Unmissable Adventures on Fraser Island

For explorers, eco-tourists and adventurers, a trip to the largest sand island on the planet, just off the coastline of Southern Queensland, will mean the world. Which is just what freelance journalist Fern Canning and her partner Oliver, discovered last December. And couldn’t wait to share with us…

“On hearing of our plans to travel along Australia’s East Coast, friends who had already taken the well-worn route enthusiastically gave us lists of ‘must-sees’. Fraser Island quickly became somewhere that we couldn’t pass during our trip through Queensland.

While many visitors opt to camp on the UNESCO World Heritage listed island and head over in droves of 4WDs loaded with tents, we elected to stay at more civilised lodgings. Accommodation options are sparse on Fraser Island, but we chose Kingfisher Bay Resort, lured by its glistening swimming pools and award-winning restaurants, while resting safe in the knowledge that the resort has won eco-friendly status.

The catamaran journey from Hervey Bay’s Urangan Harbour to Fraser Island passed quickly, with some day-trippers stepping ashore with others who had chosen to stay at the resort. The only way to see the picturesque treats of the largest sand island in the world is by 4WD. These can be hired at Kingfisher Bay, but those not willing to risk their insurance on the challenging terrain can join the resort’s own tour in bespoke 4WD coaches. Either way, there is no point visiting the island and not exploring its unspoilt rugged beauty to the full.

Driving along 75 Mile Beach is a unique experience in itself. An official highway with speed limits, police patrols, 4WDs racing along all day and small planes landing, it is a fun and slightly daunting challenge. Our first stop was Eli Creek, a crystal-clear chilly stream that we were thankful for in the morning heat. We floated along under a canopy of tropical trees before racing back to the start of the creek and starting the journey over again. On to Pile Valley, a wonderful rainforest walk through lush greenery and creeks, this brought us to the spectacular sight of the giant satinay trees, towering high into the sky above. We were struck by the peacefulness of the island inland, away from the roar of the ocean, and were told that with no rocks on the island, water flows noiselessly – it’s awe-inspiring that such dense rainforests can grow on the vast sand dunes at all.

We rested for the afternoon at Lake McKenzie, one of the island’s 100 freshwater lakes. It is a spectacular sight; a white silicon sand beach frames the water, which stretches seemingly to infinity in a rainbow of vivid blues and greens. It’s not difficult to see why the indigenous Aborigines knew Fraser Island as ‘K’gari’ or ‘Paradise’. This became even more apparent in the evening, when we joined a bush tucker tasting at the resort. Not a witchetty grub in sight – the tasting was a fascinating discovery of flavoursome berries, leaves, spices and nuts that grow in abundance on the island and which were used by the original inhabitants.

Our enthusiasm continued when we dined at the resort’s Seabelle restaurant, which combines these traditional ingredients with delicious Aussie fare. Sitting on the torch-lit decking accompanied by the sound of crickets, we enjoyed recommended wine pairings for every dish, our favourite of which was the Moreton Bay Bugs in Pancetta with Truffle Mash. We highly recommend that you pre-order the layered honeycomb white chocolate mousse before it goes – delicious! This was our favourite meal of the entire trip, closely followed by the resort’s seafood buffet at the Maheno restaurant, where we tucked into platefuls of fresh prawns, crab, oysters, sushi and barramundi.

Wanting to make the most of each day on Fraser Island, we were up early the next morning to join a ranger guided canoe paddle along the shore and up an eerily beautiful creek densely overhung with mangrove trees growing straight out of the water. This was a truly calming way to start the day. After heading out to explore the Maheno shipwreck and the swirling coloured sand cliffs along the beach, we got closer to nature, with a night walk led by one of the resort’s rangers. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and we were soon jumping with excitement at every spider, toad and stingray sighting.

It’s not difficult to immediately feel relaxed on Fraser Island, and as we tugged on our heavy suitcases and made our way back to the catamaran, we were relieved that nothing more strenuous than surfing in Byron Bay awaited us.”

To learn more about Fern and Oliver’s trip, speak to an Austravel Designer today for ideas and inspiration. To give you a taster here are some of the options available to you on Fraser Island:

For relaxation and exploration

Two-night Fraser Island Escape. Kingfisher Bay Resort sits in perfect harmony with its natural surrounds and is an idyllic base from which to explore Fraser Island. During this two-night escape you’ll get to explore the highlights of the island on a 4WD guided eco-tour.

For the adventurous

Two-day Fraser Island 4WD Self Drive. Make your own tracks on the world’s only six lane sand highway! Discover massive sand dunes, towering forests and freshwater lakes as you explore at your own pace.

For the young at heart

Two-day Fraser Island Cool Dingo. Explore some of Fraser’s best inland sights while making new friends on this two-day guided tour including simple accommodation at Kingfisher Bay’s Wilderness Lodges.

Need to know: From Sydney or Brisbane there is a direct flight to Hervey Bay Airport, and from here it’s just a 40 minute transfer to Fraser Island. Other travel options are to drive from Brisbane in five hours, or arrive in to Hervey Bay by Tilt Train.