Fraser Island

Fraser Island, Australia, 17, 19, 20 April 2008
Hervey Bay, Australia, 18 April 2008

We took the Greyhound bus from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, the jumping off point for our Fraser Island excursion. Our guide Peter picked us up at 7.30am... 10 minutes early! Blast, two cups of tea down the drain. We boarded his large 4x4-bus and, as we were the first, occupied the front two seats. It wasn't long before the bus was full (approx 15 passengers) and we were on the ferry to Fraser Island. We didn't really know what to expect other than the fact that it's a must do when travelling up the east coast of Australia. So, here's the scoop. Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island. But it doesn't look like one large sand dune, there is plenty of vegetation on the island - it just happens to all be growing in the sand. You are only allowed to take registered vehicles over so no Quad, dirt bikes or beach buggies. All vehicles must be 4 wheel drive but you are allowed to take your street legal motorbike over. We started by driving to the centre of the island and then doing a hike along the road through the Yidney Rainforrest. afterwards we drove on to Happy Valley for some lunch and were very pleasantly surprised. We had a notion that we'd be eating food from our laps whilst swatting away the bugs. No, this was a proper restaurant & there was a full buffet at our disposal.

Then it was on to Lake Wabby before heading north along the beach stopping off periodically, before reaching our final destination of the day - Cathedral Beach. We were staying in tents but really they were more like cabins than tents - Queen size bed, lots space, bedside locker with lamp - most luxurious. It was also here that we spotted a couple of dingos, I'm not sure what we were expecting really but they were a little underwhelming - they looked like dogs (which of course is what they are). All the time Peter, our guide, was telling us about the flora, the fauna, the logging history, the inhabitants and regaling us with his witty anecdotes. He was a really nice fella. There were four Dubs on the trip so we enjoyed sharing the craic with them. Dinner was another huge success and we were beginning to realise we'd landed on our feet with this trip. Later we got stuck into the lagers (like true backpackers do) and played a few hands of cards. We all slept well apart from when the dingos weer making a racket outside the tents.

Day Two and we headed north past the coloured sands to Indian Head and the Champagne Pools. There had been a few showers on Day 1 but Day 2 was perfect. Finally it was time to turn our 4x4 around and start heading back over to the west coast pick up spot at Moon Point. We took some time out at Lake Allom to view the cute little turtles and walk around the lake. It was a top notch 2 day tour made all the better by our knowledgeable & charismatic guide Peter, the sunshine & the bit of auld craic with the Irish lads.


Champagne Pools

Shipwreck SS Maheno

Lake Whabby

Indian Head

our tent!

Coloured Sand - Red Canyon

sunset at Hervey Bay