Things to do
Fraser Island is a truly spectacular place renowned for its magnificent beauty and its sheer natural diversity: wide uninterrupted surf beaches,spectacular rocky headlands for viewing the migrating whale population (August - November), striking coloured sands, complex dune systems, crystal clear freshwater creeks, lakes, unspoilt rainforests, majestic tall timbers and diverse wildlife and birdlife. The less known low 'wallum' heaths on the western side of the island display vibrant wildflowers in spring.
There are just so many holiday options on Fraser Island. Some come to trek, some to swim and sunbake, some to four-wheel drive on beaches and through rainforests, some to see the famed whales and some to bird watch.... whatever takes your fancy. Fraser Island is famous for playing host to all keen fishermen, women and children all year round. The most popular time for fishing is the tailor season (from July to October).
Popular destinations for visitors include Eli Creek, the Coloured Sands, Maheno Wreck, Indian Head, Champagne Pools, Waddy Point, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, rainforests, fishing, dunes and four wheel driving vehicle.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It has many scenic attractions. If you wish to venture inland away from the Eastern beach and travel on the sandy tracks, remember that your pace will be slow. This means that to explore this huge island you will need to allow yourself plenty of time. Fraser Island is a huge island and it will take you many days to fully appreciate and experience its wonders.
The following is one of many possible ways to organise your visit. This possible plan is provided for first time visitors who may want to maximize the use of their time. Day trips can be done in any order.
Day 1: Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, Pile Valley (Walk)
Day 2: Lake Wabby (Walk) & Rainbow Gorge
Day 3: Eli Creek, Maheno Wreck, Coloured Sands
Day 4. Lake McKenzie, Basin Lake (Walk)
Day 5: Indian Head, Champagne Pools, Waddy Point
Day 6: Lake Garawongera, Poyungan Forest and Valley of the Giants (Walk)
Day 7: Yidney Scrub Rainforest, Allom Lake Circuit and return via Eastern Beach
Day 8: Southern Lakes Visit Circuit via Lake Boomanjin and Lake Birrabeen
Day 9: Wabby Lookout, Kingfisher Bay
(VERY IMPORTANT: With all destinations involving beach travel, be sure to check tide times before setting out, to ensure that you have enough time to return along the beach before dark. Do not travel on the beach within one and a half hours before or after high tide.)
For the more adventurous there are also:
Scenic Flights: Scenic Flights of the Island, Hervey Bay and Lady Elliott Island (Barrier Reef). These can be arranged to depart from Happy Valley. The Eastern Beach is the airstrip runway, so watch out for vehicles and waves! Spectacular helicopter tours are also available departing from the helipad at Happy Valley.
The Great Walk: This famed walk stretches over 90 kilometres from Happy Valley in the north to Dili Village in the south. It takes 6-8 days to complete. Take care to be properly equipped for a walk in a wilderness area. This trek passes through the Valley of the Giants, Lake Wabby, Lake Mckenzie and Central Station. Guided treks can be organised. There are more than 40 walking trails on Fraser Island for you to choose from.
Drive to Great Sandy Cape: Sandy Cape Lighthouse and Rooney Point are located on the northern end of Fraser Island. The drive up the Eastern Beach to this semi-remote area can be difficult. Check with Rangers re: present access. It is recommended for fully equipped and experienced four-wheel drivers only. Low tyre pressure is required to traverse very loose sand around bypasses such as Ngkala Rocks. It is recommended that vehicles do not travel alone in the event that one vehicle becomes bogged. Always carry towing equipment and plenty of drinking water. For everyone's safety stand far away from bumper bars of both vehicles when any attempts are being made to tow one out of a bog. Those who make this journey up to Sandy Cape will experience a true beach wilderness. The less adventurous may choose to travel only as far north as the accessible Ocean Lake.
Remember do not drive on the Eastern Beach one and a half hours before or after high tide. Always check tide times before traveling.
There are just so many holiday options on Fraser Island. Some come to trek, some to swim and sunbake, some to four-wheel drive on beaches and through rainforests, some to see the famed whales and some to bird watch.... whatever takes your fancy. Fraser Island is famous for playing host to all keen fishermen, women and children all year round. The most popular time for fishing is the tailor season (from July to October).
Popular destinations for visitors include Eli Creek, the Coloured Sands, Maheno Wreck, Indian Head, Champagne Pools, Waddy Point, Lake Wabby, Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, rainforests, fishing, dunes and four wheel driving vehicle.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It has many scenic attractions. If you wish to venture inland away from the Eastern beach and travel on the sandy tracks, remember that your pace will be slow. This means that to explore this huge island you will need to allow yourself plenty of time. Fraser Island is a huge island and it will take you many days to fully appreciate and experience its wonders.
The following is one of many possible ways to organise your visit. This possible plan is provided for first time visitors who may want to maximize the use of their time. Day trips can be done in any order.
Day 1: Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, Pile Valley (Walk)
Day 2: Lake Wabby (Walk) & Rainbow Gorge
Day 3: Eli Creek, Maheno Wreck, Coloured Sands
Day 4. Lake McKenzie, Basin Lake (Walk)
Day 5: Indian Head, Champagne Pools, Waddy Point
Day 6: Lake Garawongera, Poyungan Forest and Valley of the Giants (Walk)
Day 7: Yidney Scrub Rainforest, Allom Lake Circuit and return via Eastern Beach
Day 8: Southern Lakes Visit Circuit via Lake Boomanjin and Lake Birrabeen
Day 9: Wabby Lookout, Kingfisher Bay
(VERY IMPORTANT: With all destinations involving beach travel, be sure to check tide times before setting out, to ensure that you have enough time to return along the beach before dark. Do not travel on the beach within one and a half hours before or after high tide.)
For the more adventurous there are also:
Scenic Flights: Scenic Flights of the Island, Hervey Bay and Lady Elliott Island (Barrier Reef). These can be arranged to depart from Happy Valley. The Eastern Beach is the airstrip runway, so watch out for vehicles and waves! Spectacular helicopter tours are also available departing from the helipad at Happy Valley.
The Great Walk: This famed walk stretches over 90 kilometres from Happy Valley in the north to Dili Village in the south. It takes 6-8 days to complete. Take care to be properly equipped for a walk in a wilderness area. This trek passes through the Valley of the Giants, Lake Wabby, Lake Mckenzie and Central Station. Guided treks can be organised. There are more than 40 walking trails on Fraser Island for you to choose from.
Drive to Great Sandy Cape: Sandy Cape Lighthouse and Rooney Point are located on the northern end of Fraser Island. The drive up the Eastern Beach to this semi-remote area can be difficult. Check with Rangers re: present access. It is recommended for fully equipped and experienced four-wheel drivers only. Low tyre pressure is required to traverse very loose sand around bypasses such as Ngkala Rocks. It is recommended that vehicles do not travel alone in the event that one vehicle becomes bogged. Always carry towing equipment and plenty of drinking water. For everyone's safety stand far away from bumper bars of both vehicles when any attempts are being made to tow one out of a bog. Those who make this journey up to Sandy Cape will experience a true beach wilderness. The less adventurous may choose to travel only as far north as the accessible Ocean Lake.
Remember do not drive on the Eastern Beach one and a half hours before or after high tide. Always check tide times before traveling.