009 - Chase a pure dingo down Fraser Island's 75 mile beach

Fraser Island, QLD

Off the coast of southern Qld, Fraser Island is a crazy combination of environments in one small, gorgeous package. Called K’gari (paradise) by Aboriginals, it’s the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of more than 200m.

Amid the dunes are freshwater lakes of superb clarity surrounded by white sandy beaches. The famous 75 Mile Beach is flanked by strikingly coloured cliffs and desert-like sand blows. This range of habitats makes Fraser a bird watchers’ paradise, with an incredible 354 recorded species.
 

“The twin experiences of driving down the beach and bathing in the giant tub of mineral water that is Lake Mackenzie are worth it alone.”
- David Whitley

Fraser’s dingoes are the purest of breeds, as they’ve been isolated from other canine influences. Humpback whales can be seen from August to October, while dolphins, dugongs (manatees), turtles, sharks and huge rays also frequent the island waters.

Best of all, the place is accessible – a 4WD heaven. The island is crisscrossed by challenging sand tracks, and of course driving on the beach (while watching out for fishermen and wash-outs) is allowed. But beware: several 4WD vehicles are lost each year because ambitious drivers believe they can beat the tide.

Did you know?
Fraser has half of the world’s perched lakes, including Lake Boomanjin, which at 190 hectares is the world’s largest.

How to get there
Fraser Island lies at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, just a 35-minute boat ride from Hervey Bay and a 45-minute flight, or a three and a half hour drive, from the Queensland capital of Brisbane.

See the website below for barge times and locations (there are several options).

Sunshine Express has several daily services from Brisbane to Hervey Bay connecting with interstate flights.

Air Fraser charters services from Maroochydore Airport to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.

Greyhound-Pioneer, Suncoast Pacific and McCafferty’s coaches have daily services from Brisbane.

Tilt Train from Brisbane to Maryborough with a train-link bus to Hervey Bay.

Best time to go
Any time.

Further information
Useful websites:

www.frasercoastholidays.info

www.fraserisland.net

www.kingfisherbay.com