Fraser Island

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05/12/2009 - We woke early again today, got ready and checked out of this fantastic hostel in Harvey Bay. We left our luggage at the desk because we would be returning late tomorrow afternoon after spending a couple of days on Fraser Island. We grabbed our overnight packs and sat to have breakfast while we waited for our tour bus to pick us up. Soon enough it arrived and we jumped aboard for our trip to the barge. There were so many different companies, most of which I recognised from when I was booking, we were on an overnight tour with Fraser Island Explorer. It took us around 45 minutes to reach Fraser Island where we met our guide and group for the next couple of days. After intro’s and safety tips we were on our way in a massive 4WD bus. Only 4WD’s are allowed onto Fraser Island and for good reason, it took us an hour to get to the East side of the island and what a ride. It was fast, bumpy and bloody entertaining driving through the amazing rainforest on sand.

We stopped at Eurong Beach Resort for a quick break and to pick up a few more people for the tour. Before long we were ready to head to our first destination, Lake Wabby. As we left the resort we headed straight for the beach, and to my astonishment drove very fast down the beach. The beaches here were used like highways and the trick was to drive fast otherwise risk getting bogged in. There was something about driving along the beach, I was absolutely loving this, plus the views were incredible. After an exciting drive we eventually reached the trailhead for Lake Wabby. It was a very hot day and we were in for what turned out to be a very, very long walk. Slowly we hiked through the bush, when after a good 45 minutes of trekking we reached a magnificent opening, there was just sand, loads of it. Once we walked around a large dune we could see Lake Wabby all the way at the bottom, we jumped straight in for an incredibly refreshing swim. There wasn’t anything particularly amazing about Lake Wabby so after a brief swim we began the long hike back to the bus in the boiling hot heat.

We next headed to a lookout point called Indian Head, but on the way stopped at an awesome shipwreck in the middle on the beach. It was an incredible sight and with the tide being out made for an even more picturesque view. Our tour guide said that only very, very rarely was the tide ever out so far you could walk around it. We moved on towards Indian Head and took a short walk uphill to the lookout point. The views were impressive, very impressive and from here we could actually see dolphins in the distance. But it was an unusual lookout point as on either side of us all we could see were beaches so it’s weird how this massive rock formation just sits in between them. After a few photos we headed back down and back into the bus. I was in the front seat this time, again another thrilling ride with a fantastic view as we flew down 75 Mile Beach towards Eli Creek.

Eli Creek was a beautiful freshwater creek that ran through the rainforest and met the beach then onto the ocean. We braved it and most of the group jumped into the crystal clear creek and began walking against it towards the rainforest. It was freezing cold, but after getting used to it, incredibly refreshing. The water was perfectly clear, you could see everything on the bottom, it was amazing. Unfortunately Hannah didn’t brave the creek and instead walked along the boardwalk and met me down the creek. I eventually convinced her to come in and wade back down the creek, it was so much fun. I took loads of photos, but only when you look at them the water looks as if it’s a light brown colour, when really it’s clear and clean enough to drink. It was getting late, once everyone was back we returned to Eurong Resort. We were given our rooms, which we were very impressed with, they were massive, then told what time dinner was. Dinner was an all you can eat buffet which was delicious, we stuffed ourselves then return to our room to sleep, we were exhausted.

06/12/2009 - We woke and had breakfast on what was our final day on Fraser Island. After packing our gear we met the group early and were quickly on our way. Since we had done so much yesterday today we had more time to spend at the best place on Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie. Lake McKenzie was an absolutely stunning freshwater lake. With pure white sand and crystal clear water, it felt like we were in paradise. The sand here was actually so fine that you could polish silver for a better shine. We had just over 2 hours to relax here and since it was so hot today I spent most of the time in the water as did Hannah. Afterwards I spent some take taking photos before shortly after it was time to head off. It was a long drive till we got to Central Station and because it was such a hot day the sand was very soft. We had to stop the bus as someone had bogged their suburban 4WD in the sand ahead, then the car helping them out burnt their clutch. Quite frustrating when we didn’t have a whole lot of time left here. Luckily another Fraser Island Explorer bus came to the rescue and pulled them both out of the way.

When we arrived at Central Station and had a picnic lunch which Eurong Resort had specially prepared for us. After cleaning up and packing away the eskies, our tour guide showed us the trailhead of a rainforest hike then drove to the finish to meet us there. It was a beautiful trail which weaved around another freshwater creek. On the way we kept a lookout for any wildlife running around, we spotted a massive lizard and lots of birds, that was about it. Though the walk itself was really enjoyable, and towards the end as we hiked uphill, had some fantastic views of the rainforest below. As we were approaching the end of the trail our tour guide jumped out from behind a tree after making dingo noises, it startled us but we knew it didn’t sound like a dingo. Later he left a rubber snake on the trail, didn’t really phase me but we were in tears of laughter as we watched everyone return from the hike some jumping and screaming at the fake snake.

We were at the end of our short stay on the magnificent sand dune island, Fraser Island. We made a short stop at Eurong Resort to drop some people off, then made the long and bumpy drive back to the barge. It was another 45min on the barge until we reached Harvey Bay where buses waited for us to return us to our accommodation. We checked back into Colonial Village and got the same room, tonight we made our own dinner and a couple of drinks and played cards, then crashed pretty early after a massive couple of days.

Accommodation:
Eurong Beach Resort

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Photos

Fraser Island
The spectacular skeleton of the SS Maheno, on Fraser Island

Fraser Island
On the barge on our way towards the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island.

Fraser Island
Our beast of a 4WD tour bus with Fraser Island Explorer Tours.

Fraser Island
Amazing views across the beaches of Fraser Island while standing on Indian Head.

Fraser Island
Walking in Eli Creek, the water was crystal clear and refreshing to drink too.

Fraser Island
Stunning Lake McKenzie in the centre of Fraser Island

Fraser Island
Beautiful clear blue water and soft white sands of Lake Mckenzie.

Fraser Island
Walking through the rainforest besides another crystal clear freshwater stream.

Fraser Island
The highways of Fraser Island.

Comments

[Eric]

I really enjoyed your post and photos from Fraser Island. They reminded me of my own time there, a few years ago. I hope to bring my girlfriend back there one day soon. Our blog is looking for travel photos, reviews, etc, to share. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email us at [e-mail]. Continued fun on your travels! Eric