Australia's Fraser Island
by: Glenn Murray
For all its conveniences, modern living leaves a lot to be desired. We
spend our days enduring the ever-increasing pressures of work, the city’
s oppressive unfriendliness, the daily commuter grind and the
aggressive reality of impatient road-ragers.
Is something missing?
Unfortunately, work is a reality for most of us. So too is city and
suburban living, dreary weather, pollution, traffic… But it doesn’t have to
be all there is to life. Try something that puts you in touch with who you
really are. Try something elemental. Try something that soothes your
soul.
Try Fraser Island.
Fraser Island isn’t just an island paradise. It’s a unique and luxurious
combination of Australia’s rich natural heritage, its earthy roots, its
wholesome majesty, and its refreshingly simple essentials. It’s a
chance to touch the fine sands, to drift in the temperate water, to bask in
the sun that seems all yours… It’s your chance to partake of a life that
most Australians have forgotten.
Spend a week on and in turquoise waters, a week without shoes with
the sand between your toes, a week fishing and perhaps living off your
catch. Your perspective can’t help but change.
It’s not a mere fleeting appreciation. It’s something you take with you.
Island Fraser can help remind you that you’re not your job. How
important are the forms and the filing, the meetings and
memorandums? You can learn a lot about yourself when you take away
all the things that don’t matter.
And really… is there any better way to experience this epiphany than in
paradise?
Fraser Island certainly is a paradise, no matter which way you look at it.
At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and a short boat ride from
Hervey Bay in South-East Queensland, Fraser is 124 km from tip to toe
and 16 km across the middle. At 163,000 hectares, it’s the world’s
biggest sand island.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s all just sand. Not by a long shot! The
whole island is laced with crystal clear fresh water streams, and deep
midnight blue fresh water lakes. In fact, with over 40 fresh water lakes –
it’s home to half of the world’s known ‘perched’ lakes. It also boasts a
dazzling diversity of plants and animals (including Australia’s purest
strain of dingo), and an amazing variety of spectacular landscapes, from
120 km of non-stop tropical beach to dense and towering rainforest,
weathered headland to ochre gorge, inspiring cliffs to wandering dunes,
eerie mangroves to wind-blown salt pans.
What’s more, you have your choice of accommodation, so you can
choose your own level of ‘communion with nature’. From 4½ star luxury
resorts to rental retreats to motels and units, right through to the good
‘ole campsite. Whether you’re a sucker for a bit of pampering, or you’re
perfectly at home with a tent and a campfire on the beach, Fraser is a
great provider.
And great accommodation is just the start… The island boasts average
temperatures of 29°c in summer and 22°c in winter, so it’s no surprise
that outdoor activities feature prominently on the agenda. Adrenalin
addicts and dedicated sunbathers alike will appreciate the vast range
available. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), there’s always
something for everyone. The only problem is choosing! Fishing, 4-
wheel-driving, eating, sailing, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming,
eating, whale & dolphin-watching, shipwreck exploration, eating, beauty
therapy, massage, lazing in the sun, eating, beach volleyball, tennis,
cricket, eating, canoeing, sailboarding, snorkelling, eating… And
needless to say, a few quiet drinks might make their way onto the
agenda as well…
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that the Fraser Island was
originally known as K’gari – or ‘Paradise’ – by local Aboriginal peoples.
Fraser Island certainly is “paradise for everyone”!
Four Wheel Driving on Fraser Island
Being a sand island, the only mode of land transport is 4WD. Of course,
for many visitors, that’s the main attraction. 4WD enthusiasts from all
around the world visit Fraser Island to pit themselves and their vehicles
against the rugged terrain found all over the island. From the hard-
packed seashore to the shifting dune to the forests of the interior, Fraser
Island is the ideal 4WD location.
Don’t be scared though – it’s not all about extreme driving for experts!
Whether you’re an novice, or you just prefer a more leisured pace of life,
you’ll find a much more sedate satisfaction in one of the many
organised 4WD tours offered around the island. Or if you just want to get
out on your own, you can hire a 4WD for a day, and indulge in a bit of
quiet exploring.
No matter which option you choose, though, there are a few ‘ground
rules’ you should observe. Remember the dangers of driving on the
beach. The further you adventure from the shoreline, the softer the sand.
The softer the sand, the more likely you are to get into trouble. Generally
speaking, keep your speed down, and remember you’re in a World
Heritage listed environment… so be careful.
Fishing on Fraser Island
No island holiday would be complete without a lazy day or two spent
fishing. Beach fishing is the big drawcard for Fraser Island. And with
150 km of ocean beach to choose from, why wouldn’t it be? Middle
Rocks, Sandy Cape, Waddy Point, and Seventy Five Mile Beach are just
a few of the choice locations available for you to finally get the better of
‘the one that got away’.
The famed ‘tailor run’ occurs on the eastern (ocean) side of the island
between July and October each year. In the angling world, this time –
known as ‘tailor season’ – is a much anticipated event, with huge
schools of big fish working the beaches. But if you can’t make it
between late winter and early spring, rest assured, tailor season is just
one date to mark in your calendar. The western side of Fraser has been
known to reward the odd angler with a fine bag of bream, whiting and
flathead.
Angler’s Advice
Pick the fish you’re after, and take advantage of the handy hints below to
make the most of your fishing trip.
Fish: Tailor
Bait: Pilchard, 3 hook gang, lure
Timing: Late July to October
Location: Eastern Beaches
Fish: Dart
Bait: Pippies or worms
Timing: All year
Location: Eastern Beaches
Fish: Bream
Bait: Flesh strips, mullet gut, fowl gut, pippies
Timing: May to September
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west
Fish: Whiting
Bait: Worms, yabbies, pippies, prawns
Timing: All year
Location: Low tide on the east, creeks on the west
Fish: Flathead
Bait: Live baits, pilchards, lures
Timing: All year
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west
Fish: Jewfish
Bait: Whole mullet, tailor fillets, beach worms
Timing: May to September at night on the full moon, low or high tide
Location: Deep gutters and rocky outcrops
Of course, many more varieties are there for the taking, including
mackerel, tuna, and reef fish. And if you’re not indisposed to a bit of sea
fishing, you can book a berth on one of the larger boats launched to take
advantage of the red emperor, coral trout, maori cod and parrot to be
found off the Continental Shelf and local reefs.
Fraser Island Water Sports
As you’d expect, Fraser Island plays host to a vast array of water sports.
Whether you’re after a lazy drifting afternoon – cocktail in hand, or an
invigorating workout, there’s a water sport for you. All fitness levels (and
energy levels!) are catered for.
Ease yourself into the aqua-life with a refreshing dip at one of the most
beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by pure white sandy
beaches, the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie are without doubt
amongst the most idyllic to be found. Alternatively, exercise your
imagination with a visit to the ghostly shipwreck of the “Maheno”, then
submerge yourself in the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek.
Fraser Island sits on a huge reservoir of fresh water, and is home to
numerous spectacular fresh water lakes, including some perched high
above sea level. You have your choice of over 40 lakes… Lake Wabby,
Champagne Pools, Basin Lake… to name but a few. Clearly, Fraser
Island is amply equipped to pamper even the fussiest fresh water
connoisseur.
For something a little more strenuous, why not hire paddle ski or canoe
and paddle yourself up Dundonga Creek. It’s generally a 1 hour round
trip, so by the time you return, you’ll be ready to settle back into some
more relaxed pastimes.
Fraser Island Whale and Dolphin Watching
Every year from August to October, you can book a berth on a whale
watch cruise. Enjoy a fantastic half day of sun, salt, and ocean breezes
while keeping your eyes peeled for Fraser’s famous migrating
humpbacks.
The annual humpback migration is truly an awesome spectacle. Family
pods take a well earned rest in the waters west of Fraser Island after
travelling 5000 km from the icy waters of the Antarctic. The sight of a 15
tonne (that’s the weight of 11 elephants!) adult female humpback
rearing out of the ocean is absolutely awe-inspiring.
And don’t worry… if your holiday doesn’t coincide with the migration, you
can still catch a cruise questing for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and the
odd Indo Pacific Humpback.
Speak to your hotel or resort for information about organising a whale or
dolphin watching cruise. Alternatively, contact Kingfisher Bay Resort and
ask about their tours.
Fraser Island Tips & Reminders
Access to Fraser Island is via vehicular barge or catamaran
4WDs only on Fraser Island (there are no paved roads except in resorts)
Don’t feed or pet the dingoes (or any other animals)
No domestic animals allowed
Most activities on the island can be enjoyed individually or as part of a
booked tour group.
You’ll need permits to 4WD or camp
4WDs can be hired on the mainland or on the island
Don’t leave food unattended
All but the hardest sand can be unpredictable and perilous for a 4WD
High and low tide gutters around dawn or dusk are best for fishing
If four wheel driving, take a good map and a tyre pressure gauge
For further information about all aspects of Fraser Island, including
accommodation, hire guides, and barge booking details and
timetables, see http://www.boxatrix.com/.
How Much?
Accommodation - Prices vary from approximately $4 per night if you’re
camping right up to $850 per night for the VIP room at the 4½ star luxury
of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Permits - A 4WD vehicle permit will cost you $31.85. Camping permits
are $4 per person per night or $16 per family per night. Children under 5
are free. To purchase a permit or obtain detailed information, call the
Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service at Rainbow Beach on
(07) 5486 3160.
Vehicular Barge Access - Barges operate daily from Hervey Bay and
Rainbow Beach. Tickets start at $82.20 return per vehicle per driver.
Extra vehicle passengers will cost $5.50 each. Several barges operate
with different destinations on the island. Most require bookings.
4WD Hire - Rates start at around $90 per day for a Suzuki Sierra, up to
$130 per day for a Landrover Defender (depending on the duration of
hire).
Flights to Queensland - Qantas offers return flights to Hervey Bay via
Brisbane from $407 departing Sydney, and from $527 departing
Melbourne.
About The Author
Glenn Murray heads advertising copywriting studio Divine Write. He can
be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com.
Visit http://www.divinewrite.com for further details or more FREE articles.
by: Glenn Murray
For all its conveniences, modern living leaves a lot to be desired. We
spend our days enduring the ever-increasing pressures of work, the city’
s oppressive unfriendliness, the daily commuter grind and the
aggressive reality of impatient road-ragers.
Is something missing?
Unfortunately, work is a reality for most of us. So too is city and
suburban living, dreary weather, pollution, traffic… But it doesn’t have to
be all there is to life. Try something that puts you in touch with who you
really are. Try something elemental. Try something that soothes your
soul.
Try Fraser Island.
Fraser Island isn’t just an island paradise. It’s a unique and luxurious
combination of Australia’s rich natural heritage, its earthy roots, its
wholesome majesty, and its refreshingly simple essentials. It’s a
chance to touch the fine sands, to drift in the temperate water, to bask in
the sun that seems all yours… It’s your chance to partake of a life that
most Australians have forgotten.
Spend a week on and in turquoise waters, a week without shoes with
the sand between your toes, a week fishing and perhaps living off your
catch. Your perspective can’t help but change.
It’s not a mere fleeting appreciation. It’s something you take with you.
Island Fraser can help remind you that you’re not your job. How
important are the forms and the filing, the meetings and
memorandums? You can learn a lot about yourself when you take away
all the things that don’t matter.
And really… is there any better way to experience this epiphany than in
paradise?
Fraser Island certainly is a paradise, no matter which way you look at it.
At the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, and a short boat ride from
Hervey Bay in South-East Queensland, Fraser is 124 km from tip to toe
and 16 km across the middle. At 163,000 hectares, it’s the world’s
biggest sand island.
Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s all just sand. Not by a long shot! The
whole island is laced with crystal clear fresh water streams, and deep
midnight blue fresh water lakes. In fact, with over 40 fresh water lakes –
it’s home to half of the world’s known ‘perched’ lakes. It also boasts a
dazzling diversity of plants and animals (including Australia’s purest
strain of dingo), and an amazing variety of spectacular landscapes, from
120 km of non-stop tropical beach to dense and towering rainforest,
weathered headland to ochre gorge, inspiring cliffs to wandering dunes,
eerie mangroves to wind-blown salt pans.
What’s more, you have your choice of accommodation, so you can
choose your own level of ‘communion with nature’. From 4½ star luxury
resorts to rental retreats to motels and units, right through to the good
‘ole campsite. Whether you’re a sucker for a bit of pampering, or you’re
perfectly at home with a tent and a campfire on the beach, Fraser is a
great provider.
And great accommodation is just the start… The island boasts average
temperatures of 29°c in summer and 22°c in winter, so it’s no surprise
that outdoor activities feature prominently on the agenda. Adrenalin
addicts and dedicated sunbathers alike will appreciate the vast range
available. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), there’s always
something for everyone. The only problem is choosing! Fishing, 4-
wheel-driving, eating, sailing, bird-watching, bush-walking, swimming,
eating, whale & dolphin-watching, shipwreck exploration, eating, beauty
therapy, massage, lazing in the sun, eating, beach volleyball, tennis,
cricket, eating, canoeing, sailboarding, snorkelling, eating… And
needless to say, a few quiet drinks might make their way onto the
agenda as well…
With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that the Fraser Island was
originally known as K’gari – or ‘Paradise’ – by local Aboriginal peoples.
Fraser Island certainly is “paradise for everyone”!
Four Wheel Driving on Fraser Island
Being a sand island, the only mode of land transport is 4WD. Of course,
for many visitors, that’s the main attraction. 4WD enthusiasts from all
around the world visit Fraser Island to pit themselves and their vehicles
against the rugged terrain found all over the island. From the hard-
packed seashore to the shifting dune to the forests of the interior, Fraser
Island is the ideal 4WD location.
Don’t be scared though – it’s not all about extreme driving for experts!
Whether you’re an novice, or you just prefer a more leisured pace of life,
you’ll find a much more sedate satisfaction in one of the many
organised 4WD tours offered around the island. Or if you just want to get
out on your own, you can hire a 4WD for a day, and indulge in a bit of
quiet exploring.
No matter which option you choose, though, there are a few ‘ground
rules’ you should observe. Remember the dangers of driving on the
beach. The further you adventure from the shoreline, the softer the sand.
The softer the sand, the more likely you are to get into trouble. Generally
speaking, keep your speed down, and remember you’re in a World
Heritage listed environment… so be careful.
Fishing on Fraser Island
No island holiday would be complete without a lazy day or two spent
fishing. Beach fishing is the big drawcard for Fraser Island. And with
150 km of ocean beach to choose from, why wouldn’t it be? Middle
Rocks, Sandy Cape, Waddy Point, and Seventy Five Mile Beach are just
a few of the choice locations available for you to finally get the better of
‘the one that got away’.
The famed ‘tailor run’ occurs on the eastern (ocean) side of the island
between July and October each year. In the angling world, this time –
known as ‘tailor season’ – is a much anticipated event, with huge
schools of big fish working the beaches. But if you can’t make it
between late winter and early spring, rest assured, tailor season is just
one date to mark in your calendar. The western side of Fraser has been
known to reward the odd angler with a fine bag of bream, whiting and
flathead.
Angler’s Advice
Pick the fish you’re after, and take advantage of the handy hints below to
make the most of your fishing trip.
Fish: Tailor
Bait: Pilchard, 3 hook gang, lure
Timing: Late July to October
Location: Eastern Beaches
Fish: Dart
Bait: Pippies or worms
Timing: All year
Location: Eastern Beaches
Fish: Bream
Bait: Flesh strips, mullet gut, fowl gut, pippies
Timing: May to September
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west
Fish: Whiting
Bait: Worms, yabbies, pippies, prawns
Timing: All year
Location: Low tide on the east, creeks on the west
Fish: Flathead
Bait: Live baits, pilchards, lures
Timing: All year
Location: Rocky outcrops on east coast or creeks on the west
Fish: Jewfish
Bait: Whole mullet, tailor fillets, beach worms
Timing: May to September at night on the full moon, low or high tide
Location: Deep gutters and rocky outcrops
Of course, many more varieties are there for the taking, including
mackerel, tuna, and reef fish. And if you’re not indisposed to a bit of sea
fishing, you can book a berth on one of the larger boats launched to take
advantage of the red emperor, coral trout, maori cod and parrot to be
found off the Continental Shelf and local reefs.
Fraser Island Water Sports
As you’d expect, Fraser Island plays host to a vast array of water sports.
Whether you’re after a lazy drifting afternoon – cocktail in hand, or an
invigorating workout, there’s a water sport for you. All fitness levels (and
energy levels!) are catered for.
Ease yourself into the aqua-life with a refreshing dip at one of the most
beautiful beaches in the world. Surrounded by pure white sandy
beaches, the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie are without doubt
amongst the most idyllic to be found. Alternatively, exercise your
imagination with a visit to the ghostly shipwreck of the “Maheno”, then
submerge yourself in the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek.
Fraser Island sits on a huge reservoir of fresh water, and is home to
numerous spectacular fresh water lakes, including some perched high
above sea level. You have your choice of over 40 lakes… Lake Wabby,
Champagne Pools, Basin Lake… to name but a few. Clearly, Fraser
Island is amply equipped to pamper even the fussiest fresh water
connoisseur.
For something a little more strenuous, why not hire paddle ski or canoe
and paddle yourself up Dundonga Creek. It’s generally a 1 hour round
trip, so by the time you return, you’ll be ready to settle back into some
more relaxed pastimes.
Fraser Island Whale and Dolphin Watching
Every year from August to October, you can book a berth on a whale
watch cruise. Enjoy a fantastic half day of sun, salt, and ocean breezes
while keeping your eyes peeled for Fraser’s famous migrating
humpbacks.
The annual humpback migration is truly an awesome spectacle. Family
pods take a well earned rest in the waters west of Fraser Island after
travelling 5000 km from the icy waters of the Antarctic. The sight of a 15
tonne (that’s the weight of 11 elephants!) adult female humpback
rearing out of the ocean is absolutely awe-inspiring.
And don’t worry… if your holiday doesn’t coincide with the migration, you
can still catch a cruise questing for dolphins, dugongs, turtles and the
odd Indo Pacific Humpback.
Speak to your hotel or resort for information about organising a whale or
dolphin watching cruise. Alternatively, contact Kingfisher Bay Resort and
ask about their tours.
Fraser Island Tips & Reminders
Access to Fraser Island is via vehicular barge or catamaran
4WDs only on Fraser Island (there are no paved roads except in resorts)
Don’t feed or pet the dingoes (or any other animals)
No domestic animals allowed
Most activities on the island can be enjoyed individually or as part of a
booked tour group.
You’ll need permits to 4WD or camp
4WDs can be hired on the mainland or on the island
Don’t leave food unattended
All but the hardest sand can be unpredictable and perilous for a 4WD
High and low tide gutters around dawn or dusk are best for fishing
If four wheel driving, take a good map and a tyre pressure gauge
For further information about all aspects of Fraser Island, including
accommodation, hire guides, and barge booking details and
timetables, see http://www.boxatrix.com/.
How Much?
Accommodation - Prices vary from approximately $4 per night if you’re
camping right up to $850 per night for the VIP room at the 4½ star luxury
of Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Permits - A 4WD vehicle permit will cost you $31.85. Camping permits
are $4 per person per night or $16 per family per night. Children under 5
are free. To purchase a permit or obtain detailed information, call the
Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service at Rainbow Beach on
(07) 5486 3160.
Vehicular Barge Access - Barges operate daily from Hervey Bay and
Rainbow Beach. Tickets start at $82.20 return per vehicle per driver.
Extra vehicle passengers will cost $5.50 each. Several barges operate
with different destinations on the island. Most require bookings.
4WD Hire - Rates start at around $90 per day for a Suzuki Sierra, up to
$130 per day for a Landrover Defender (depending on the duration of
hire).
Flights to Queensland - Qantas offers return flights to Hervey Bay via
Brisbane from $407 departing Sydney, and from $527 departing
Melbourne.
About The Author
Glenn Murray heads advertising copywriting studio Divine Write. He can
be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com.
Visit http://www.divinewrite.com for further details or more FREE articles.
FRASER ISLAND
FRASER ISLAND HOTELS
FRASER ISLAND HOLIDAYS
FRASER ISLAND HOTELS
FRASER ISLAND HOLIDAYS
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