FRASER ISLAND – THE AUSTRALIAN TRAVELLER GUIDE

Affordable Summer Holidays: Fraser Island

078 Marvel at an utterly unique island

48 hours in Hervey Bay

10 Things About Fraser Island

Fraser Island Portfolio

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The Aboriginal word for Fraser Island is K’gari (paradise) and it’s kinda funny because that’s the only word that springs to mind when you visit. The worlds’ biggest sand island is an impressive collection of over 800, 000 years of sand drifting in the ocean. The lush rainforests, freshwater lakes and native wildlife on Fraser Island will blow you away. One thing’s for sure – bring a 4WD.

WHERE TO STAY
There’s little light and pollution on Fraser Island, making it the perfect place to go camping. Of course it comes with a fee, but it’s a small price to pay for a piece of secluded wilderness. Because there are dingoes on the island, visitors have to follow rules so they don’t get in the way.
If camping isn’t really your thing, try one of the hotels on the island. Because of high demand to stay at Fraser Island, you’ll need to book ahead to make sure you get a place. No matter where you stay, you’re guaranteed to have a great view.

WHAT TO DO
One of the 100 things to do before you die in the Australian Traveller competition from 2006 is to chase a pure dingo down a 75-mile beach. The island has started restricting the opportunities travellers have to get close to the dogs, so you don’t get hurt. The dingoes on Fraser Island are the purest of breeds because they’ve been isolated from all other dogs. They’re great to look at, but not to touch; it’s best to admire from a distance.
There are heaps of whale watching tours that operate in seasons, with dolphin watching tours all year round.
You absolutely must drive a 4WD over the island; it’s so much better than driving on the road. The unpredictable sand means you’ll be driving smoothly one second and spinning out on wet sands the next.
The eco friendly to see Fraser Island is by going on a guided tour. This reduces the amount of jeeps on the sand, keeping the island in the best condition possible.
If you’re dead-set on taking the island solo, maps are available.
Central station is the meeting point for different walking trails around that lead to the best freshwater lakes. These include Jennings, Birrabeen and Boomanjin, but everyone knows that Lake McKenzie is probably the most beautiful.
The freshwater lakes of Fraser Island are not unlike Islands Blue Lagoon, an open-air saloon where you can treat yourself in the great outdoors. The sand is so soft that it will naturally exfoliate your skin and jewellary and the water will make your hair soft instantly.
If you’re driving north along the beach you’ll get to Happy Valley and Eli Creek. The rocky outcrop of Indian Head has the best view, overlooking the deep ocean. From here you can watch for sharks, manta rays, dolphins (and if you’re there at the right time of year) whales in migration.
The ocean is gorgeous at Fraser Island, but lethal to play in. The best places to go swimming are in the lakes, but there is one saltwater swimming area and it goes by the name of Champagne Island.

WHEN TO TRVEL
The island has great weather all year round, but the best time to visit is between April and October. School holidays get very busy, so keep in mind that if you want space, you’ll have to book between the holidays.

TRANSPORT
Vehicle ferries connect Fraser Island with River Heads. Fraser Venture leaves at specific times and will carry you over for the day. Air Fraser Island flies out of Hervey Bay airport and lands on the Island’s eastern beach.

For more information, go to fraserisland.net