Fraser Island

Fraser Island Qld 4655 

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. Located on the Fraser Coast 300 km north of Brisbane and just off the coast from Hervey Bay, it is 123 km long, covers an area of 184 000 sq km and comprises freshwater lakes, rainforests, beaches, coloured sand cliffs and dunes (some 240m high). The island is named after Eliza Fraser who, together with companions, was shipwrecked here in 1836 and having survived brutal treatment by the local Aborigines was feted as a heroine. The first permanent settlement was Sandy Cape Lighthouse (1870) built due to numerous shipwrecks. Sadly due to alcohol, enslavement and exploitation of timber reserves, the Aboriginal population was completely destroyed by 1930s. Fraser Island is rich in many flora & fauna species including the dingo, thought to be the purest strain in eastern Australia. Not to be missed are Woongoolbver Creek, Lake Wabby (island’s deepest lake), Rainbow Gorge (coloured sand formations), Eli Creek (large freshwater swimming creek), Indian Head, Middle Rocks and Waddy Point (rock outcrops), Lakes - McKenzie, Boemingen, Ocean, Hidden, Coomboo (pristine water ways), 'Cathedrals' and 'Pinnacles' (multi coloured sands) and the Maheno shipwreck (1935). Access from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay which run regular ferry services.

Visitor Information Centre: Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay. Tel (07) 4124 8741 or Fraser-South Burnett Regional Tourist Board Tel (07) 4122 3444.