Fraser Island


 
World Heritage listed...
Fraser Island is known as the world’s largest sand island. Located 200km north of Brisbane, the island is host to lush vegetation, freshwater lakes and indigenous flora and fauna backed by cliffs. It’s a popular destination for nature lovers and if bird watching is on your to do list then Fraser Island is a must. Fraser Island is home to over 350 species of birds with kookaburras and kingfishers dominating this ecological habitat.
Mentioned in Australian and New Zealand magazine...
As one of the most desirable beaches in Australia, (although not strictly a beach!) Fraser Island entices a mix of surfers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, families and backpackers.
Amazingly Fraser Island receives up to 600,000 visitors a year but has still managed to hang on to its rugged, untouched feel and maintain its strong environmental policies.
Fraser Island is accessible by ferry only from Inskip Point 13km north of Rainbow Beach (see map) and Hervey Bay (see map), a popular backpackers hang out and base for whale-watching tours during the annual migration season between June and October.
If you want to visit the island by car...
Fraser Island is strictly 4WD terrain. Exhilarating drives along 75 MILE BEACH  aren’t for the faint hearted but, for adventurous types, it’s great fun for all ages.  If you want to leave four-wheel driving to the professionals you can always hire your own driver.  If you decide to go it alone check out the safety guidelines on the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Resource Management website (derm.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/about.html) and read the PDF called Survive Your Drive on Fraser Island (derm.qld.gov.au/register/survive_your_drive_fraser.pdf). It has excellent tips for virgin 4WD terrain drivers.
You can get more information on hiring four-wheel drive vehicles and getting a Fraser Island driving permit from Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Services, Hervey Bay, River Head Barge Landing, and at Kingfisher Bay Resort reception.
To rejuvenate...
And calm the nerves after all that excitement you can always swim in the Champagne Pools, nature’s own jacuzzi. Or maybe take a guided walk to learn about the array of wildlife and plants on the island. If you’re still feeling energetic enough then a climb up to Indian Head is a must for awe-inspiring whale, shark and dolphin spotting.
If you’re not too tired by all that Fraser Island offers by day, night-time brings its own surprises. Why not sip a sun downer and watch the magnificent sunset ? Or get back to nature and cook on your own campfire on the beach then lie back and stargaze at the expansive night sky.
Conveniently situated...
About a four hour drive north of Brisbane, a visit to Fraser Island is a highlight of any trip to the Sunshine Coast. Visit Fraser Island this year for a trip you'll remember forever.