Fraser Island
Stunning rainforestsFraser Coast is internationally famous for its World Heritage listing and justly so. The island is a study in contrasts with ancient rainforests, endless beaches, the world’s largest perched lake, coloured sand cliffs, gorges, swamps, giant trees and huge sand blows just waiting to be explored. These features, coupled with peace and seclusion, have made Fraser Island a mecca for nature lovers.
It is the world’s largest sand island – its 123km stretch of sand is broken only by three large rock promontories. Its native inhabitants include dingoes, possums, echidnas, wallabies, snakes, lizards, goannas and 240 varieties of birds.
Lush freshwater streams
The reshaping of Fraser Island by the elements is a continuous process. This relentless change can be seen in ‘frozen frame’ at Lake Wabby on the island’s east coast, which is being slowly engulfed by a massive sandblow. Fraser Island has more than 40 of these perched freshwater lakes, including the largest of its kind in the world – the 190 hectare lake ‘Boomanjin’.
A four-wheel drive is necessary to travel around the island, via the beach or internal tracks. There are several resorts on the island, but many people opt to really get close to nature and camp in one of the well-maintained camping grounds.
How to get there
From the south, Noosa is the most convenient gateway to Fraser Island. There is an excellent selection of tours from Noosa that pick up from your door and will provide lunch, guided walking tours and commentary.
If you opt to drive your own vehicle, it will take 2 barge crossings and about 2 hours beach driving by 4WD. Cars can drive 250km north via the Bruce Highway to Hervey Bay where a ferry crosses to the western side of the island.
It is also possible to reach Fraser Island from Inskip Point, which is about 2km north of Rainbow Beach and is the southernmost access point to Fraser Island. The ferry ride to Fraser Island from Inskip Point takes 20 minutes. Rainbow Beach is accessible by 2WD vehicle via scenic dirt and sealed roads through the Cooloola National Park or via the Bruce Highway.
A National Parks permit is required before venturing onto Fraser Island – this can be purchased from the Rainbow Beach National Parks Office before you cross on the barge.