Fraser Island, Qld

Fraser Island ranks as one of the true wonders of Australia. It is the largest sand island in the world and has such a range of attractions and activities that it is a 'must' for anyone travelling along the Queensland coast.

Visitors can see extraordinary freshwater sand dune lakes, beautiful quiet streams, cliffs with remarkable coloured sand horizons and rugged headlands.

Located just off the coast from Hervey Bay (which is 300 km north of Brisbane and 37 km east of Maryborough) Fraser Island is 123 km long and varies from 7 km to 22 km wide. It covers an area of 184 000 sq. km and has sand dunes which rise to a height of 240 m. It is estimated that the sands which make up Fraser Island reach over 600 m below the sea.

Woongoolbver Creek which carries clear water through the island's rainforest at Central Station (Central Station was once the home of over 100 people and the centre of the forestry industry on the island), Lake Wabby, the island's deepest lake which is rich in fish and surrounded by ancient melaleucas (it is slowly being filled by a giant sandblow), Rainbow Gorge with its coloured sand formations, Eli Creek, the wreck of the Maheno (after thirty years of service in Australian waters it was being towed to Japan as scrap when it hit cyclonic conditions off the coast and was washed ashore on 9 July 1935), the rocky outcrops at Indian Head, Middle Rocks and Waddy Point, the multi-coloured 'Cathedrals' and 'Pinnacles' which lie to the north of the wreck of the Maheno, the various lakes on the island which include Lake Bowarrady (120 m above sea level), Lake McKenzie, Lake Boemingen (reputedly the largest perched lake in the world), Ocean Lake, Hidden Lake, and Coomboo Lake, the scrubs and swamps

McKenzie's Jetty which was originally built as an access point to the mainland for the timber cutters and subsequently used by the Z Force during World War II (see Hervey Bay). It is now derelict.

In October 1976, all sand mining was banned and the island became part of the National Estate.

Apart from Hervey Bay there are two other mainland centres which offer access to Fraser Island. There is a regular ferry which crosses from Rainbow Beach to the southern tip of Fraser Island twice daily. Contact (07) 4186 3120.

Tin Can Bay Across Tin Can Inlet is Tin Can Bay which is a tiny centre on the mainland at the southern end of Fraser Island. Small boats can be hired and Tin Can Bay is an ideal fishing location.

Access to Fraser Island from Tin Can Bay is via Rainbow Beach. A fee is charged by Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service for every vehicle which is taken onto the island. There are also fees payable for use of the camping facilities on the island.

Attractions

Stonetood Sand Dune

This huge dune is currently moving across the island burying everything in its way. The movement, driven by the prevailing winds, is very slow. The size of the dune is remarkable. It is not possible to walk across the dune.

Eli Creek

Eli Creek is the largest freshwater stream on the eastern coast of the island. It is an area of exceptional and pristine beauty. There are a number of wooden walkways and a short, circular route runs up one side of the creek and down the other. It is possible to swim in the lower reaches of the creek. On a hot day it is very cool and refreshing.

Wreck of the Maheno

After thirty years of service in Australian waters the Maheno, a huge cruise vessel, was being towed to Japan as scrap when it hit cyclonic conditions off the coast and was washed ashore on 9 July 1935. The past 60 years of waves and weathering have reduced this once huge vessel to a small rusting hulk.

The Pinnacles and the Cathedrals

These coloured sand cliffs have been sculptured by the wind and rain blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. The colours - red, brown, yellow and orange - are spectacular. The size of the cliff faces is a reminder of how large the sand dunes on the island are.

Central Station

The Woongoolbver Creek which carries clear water through the island's rainforest at Central Station (Central Station was once the home of over 100 people and the centre of the forestry industry on the island) is one of the most beautiful retreats on the whole of the island.

Lake McKenzie

There are a number of freshwater lakes on the island including Lake Bowarrady (120 m above sea level), Lake McKenzie, Lake Boemingen (reputedly the largest perched lake in the world), Ocean Lake, Hidden Lake, and Coomboo Lake. Each is notable for the clarity of the water, the purity of the white sands on the surrounding beaches and the peacefulness of the area.