Fraser Island: Touring the Top Spots

Our passion for adventure and love of 4-wheel driving lead us to the worlds largest and most incredible sand island.

Fraser Island was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1992.  The Island stretches for over 120km along the southern coast of Queensland and is a place of outstanding natural beauty. It is characterised by jurassic-looking rainforest, pristine fresh water lakes and vast mobile sand blows.  It’s also home to and one of the purest strains of  dingo in eastern Australia.

Inskip Point is where embarkation commenced.  There was a real buzz in the air as we joined the queue of 4-wheel drive enthusiasts who flock to experience the thrill of action-packed sand driving and challenge of navigating tidal beaches.

The crossing took roughly 30 minutes and before we new it we were disembarking the barge in convoy whilst slipping and sliding through deep troughs of sand.  The blood was most certainly pumping! Thankfully the sand soon flattened and we were cruising down the famous 75 Mile Beach. Crystal blue waves lapped the white sandy shore whilst a refreshing ocean breeze filled the car.

Our loose plan was to travel along 75 Mile Beach and meander inland to explore the ancient forests, pristine lakes and golden sand blows. The beach itself is littered with attractions including spectacular coloured sand cliffs, breathtaking viewpoints and a famous shipwreck.

Sunrise Eurong Beach

It took roughly two hours of easy driving to get to Eurong Beach front where we pitched our tent in a small secluded spot. We were extremely fortunate to enjoy the company of two very cute dingo pups playing in the sand.

We woke early the next morning to catch a magical sunrise. The clouds were illuminated by a heavenly golden glow whilst angel beams magically radiated into the calm ocean.  A perfect start to the day!

We headed inland onto the well conditioned sand tracks to do a little exploring.  The lush vegetation in the rainforest was dense and diverse, dominated by jurassic-looking trees and enormous ancient ferns which grew from the white sandy floor. The pungent smell of towering pines was invigorating.

We bounced along the sandy tracks loosing traction occasionally and headed to the Great Sandy National Park to enjoy a picnic lunch at Mckenzie Lake.

Lake McKenzie

As we walked down the rickey wooden steps that led to the lake I almost stood on a baby brown snake lazing in the midday sun.  It was the first time I had come face to face with a snake in Australia and a feeling of extreme fear palpitated through my veins. I frantically through my legs into the air to avoid stepping on the snake, a move any gymnast would be proud of.  My petrifying scream stopped every Tom, Dick and Harry in their tracks.  After a little while I calmed down and without any persuasion the snake slithered into the bush.  I think I may have slightly over reacted!

We arrived at the “jewel” of Fraser, the water was the deepest hue of aquamarine fringed by impeccably white sand, it was utterly breathtaking.  We decided to spend the entire afternoon at this dreamy location, swimming in the cool refreshing water and strolling around the pristine landscape.  It was an absolute paradise.

We made a last minute decision to visit Lake Birrabeen as it was only a short drive from Lake Mckenzie.  We confidently drove down the well conditioned track when out of the blue we hit a patch of incredibly soft powdery sand, we lost momentum and the  car came to a grinding halt.

After numerous attempts of using the max tracks, which in turn exfoliated away at least the top layer of our bare skin, we realised there was only one way out …. digging.  Russ was ranting a mouthful of obscenities as he dug like his life depended on it.  It took roughly an hour of hard digging to free us.  We didn’t see another vehicle for the entire time we were bogged.  As Sods Law goes, within 5 minutes of getting out, six vehicles drove past in convoy and gave us a wave!  The max tracks and shovel were an absolute necessity. Note to self;  All-wheel drives aren’t 4-wheel drives!  We didn’t make it to Lake Birrabeen : (

Eli Creek

The next morning we woke to another breathtaking sunrise from 75 Mile Beach.  We headed to Eli Creek, the largest and most challenging creek crossing on the eastern beach.  To put it into perspective the creek pours up to four million litres of fresh water into the ocean every hour. Something we learned hard and fast about Fraser is that the Island is all about timing, that’s tidal timing!

We arrived to an incoming tide and were advised by a local ranger not to attempt the crossing.  The tide was relatively high for an all-wheel drive, so we sat and watched in envy as an abundance of 4-wheel drive’s smashed through the unforgiving water.  We were feeling disappointed and frustrated, then to our amazement, a very small red jeep drove up to the creek and without the slightest hesitation just went for it …… shocked!!  It was then a case of,  if they can do it, so can we!

Russ made his way to the edge of the creek and waited patiently for the waves to drop back, he then hit the throttle so hard we launched into the creek.  We dropped straight into a deep trough as the tidal water waded back in and washed up over the bonnet.  The car violently swayed from side to side as we manoeuvred across the ever-changing creek floor  ….. we made it !! : ) 

After a HUGE sigh of relief we parked up and set off on a relaxing walk along the erected board walk which lines the banks of the creek to explore this natural wonder.  The top of the creek was a picturesque oasis where we took a dip in the warm shallow water,  the tide kindly sent us down stream and back to the car.

Maheno Ship Wreck

Maheno Ship Wreck was beached during a storm in 1935 and is a popular landmark attraction and well worth a visit.  The rusty carcass decorates the impeccable shoreline where you can learn fascinating stories about the ships history and its surroundings.  It’s a busy spot where scenic flights depart.

The Pinnacles

We pitched our tent a couple of kilometres north of the Maheno Shipwreck at the captivating Pinnacles.  The spectacular multi-coloured sand cliffs have been shaped and sculpted by the elements over many thousands of years.  We sat chatting under a starlit sky mesmerised by an orb like moon which artistically illuminated the magical landscape.

Champagne Pools

After a lazy morning we continued our journey on 75 Mile Beach to Champagne Pools. This well known collection of tranquil swimming holes get their name from the incoming waves that bubble and foam as they roll over the volcanic rocks from which they have been formed.  It was the perfect spot for lunch and a dip.  We submerged ourselves in the chilly water patiently waiting for a wave to roll in.  We could not believe that we had the place all to ourselves.

Indian Head

After making it through incredibly deep sand on our first attempt we arrived at Indian Head, a somewhat rocky outcrop on the island’s easternmost tip.  It was a challenging journey; we had made it through some deep sand pockets, gnarly patches of rock and fast moving tides which left us feeling relieved to have reached this point.

We trekked to the tip of the coastal headland where we were hit with utterly spectacular views.  To the right, a sweeping view of 75 Mile Beach. To left, the tranquil turquoise waters that led to Waddy Point. Behind us, a desert-like sand blow and ancient rainforest. In front of us, the Indian Ocean where two whales were frolicking. Fraser Island UNESCO World Heritage Listed – and now we know why!!

Hammerstone Sandblow and Wabby Lake

After heading back south we spent our final night camping close to Eurong Beach.   We woke early and set off on a 2.4 kilometre walk to Lake Wabby which took roughly 40 minutes.  We walked through the vast golden sand dunes of Hammerstone Sandblow which overlook Lake Wabby.  The dazzling dunes enhance the breathtaking beauty of the emerald green water of the Lake.

It was an exceptionally warm day so by the time we arrived at the lakes edge we were desperate for a dip.  To our surprise the water was teaming with fish.

Sadly the westward spreading sandblows will eventually (in the next century) swallow Lake Wabby so enjoy a swim before it disappears!!  It’s the deepest lake on the island and is unique as it is both a window and  barrage lake.

We reluctantly commenced our return journey back along 75 Mile Beach.  In all the fun and excitement of the morning we had totally forgotten to check the tide times and presumed we would be able to make the beach journey to the barge.  As each minute passed the tide made it’s way further up the beach. Then boom, to our disbelief, the beach was totally cut off.

Fortunately we were informed that there was an inland track to the barge …… phew!!!   The track was great fun and a perfect finish to a superb holiday.

The island has a range of accommodation from basic beach camping to absolute luxury.  You can experience the island by 4-wheel drive, relax on a tour bus or take a scenic flight.  If you are looking for a unique outdoor adventure and love the natural world Fraser Island is for you.

Vehicle access and camping permits can be purchased online or at the Manta Ray Barge Office in Rainbow Beach.  4-wheel drive vehicles are also available for hire and come fully equiped with camping gear.

Here are a few tips before you visit if you are driving:-

Drop your tyre pressure – (to between 18 and 20 psi). Remember to reinflate to the recommended road pressure before returning to the tarmac.

Bring recovery gear – bring a snatch strap, a shovel and 4-wheel drive tracks to help get out of trouble yourself.

Be aware of the tides – don’t drive on the beach (especially around headlands) at high tide. Plan your trip to drive as close to low tide as possible,  high tide has claimed many vehicles over the years.

Drive safely – 75 Mile Beach is a busy highway and also doubles as a runway for scenic flights.  The speed limit is marked at 80 kilometres per hour, you don’t have to stick to this speed.  We enjoyed the drive by taking it easy.  Police do patrol the 40 kilometre per hour zones and we were also breathalysed early one morning.

Be Dingo Aware – do not feed dingoes or encourage them to come near your vehicle, remember they are wild animals. Enjoy seeing them in the wild and take plenty of photos.

Take a 4-wheel drive! 

Safe travels my friends!!