Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and a World Heritage Site. The original name for Fraser Island is ‘K'Gari' meaning paradise. Fraser Island is approximately 125 kilometres from north to south.

Airborne nutrients and seeds have accumulated until vegetation could gain a hold, and then the decaying vegetable matter has allowed other plants and trees to grow, and forests have sprung up. Not all of Fraser Island is covered with vegetation some is composed of shifting dunes. There are no surfaced roads on Fraser Island. The beach acts as the main north south highway, with tracks crossing the island. A four-wheel-drive is a necessity.

Access is by ferry (‘barge'), or by a short flight which lands on the beach of the island at low tide. From Urangan, the harbour at the eastern point of the bay one barge goes to Moon Point.

There is nothing on the shore at this point. There is just a beach and a track leading inland, so unless you have transport, you are now stuck there until the next barge service comes along. The other service from Urangan goes to Kingfisher Bay, where there is a resort built. There are further ferry services from River Heads, but the problem here is that River Heads is fourteen kilometres south of Hervey Bay and there is no public transport available. Fraser Island is also reachable via the ferry close to Rainbow Beach. There are many day tours and accommodation is available on Fraser Island.

Camping on Fraser Island is permitted, but there are some restrictions.In the interior of the island, camping is allowed only at established camp grounds, of which there are several. On the beaches, camping is permitted, but not within 50 metres of a waterway.

Basin Lake
Basin Lake has slightly acidic waters which support seven species of frog, freshwater turtles and the Australian grebe.

Central Station
Originally a forestry township with a short boardwalk to Wanggoolba Creek. Central Station has camping facilities and an Information Centre.

Eli Creek
The largest freshwater creek and fun to float down.

Lake Mckenzie
The largest lake on Fraser Island and has a camp site here.

Lake Wabby
Deepest of Fraser Island lakes.

Lake Allom
A small lake with tortoises.

The Cathedrals
Towering cliffs of multicoloured sands eroded by the wind.

The Champagne Pools at Middle Rocks
Rock pools with bubbling seawater and good for swimming at low tide.

Maheno Wreck
The Maheno lies buried in sand north of happy valley

Mt Boomanjin
Mt. Boomanjin at 211 metres the highest point in this part of the island with Lake Boomanjin at the bottom.

The Maheno Ship Wreck
On the east coast of Fraser Island off the Old Coast. The S.S Maheno was owned by the Union Steamship Company and was part of the Tasman Fleet. In 1907 this ship set a record for crossing from Auckland to Sydney in 2 days 21 hours and this record stood for over 25 years. In 1935 the Mehano was wrecked here whilst being towed to Japan. Paula Duggan

Fraser Island
FRaser Island is one of the most popular attractions of the area. Located off the Qld central coast not far from Hervey Bay Fraser island is a large sand island and is home to an amazing array of wildlife including the Dingo. Enjoy the sandy beaches, beautiful lakes and creeks and the lush sub tropical rainforests. There are resorts on the island as well as camping facilities. Access is by boat and a ferry leaves from Hevey Bay as regular intervals. Paula Duggan