Fraser Island is one of Australia’s World Heritage Sites, protected for its natural beauty and because it is the world’s largest sand dune island. Fraser Island is 160,000 Hectares and is located just off the southern coast of Queensland. Fraser Island was formed during the Ice Age millions of years ago when the winds pushed the sands from New South Wales and created the sand dune island. It is a big tourist destination since it provides such a variety of activities and sites to see for holiday-goers. You can get to Fraser Island by hiring a car in Brisbane, which is about 200 kilometres to the south west, or rent a vehicle in nearby Hervey Bay. It is located north of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast, so there are other destinations that you can always add onto your trip. Named after a shipwreck survivor, Eliza Fraser, and it can be a lucky destination for you too.
Fraser Island view from Indian Head Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Variety is the Spice of Vacationing on Fraser Island
Photo Credit: FraserIsland.net
Fraser Island is not only the largest sand dune island in the world, but it has many other features that you will not see on any other island. The subtropical climate lends itself toward diversity. On the island you can witness the only rainforest that grows out of the sand. The unique ecosystem here that is still evolving and ever-changing lends itself to a unique blend of plants, wild flowers, lakes, coloured sand dunes, and wild life.
Flora and Fauna of Fraser Island:
Photo Credit: whc.unesco.org
Over 865 species of plants grow on Fraser Island including plants, forests, and rainforests. The vegetation includes wallum heaths, 1,000 year old satinays, kauri pines, just to name o few of the trees. One of the largest species of ferns, the rare angiopteris grows here, and then mangroves grow along the southwest coast.
Freshwater Lakes:
Lake McKenzie Photo Credit: Wikipedia
There are over 100 freshwater lakes on the island and include some of the cleanest and clearest natural lakes in the world. Forty of these lakes are called perched lakes, which mean they have formed over dense areas of sand and vegetation. Some of the lakes are formed by natural springs when the tides or rain water raises high enough to fill the basins and valleys. Decaying vegetation makes some of the lakes very high in acidity and prevents wildlife from habituating in them. Motor boats and jet skis are not allowed on the island’s lakes to aide in conservation and pollution prevention efforts.
Coloured Sands of Fraser Island:
Photo Credit: Environmnet.gov.au
Photo Credit: FraserExplorerTours.au
There are 72 different colours of sand on Fraser Island. The coloured sands come from the white sand of the beaches and oceans mixing with the clays and mineral deposits. There are many sand dunes and coloured rock formations that have been formed over the last 30,000 years. For a look at the colourful dunes, check out the beach north of Happy Valley. The sculptured shapes of some of the sand and rock formations along the coast are called ‘The Cathedrals’ and ‘The Pinnacles’. (Not to be confused with The Pinnacles of Western Australia.)
Wildlife and Marine Life In and Around Fraser Island:
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Fraser Island is home to over 350 species of birds in addition to many other bird species that migrate to and from the island. The island is home to what is believed to be one of the last populations of pure bred Australian Dingoes. In addition to the other types of mammals, insects, amphibians, and reptiles that inhabit the island, there are also marine species in the ocean waters surrounding the island. The coastal waters of Fraser Island are home to humpback whales, Dugongs, dolphins, tiger sharks, and mud crabs, to name just a few.
Things to do When Visiting Fraser Island:
Photo Credit: whc.unesco.org
Tours are available so that you can catch the highlights of Fraser Island or you can also stay overnight in the different accommodations the island offers. We have already mentioned the different lakes, rainforests, and sand dunes that you can see, but there are other activities that can be done as part of tours or on your own. Whether you partake in an organised tour or explore the island on your own, there is a mix of activities available from the relaxing to the exciting.
Photo Credit: FraserExplorerTours.au
Fishing off of 75 Mile Beach: 75 Mile Beach is beautiful and looks right out of a movie scene or a post card. In addition to regular beach activities like sunning, swimming, and surfing, you can also experience some of the best beach fishing in the world.
Boating: Even though motor boats are not allowed on the lakes on Fraser Island, charter boats for fishing, whale watching, snorkelling, and SCUBA diving are all available for the ocean waters surrounding the island.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Whale Watching: If you specifically want a whale watching boat excursion, that is available August through October when more than 1500 humpbacks are migrating through the area. Hervey Bay is considered the whale watching capital of the world not, just because of the large number of whales that can be seen during the migration, but mostly because it can be done in calm waters since the bay is protected from the ocean currents and waves by Fraser Island.
Photo Credit: FraserExplorerTours.au
4×4 Adventuring: Once the ferry from Hervey Bay drops you off on Fraser Island, you can find out of 4×4 off road tours or hiring a truck to go out on your own or hire a private tour guide. The rugged terrain of Fraser Island makes four-wheel-driving necessary. Do your research as to what types of permits and documentation you will need to bring with you if you plan on venturing out on your own in a vehicle.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
S.S. Maheno Shipwreck: One of the points of interest to visit on Fraser Island is the beached shipwreck of the S.S. Maheno. It is an ocean liner that was commissioned as a hospital ship during WW1 before being returned to commercial service after the war was over. It was beached while being towed in 1935 when rough waters from a cyclone detached the towing cable. The 8 passengers all survived the shipwreck, but the Maheno was not able to be returned back to service. The rusted remains are still beached along the Atlantic coastline for visitors to see.
Learn about Aboriginal History and Culture: The Butchulla people and the Badtjala tribe have lived on Fraser Island for at least the last 5,000 years. These Aborigines called the island K’gari. Guided tours can show you the 5,000 year old campsites and teach you about the Aboriginal life on the island that consisted of fishing and communicating with the passing whales with their didgeridoos.