Fraser Island Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Fraser Island [1] is a large sand island (at 122 km (76 miles) long, the largest in the world) situated off the southern coast of the Australian state of Queensland, some 300 km (200 miles) north of the state capital Brisbane. A popular destination for travelers, Fraser Island was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1992.
Contents |
Understand
History
Landscape
Flora and fauna
Climate
Get in
By Boat
Vehicular access to Fraser Island is by ferry only; thereafter, four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary for transport around the island. Travelers have the option of bringing or hiring their own 4WD vehicle, joining a group from a Hervey Bay hostel, or taking a 4WD tour bus. Vehicle hire is available and tour buses depart from various towns on the Sunshine Coast (Noosa) and Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay).
The following boats serve Fraser Island:
- Fraser Venture (Ph. 07 4125 4444) - vehicle barge that makes three crossings per day from River Heads (10km southwest of Hervey Bay) to Wanggoolba Creek (west of Central Station / Eurong).
- Fraser Island Ferry Service - crosses from Inskip point near Rainbow beach to the southern point of Fraser Island. Most trips originating from Noosa use this service.
By Air
A number of charter operators fly light aircraft on to Fraser Island, landing on the main beach (at low tide only).
Fees/Permits
Get around
See
- Lake MacKenzie - the jewel of Fraser Island, Lake MacKenzie is a large perched lake with crystal blue waters and white sands. The area is one of the most popular on the island so can get crowded during the middle of the day in peak season.
- Lake Wabby - a green colored lake some 20min walk from the beach, with a large sand blow that is slowly encroaching upon the lake. Freshwater turtles and fish can sometimes be seen swimming in the lake.
- Indian Heads - the rocky outcrop at the northern end of the main beach. Climb to the top to look down into the ocean and spot sharks, rays and turtles.
- Champagne Pools - north of Indian Heads, these rock pools provide a safe place to bathe in sea water. Their name is derived from the froth created when waves break over the edge and into the pools.
- Eli Creek - a freshwater creek midway along the main beach where bathers can float down with the current. A boardwalk provides access to the top of the creek.
- Maheno shipwreck - in 1935 the retired passenger steamer Maheno was being towed to Japan for scrapping when a storm forced it ashore. A few km north of Eli Creek.
Do
Buy
Eat
Drink
Soft drinks and alcohol can be purchased from shops at Eurong and Happy Valley, although alcohol is not available before 10am due to state licensing laws. Note that prices are substantially higher on the island than on the mainland; save money by bringing sufficient supplies with you!
Drinking water can be obtained from taps in various campsites and from a tap on the beach 500m north of Eurong; untreated water from the creeks or lakes should not be drunk.
Sleep
Sleeping on Fraser Island ranges from luxury resorts through campsites to rough camping amongst the dunes along designated stretches of beach.
Lodging
- Eurong Beach Resort [2] (Ph. +61 7 4127 9122) - with rooms to suit a variety of budgets, Eurong sits towards the south of the main beach on the east side of the island. Many guests will join 4WD bus tours from the resort. The area also contains shops, fuel and other facilities, though note that prices are substantially greater than on the mainland.
- Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village [3] (Ph. + 61 7 4120 3333) - amore upmarket option on the west of the island, with restaurants, pubs and shops.
Camping
There are a number of campsites on the island which house standard facilities (toilets, showers etc.) and are fenced to keep dingoes out. Fires are permitted in these sites within fire rings, but noise is forbidden after 9pm.
Backcountry
Along the main beach, there are designated areas for camping amongst the dunes. These are marked by wooden signs indicating areas where camping is permitted and where it is forbidden. In all cases, a permit is required to camp, and in some areas advanced bookings are required.
During busy periods, arrive early in the day to ensure your camping area. Camp fires outside of the official campsites are no longer permitted, with Rangers patrolling the beach and issuing fines for infringements. Be dingo safe; lock all food away when unattended.
Stay safe
- Fraser Island is home to approximately 150 Dingoes - Australia's wild dog. These animals can become aggressive - a 9 year old boy was killed in 2001 - and should not be approached or fed. Feeding of dingoes carries a $250 fine, and all food should be secured (in vehicles or food boxes) when unattended.
- Swimming in the ocean is not recommended owing to both the dangerous surf conditions and the number of sharks that inhabit the waters (Indian Heads is a shark breeding ground).
- Drive safely on the sand and obey the speed limits - the beach is classed as a highway, so police will run speed checks and breath tests for drivers. Speed limit on the main beach is 80km/h and on soft sand tracks 35km/h.
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