What do you think of when you hear the words Fraser island? Adventure? Fishing? Camping?
Little do you know that all of the above will blow your mind on the greatest sand island in the world
This world heritage listed Island stretches 123kms in length and 22kms at its widest. Meaning, there is a whole tonne of adventure to be had
HIGHLIGHTS
Champagne Pools
The SS Maheno + Eli Creek
Great Lakes including the popular Lake McKenzie
Island sand 4wding
Whale Watching
Relaxing at its finest
Picturesque camping spots
Some of the best beach fishing in the world
Dingoes and wildlife
Explore the great sand dunes
Whether you've had the privilege of making it over to the great sand island or not, if thinking of the words "Fraser Island" starts to make you giggle like a school girl than this article is for you.
Luckily enough to have experienced the beauty of Fraser twice now, we can easily say if given a choice we would make it our second home.
Upon first arriving as your 4wd touches the white silica sands for the first time, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by feelings of euphoria sinking in. Whether you land on the very southern end from Inskip Point or take the inland route from Kingfisher Resort, you will be hard pressed to wipe that big cheesy grin off your face.
Our week-long adventure first leads us through the centre of the Island. Slowly making our way through the winding sand trails, gazing up toward the towering ancient forest. Parts of the islands secluded forest holds Brush Box and Satinay trees. Some 1200 years old and four meters across the trunk, within the Valley of The Giants.
On the surf side of the island you’re on an actual highway in the form of the famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach. This beach is shared by drivers and believe it or not joy-flight planes.
Our aim is the very tip of the island, Sandy Cape, with an overnight stay on the way at Marloo beach camp. In order to get that far, there are a few challenges in the likes of Indian Head, a soft boggy bypass around the large rock headland. Don’t forget to drop into the Champagne Pools to reward yourself before that second challenge. It’s a swim not to be missed!
Next was Ngkala Rocks, after some rocking side-to-side in the cab crossing a small rocky outcrop there’s nothing better then the sound of an engine climbing its way up a stretch of sand while grabbing hold of your steering wheel tight.
If you’re not well prepared these sections can be harder than one might think.
Why not stay a couple of nights when you’ve made it this far, we certainly did and you’re yet to see why. As you break around the tip and venture towards the north-western side you begin to notice the waters changing to calm and brighter blue hues.
You’ll be one of only a few to score a campsite in this part of Fraser Island as rental 4wds are limited to how far north they can travel.
Let yourself sink into the feeling of being at the tip of Fraser Island, watch giant loggerhead turtles surf the occasional wave and have beers on a sand dune watching the sun sink over the ocean. If you’re after a little more adventure, challenge yourself to a sunrise walk up to the Lighthouse and down through the World War II graves and battlefield relics.
The dingoes and wildlife in general are not so habituated and are beautiful to watch roam.
Having to pull yourself away from this tranquillity is saddening but a must, as we had reservations with an equally mesmerising location on the Western side of the island. Driving back down the Seventy-five Mile Beach highway and cutting back in at The Pinnacles (stopping for a quick photo) and we were making tracks across the sand island once more.
The drive out to Awinya Creek is meandering, long and at times slow and there is one last challenge you must overcome before being rewarded with another location to relax for days. Our hot tip for this location is you must cross Awinya Creek on low tide and walk this creek. There are some sneaky deep holes that are forever changing.
Now that you’re across, the view from any Awinya Creek campsite is a site to feast your eyes upon. Camping in this secluded paradise is a must and a wonderful experience not to be missed.
We scored a campsite to envy all others and it begged us to think… can island life get any better
After days of doing next to nothing our adventure takes us back into the Island to explore the northern part of the great lakes. There are so many natural wonders to explore from tannin-soaked waters to crystal clear waters just begging to be swum in. Lake McKenzie is further south and always a top pick for its mesmerizing clarity, however this location is ever popular. Don’t be scared to adventure to the lesser known lakes as you’ll find you have these all to yourself.
On your trip to the southern lakes, our tip would be to check out the always rusting away remains of the SS Maheno shipwreck and then pop into Eli Creek for a float in the crystal-clear water.
Our last night on the Island found us in a beautiful rainstorm in the dense forestry of Central Station Camp Ground. What better to do in wet weather, then a short drive to The Sand Bar & Bistro for some beers and a warming meal. This was the perfect ending to such a memorable trip.
There is such a vast range of sights to see, things to do and places to camp that all boast such great history that you’ll be coming back to Fraser Island again and again.
As if that wasn’t enough you can lose yourself in the natural history alone, that is, Fraser Island.
ESSENTIAL GEAR
Fuel up in Hervey Bay – although there is fuel on the island it may be at a higher cost
Be as self-sufficient as possible. Again, there is supplies on the island that may be at a higher cost
Sand recovery gear – especially a shovel and Maxtrax
Camera
Take your floaty or boogie board for a creek cruise at Eli Creek. Super popular so arrive early morning
First aid kit
Detailed map of the island which you can print from https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/pdf/fraser-island-map.pdf
Compressor and tyre deflation gauge
HOW TO GET THERE
The island can be accessed from Inskip Point or River Heads
From Inskip Point
Inskip Point is north of Rainbow Beach – follow signs through town to the point. Be aware the sand is very thick and fluffy out on this point.
This will have you landing at the very southern end of Fraser Island
Tickets for the Manta Ray Barge can be booked through http://mantarayfraserislandbarge.com.au/ be sure to organise your driving permits also
From River Heads
River Heads is south east of Hervey Bay – follow signs through town to Fraser Island Barges Ticket Office.
This will have you landing at Kingfisher Bay Resort or Wanggoolba Creek (depending on tide times)
Be sure to book your barge tickets in advance and to organise driving permits for the island.
You can find ticket prices online at
http://www.fraserislandferry.com.au/barges/fraser-venture-barge.html
SKILL LEVEL
Fraser Island being the largest sand island in the world it is important to have some experience with driving on the sand and recovery practices too.
Certain areas may be more difficult than others and will require more 4wd experience
** Take extra precaution when driving on the Western Beaches as this area is known to be extra soft and boggy.
TIPS + FACTS
Food storage is important. Fraser Island has a large population of dingoes and it is important to not leave any food scraps or temptations out for the animals during the night or while you are away for the day
Some campsites are fenced from Dingoes. A list of these can be found https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/camping.html
Lower tyre pressures on your ferry ride, before arriving on the Island
Be Dingo safe!
Several locations across the island where groceries, fuel and supplies can be purchased
Be aware of the tides and plan your day trips around them. It is very easy to come unstuck when travelling on the beach
SUMMER IS ON THE DOOR STEP SO GET CRACKING AND GET OUT THERE!
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