In addition to the uninterrupted coastal coastal beaches, Fraser Island is dotted with over 100 freshwater lakes, some with a vibrant green color and others that are crystal clear.

 All the lakes are also ringed with white sand beaches.  Fraser Island’s lakes are fed by crystal clear creeks running from the island’s dense, lush rainforest.

 Fraser Island is one of the only places in the world with rainforests growing in sand over 200m above sea level.  

In some of the lower elevation “wallum heaths” on the island, visitors can enjoy a stunning array of wildflowers in the spring.  In addition to that, the Great Sandy Strait, which

separates Fraser Island from the Eastern Queensland mainland, is the home to a variety of plants and wildlife, inlcuding: rare patterned ferns, mangrove colonies, sea grass beds, up to 40,000 migratory seabirds, and a number of rare, vulnerable, and endangered species like the dugong, Illidge’s ant-blue butterflies and eastern curlews.

Fraser Island is one of four World Heritage spots, along with Uluru, Kakadu, and the Great Barrier Reef.  As such, the island is completely protected for future generations to enjoy.

 Fraser Island: What to Do

One of the most popular attractions at Fraser Island is 4WD-ing.  The island is strictly four-wheel drive territory.

 The Seventy-Five Mile Beach is an actual highway that runs up the surf side of the island.  Visitors can drive along the beach and and enjoy the stunning view as you drive right along the water.

You can also stop off at certain places along the way and swim, surf, or fish.

 All the attractions on the island, including, beaches, lakes, and rainforests, are linked by a network of sand tracks, thus making them easily accessible.  

Those coming to the island with the intention of 4WD-ing, or who are hoping to drive around to multiple attractions should know a few things.  First, the normal rules of the road in Australia apply to Fraser Island.  

The driving conditions on the island vary depending on the weather and the tide.  On the Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the speed limit is 80km/h, but on all other island sand tracks, it is only 35km/h.

 All drivers should carry spares, a tow rope, a shovel, water, and a first aid kit, just in case they become stuck in the sand.  Additionally, prior to driving around the island, visitors must obtain a vehicle access permit.  

These permits can be obtained from the River Head Barge landing, at the Kingfisher Bay Resort reception, or at the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service offices in Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg, and Rainbow Beach.  

Another popular activity at Fraser Island is fishing.  The island’s famous Seventy- Five Mile Beach provides some of the best fishing in the world.

The surf gutters along the coast allow for year-round fishing, with whiting and bream abundant in the warmer months and swallowtail being available year round.  

Additionally, the tailor season in the winter brings dozens of fishing groups to the island.  Visiting fishers can launch their boats behind Indian Head and Waddy Point.  

Where to Stay – Fraser Island

Kingfisher Bay Resort: The Kingfisher Bay Resort is a purpose-built Ecotourism resort.  It holds nine certifications from the Ecotourism Australia for its tours and accommodations.

It has won a further six Australian Tourism Awards and was inducted into the Queensland Tourism Awards Hall of Fame in 2006.  

The resort overlooks the Great Sandy Strait and offers a number

1. of guided walks, talks and 4WD tours as well as dolphin and whale watch cruises. The resort boasts 109 2-3 bed rooms, self contained villas, bars, restaurants, cafes, a night club, tennis courts, water sports, massage and beauty center, kids clubs, a general store, bottle shop, 4WD center, and a petrol station.  
2. Eurong Beach Resort: The Eurong Beach Resort is designed to suit all budgets.  It offers everything from modern, one and two bedroom apartments to backpacker beds and group accommodation.             It is located right on the beach, with easy access to the Seventy-Five Mile Beach.                                  Its central location on the island also allows for easy access to either the north or the south of the island.   

 It is located in particularly close proximity to Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, in the south, as well as the Pile Valley rainforests and Central Station.  

The facilities include a general store and bottle shop, a bakery, coffee shop, modern restaurant and bar, and two swimming pools, one of which is adjoined by the Beach Bar and entertainment center.  

Tours

For those who want to see the beauty of Fraser Island, but don’t want to do all the off road driving, they can register for either a one, or 2-3 day tour of the island, lead by an expert guide.

The tours operate daily from Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach.  They include pick up from your accommodation, all meals, and multi-share accommodation for 2-3 days.

How to Get There

Fraser Island is accessible by car from Brisbane and Bundaberg.  There is also an airport at Hervey Bay.  

QantasLink flies three times daily during weekdays and 2 times daily during weekends from Brisbane.  Virgin flies daily from Sydney and Melbourne.  

Visitors can also travel to the island via coach or train.  Coach services are available to Maryborough and Hervey Bay from Brisbane or from north Queensland on Greyhound-Pioneer-McCafferty’s, Premier, and Suncoast Pacific Coaches.

 As for the train, both the Tilt Train and the Sunlander allow access to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island.