Fraser Island
FRASER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION | Fraser Island Hotels
FRASER ISLAND ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL | Fraser Island Information | Fraser Island Car Rentals | Fraser Island Transport
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Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island stretching around 120km from North to South and 15km from East to West, covering a total of 160,000 hectares. It was formed during the ice age by strong winds, which blew sand from New South Wales to where Fraser Island now stands off of the coast of Queensland. |
The name Fraser Island came from Eliza Fraser, who was shipwrecked on the island along with her husband. By the Aborigines the island is known as K'gari meaning 'Paradise', which suitably matches the islands beauty. The Aborigines were forced off the island, when timber cutters started cutting down the trees. This has stopped since, and luckily beautiful forested areas still remain. You can find out about the islands forestry from the Central Station, near Wanggoolba Creek. Although deforestation took place on the Fraser Island, it is now listed as a World Heritage area. |
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The Northern half of the island is made up of the Great Sandy National Park, with several pretty lakes dotted around the park. More lakes continue on the southern half of the island, with a total of 24 freshwater lakes that cover the whole island. They are all different, featuring magnificent colours. A refreshing experience is to swim in one of the many lakes, which is very rewarding after walking to the lake.
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Fraser Island is covered in beautiful sub-tropical rainforest and offers outstanding natural wonders. Within the rainforest you will see large Brush Box, Kauri Pines, Piccabeen Palms and Satinay. You may also get the opportunity to see the rare angiopteris fern, which is actually one of the largest ferns in the world.
Along with the rainforests you will also see many clear blue lakes, long sandy beaches, beautiful rocky cliffs, and a large mangrove system.
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Fraser Island is also a haven for wildlife, which
you will see all over the island. There are over 200 different
species of birds around Fraser Island, as well as a number of
different other animals. Dingo's would be the most common animal
found on Fraser Island, although you may also see Fying Foxes,
Possums, Snakes, Turtles and Wallabies.
There are plenty of activities on the island
from bushwalking, fishing, swimming (in the lakes as the sea is
too dangerous) and exploring the island by 4WD. There are various
4WD tours which you can join, or if you'd prefer to travel independently
then you can hire a 4WD (or bring your own) either on the island
or before you get there. To hire a 4WD there are a number of local companies you can
choose from.
Getting around the island is easy, grab yourself
a map and start exploring. There are some fantastic walking trails
around the island, which really allow you to experience the beauty
of Fraser Islands natural environment. Many of the walking trails
start near the end of another walking trail, making it easy to
explore and get around the island. If your time is limited you
can also drive to the start of individual walking trails, and
follow these.
The most popular areas to explore include the inland regions of the southern islands lakes, as well as all along the islands east coast. Just east of the Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wanggoolba Creek is Central Station and the beautiful Lake McKenzie. The lake is also called 'Window' Lake and is spectacular to swim and snorkel in. Directly east of Lake McKenzie is Lake Wabby the most famous lake on Fraser Island and a great swimming spot. There is a pleasant walk to Lake Wabby from near Eurong, although you should also drive further north to the fabulous lookout. |
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You can continue along Seventy Five Mile Beach
or take some of the tracks that lead of towards Lake Garawongera
and Yidney Scrub. Just north of Eli Scrub is the Maheno Wreck,
which is clearly visible from the beach. From here the land changes
into National Park, and you will pass the fabulous Cathedrals
which are beautiful, coloured sand cliffs. North again is the
spectacular Indian Head which offers views that are out of this
world. You can continue right upto the northern tip of the island
Sandy Cape, where there is a lighthouse. There are also two further
shipwrecks either side of the northern tip, the Marloo Wreck and
the Panama Wreck.
There is plenty of accommodation
dotted around the southern part of the island. On the western
side is the Kingfisher Bay Resort, which has
various types of accommodation and great facilities. On the eastern
side of the island is the Eurong Beach Resort at
Eurong with further accommodation in Happy Valley. Accommodation can also be found on the southern tip of the island at Hooks Point.
Camping is also available on the island, with
several of the grounds offering toilets and showers. These include
Central Station, Dundubara, Lake Boomanjin, Lake McKenzie, Waddy
Point and Wathumba. You will need a permit to camp, as well as
take a vehicle onto Fraser Island, both of which you can get from
the local EPA offices or from Hervey Bay City Council Ph:(07) 4125
0222.
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You can get to the island from Inskip
Point, River Heads and Urangan, which stop at various points
on the island. The Rainbow Venture travels
between Inskip Point to Hook Point on the southern tip of
the Island. You can get to Inskip Point by heading East
from Gympie and North from Rainbow Beach. |
The Fraser Venture travels from
River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek, again on the west coast. Also
from River Heads the Kingfisher Bay Barge departs
and travels to the King Fisher Resort itself. The Fraser Dawn
leaves from Urangan and travels to Moon Point on the western coast
of the island. The Kingfisher 2 Fastcat is for people only and
again takes you to the resort, but leaves from Urangan.
Queensland DVD (Queenslands South East - Land of Scenic Wonder)
Purchase the DVD that portrays Queensland's South East including footage of Fraser Island, Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Montville, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook's unforgettable rock bridge.
Taking you through the tree tops in Lamington where the thick, green roof shades; the mysterious underworld of the forest floor. On to Noosa, a haven of stunning national parks and brilliant waterways. Plus the amazing coloured sands of Teewah and Rainbow Beach.
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LAND OF THE GULF SAVANNAH - The Gulf Region of Australia
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Popular Queensland Travel Destinations
PLEASE NOTE: The Queensland travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Queensland Holidays can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.
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