If you are unsure of what to visit in Queensland you can be assured Fraser Island won’t disappoint you. Fraser Island is a must-do and it is definitely one of the top 10 places to visit in Australia. Here is why.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 120km and it is located on the Queensland East Coast about 300km North of Brisbane. This UNESCO World Heritage Listed island features unique landmarks which can only be discovered driving with a 4 Wheel drive using 75 Mile Beach as a highway as there is no sealed roads.

 

How to get there?

If you don't have your own 4x4, it is best to book a tour, whether it is for 1 day or 3 days since hiring a 4 Wheel drive can be costly (about $1,100 for 3 days up to 8 people; it gets interesting from 3-4 people travelling to break out the cost). A tour might seem expensive at first but it is all inclusive: sleeping arrangement, food, insurance, return ferry for car and passengers, National park fees and all camping equipment if accommodation is camping.

If you have your own 4 Wheel Drive, you can take the barge across from River Heads (20 minute drive from Hervey Bay) to Kingfisher Bay located on the West coast of Fraser Island; or you can take the barge from Inskip Point (15 minute drive from Rainbow Beach) to the Southern end of 75 Mile Beach. Budget about $110-$175 per vehicle with up to 4 passengers. Also make sure you book your vehicle permit before you go, budget around $45 for up to 1 month, and your National Park tent sites, budget around $6 per person per night.

 

What to expect?

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Here are the main landmarks and general things to expect on the island.

 

• Lake McKenzie has to be the most famous spot on Fraser Island for its blue water and pure silica white sand.

• Driving on 75 Mile Beach is an experience on its own, taking care of leaving when the tide goes out and be ready to set camp 2 hours before the high tide as the water covers the whole beach up.

• Walk around Eli Creek and enjoy its clear water. Did you know Eli Creek flows over 80 million litres of water into the ocean on a daily basis?

• Fraser Island boasts over 100 freshwater lakes to swim in including over 40 perched dune lakes (only a few of them are accessible by car). Always swim in lakes, never in the ocean as the beach is not patrolled, there are very strong currents.

• Lake Wabby is another famous freshwater lake accessible through an amazing sand dune walk, whilst Lake Boomanjin is accessible from the main track, less crowded and shows different colours depending on the weather.

• Maheno Shipwreck is the wreck of a boat which crashed on the island back in 1935 due to bad weather. You can approach it from 75 Mile Beach highway.

• A more chilled area attracting more Queenslanders than overseas visitors due to the camping facilities, fishing, walking tracks, sand dunes and a more protected beach is Waddy Point and Orchid Beach, located North of Fraser Island. Only accessible with your own vehicle.

• Indian Head lookout, located on the easternmost tip of the island, captures a fantastic view from the island onto the ocean where you could spot turtles and whales with their calves depending on the season and the weather.

• Fraser Island coloured sand has been created from erosion over the years. You can admire beautiful multi-coloured cliffs along the way.

• Dingoes are part of the wide range of wildlife living on Fraser Island. Beware not to leave any food lying around, do not feed them and stay calm if you encounter a dingo. Their population is monitored by the government. Bare in mind dingoes are wild animals, not pets!

• A map of the island is available on this link: https://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/pdf/fraser-island-map.pdf

 

Where to sleep?

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Well there are a few different options to choose from.

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• Camping on the beach, part of the National Park, there is no amenities available; this is only if you would like a site for your tent and your car. You MUST be self-sufficient as shops, fuel and water are only available at certain locations on the island. The sites are scattered along 75 Mile Beach. The Queensland National Parks website can give you more information about the campsites location (www.npsr.qld.gov.au). This will be your cheapest option at around $6 per person per night. It is highly recommended to get to your camp site before sunset as it can be pitch black and hard to find the path to get to the sites.

• Eurong resort and Kingfisher Bay Resort are a more comfortable solution for those in need of a daily shower and more privacy. They also offer an on-site restaurant to add to the treat. The prices start at around $140 per night.

• If you are a group of people travelling with your own vehicle and wish to experience Fraser Island in luxury and comfort, why not look into renting a whole house through Air Bnb or Stayz. You will be looking at $300-400 per night.