Fraser Island

Spanning over 122 kilometers in length, Fraser Island can be found adjacent to the southern coast of Queensland, off the Hervey Bay coastline. Covering a total area of approximately 184,000 hectares and measuring 30 kilometers in width, at its widest point, this remarkably beautiful Island is recognized as the largest sand island in the world. It's also a proud member of the World Heritage List due to its magnificent natural environment.

Thought to have formed over a time frame of 800,000 years, Fraser Island was originally home to the Badtjala tribe of Indigenous Australians. With archaeological sites indicating the tribe was living on the Island over 5,000 years ago, they coincidently named the Island K'Gari, meaning paradise. European history was only thought to have begun in 1802, when Matthew Flinders explored the area. Other occupants of the Island included escaped convicts and shipwreck survivors like Eliza Fraser, who in turn had the Island named after her. Now, Fraser Island is a wonderful place to visit and a highly recommended holiday destination for travellers visiting or living in Queensland.

Fraser Island is an Australian location, exhibiting true natural beauty. It is covered by lush rainforests entwined by free flowing creeks, bordered by miles of white stained beaches and outstandingly colourful sand cliffs, encircled by cool ocean waters, and generally shrouded in a blissfully tranquil atmosphere. The diversity of native flora and fauna is astonishing, and it can be all explored in the number of protected National Parks. No place is more alluring, than the spectacular natural surroundings present on the highly acclaimed Fraser Island.

Fraser Island Accommodation

From north to south, east to west, there is a style of accommodation on Fraser Island for every visitor. Accommodation choices on Fraser Island include resorts, beach houses, cabins, apartments, rainforest retreats, bed & breakfasts, caravan parks, backpacker hostels and designated camping grounds. Alternative accommodation includes renting a houseboat or yacht and exploring the island from and ocean perspective.

One of the most traditionally popular forms of accommodation on Fraser Island is camping. With many visitors trekking over from the mainland, many of the public and private sites conveniently provide campers with toilet blocks, running water and shower facilities. Popular camping spots on Fraser Island include Lake Boomanjin, Waddy Point, Wathumba, Dundubara and Lake McKenzie, but remember a camping permit must be obtained in advance.

Accessing Fraser Island is easy, Island guests have the option of light aircrafts, passenger and vehicle ferries, tour groups and private boats. All vehicles being transported over to Fraser Island do need a permit though.

Fraser Island Activities And Attractions

Arguably the most alluring attraction of Fraser Island is its extremely invigorating, natural environment. Providing a good source of extreme adventure and exploration, guests to Fraser Island will not be disappointed with the range of land and water based activities, entertainment and attractions on offer.

Laden with scenic tracks, hiring or bringing a privately owned 4WD from the mainland to discover the hidden magic Fraser Island possesses, is one of the most popular activities experienced by guests. Exploring the multicoloured towering cliffs known as The Cathedrals is also extremely popular. Other interesting places to visit include Central Station, the landmark known as Indian Head, Eli Creek, The Champagne Pools and Happy Valley. For wildlife lovers, Fraser Island is also home to approximately 320 species of birds, the purest breed of dingos, flying foxes, echidnas, wallabies and much more. The surrounding seas are also known to host dugongs, sea turtles and friendly dolphins.

Surrounded by miles of uninterrupted sandy white beaches and the cool lapping waters of the Pacific Ocean, Fraser Island is renowned for excellent fishing. Whether leisurely throwing a line in from the beach, or taking a fishing charter out to deeper water, anglers are almost guaranteed that perfect catch. Many travellers are also brought to Fraser Island for the annual migration of Humpback Whales during the months of August and October. There is also the chance to experience some fantastic diving expeditions around the many shipwrecks, including that of the Maheno.

Listed are just a few of the magnificent range of activities, entertainment and attractions on offer to Fraser Island guests.

Article by Simon Shearer, All Right Reserved