
colours of this lake. Here, you can eat your lunch under the shady
trees and then have a lazy swim.
South of the Maheno Wreck is an excellent walk into Rainbow Gorge,
which has spectacular coloured sands with walking tracks leading
from the beach to the top of the gorge.
Eli Creek is a must do. It's the largest freshwater stream on the
island's east coast. There is an excellent boardwalk that takes you
to the upper reaches of the stream, and from there you can get into
the water and let the tide float you down toward the beach. Once
back at the beach, beware of light planes - the beach along here is
often used as a takeoff and landing area!
Just north of the Maheno Wreck is the "Cathedrals" - coloured sand
cliffs that stretch for over 30 kilometres. Further north, Indian
Head provides you with excellent views from 60 metres above the sea
and just around the corner from here are the Champagne Pools -
bubbling pools of seawater just teaming with small fish. Take your
goggles!
Once you've exhausted all possibilities on the east side of the
island, head over to the west side and visit Kingfisher Bay Resort
and Village. Here you can have a lovely meal, explore the facilities
and read up on the island's turbulent history. You can also book a
boat trip from here to do some whale watching in the Great Sandy
Strait.
Fraser is beautiful all year round, however the warmer months can be
more fun as they allow you to enjoy all the stunning swimming spots
on the island. Although one piece of advice I can offer is to avoid
going to Fraser in February or March because March flies are in
plague proportions then and can make life pretty miserable.
Finally, if you like fishing, take your rods! Fraser is one of
Queensland's most prolific fishing areas, most renowned for its
beach fishing. You can literally catch your dinner!
