Fraser Island, a World Heritage spot since 1992, is a unique island off the south coast of Queensland, Australia. Recognized as being the world‘s largest sand island, it also is designated the Queensland biggest island and the largest on Australia’s east coast.Its sand has amassed on volcanic rock layers for over 750,000 years, and the island has diversity in its natural environment- with tropical forests, woods of eucalyptus and mangrove, swamps of wallum and peat, dunes of sand and moors on the coast.

It is home to an assortment of plant and animal life- mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Dingoes are an endangered animal on the island but are also placed in the dangerous category. Visitors can view 300+ varieties of birds as well as 25 kinds of mammals and see Humpback whales on special tours that sail from Hervey Bay.

Fraser Island is a well-liked holiday destination and can be accessed by ferry or by chartered flights. The ferry can be taken from Urangan Boar Harbor to various points on the island or by a charter plane from Maroochydore Airport.

A visitor must use a four-wheel drive for traversing the island and must have a permit for the vehicle which is attained at DERM and at Rainbow Beach. Several companies have vehicles for hire to rent. Tourists may also board tour buses on the island.

Driving is the most pleasurable approach to view Fraser Island. Most visitors should plan on three days to see most of the sites. So select a campervan hire or plan to check into island hotels.

Several companies rent out 4WD with jeeps that seat from two to 8 people, There are budget tours, self-directing sightseeing, or guided trips.

Driving becomes more challenging in the dry period because the sand roads are difficult to maneuver. The easiest time to drive is after it has rained because the sand becomes more solidified. So with that in mind, the better option might be to go on a tour. And if the tour is longer, the tour group is usually smaller.

Fraser Island gained its World Heritage designation because of its native traditions. Known for its outstanding splendor of white beaches and colorful crags of sand, many fresh water ponds and lakes all surrounded by beaches.

Primeval tropical forests flourish in sand beside creeks and in heights of 200 meters, the highest in the world. The wallum moors are sources of growth and environmental importance and are known for the wildflowers growing there in the spring and summer months.

The huge sand dunes and cliffs of many colors of sand are the most extensive and show the greatest development of time in shoreline dunes. And they are still changing, showing the changes in climate and sea level over thousands of years.

Frazer has a diversity of sites for the visitors both natural and man made.
Lake MacKenzie, with its clear blue water and white sands, is the premier lake to visit and one of the most well-liked sites. Lake Wabby has green colored water and is about 30 minutes from the beach. The walk out from the lake will lead hikers to the rainforest. Visitors sometimes body board into the lake. The only available restrooms are found at the beginning of the walk.

Indian Heads is the rocky projection at the north side of the primary beach. After climbing to the pinnacle, view sharks, turtles, rays, and dolphins in the ocean.

Eli Creek is a freshwater stream located in the middle of the beach. Swimmers can glide or stroll down the water. The depth of the water fluctuates but usually only gets about waist high. A board walk skirts the edge of the creek.
Champagne Pools, located north of Indian Heads, are a safe place in which to immerse in sea water. They take their name from the foam that remains when the sea water enters the pools.

Maheno Shipwreck dates from 1935 when a decommissioned ship, the Maheno, was pushed onshore by a storm.

The Great Sandy Strait, which divides the island from the Australian continent ranks in significance of Wetlands as it includes uncommon ferns, mangroves, sea grass and supports thousands of shore birds and rare turtles and butterflies.

Fraser Island is a fishing paradise. One of the most frequent fish wanted is the tailor found on both the island and along the coast of Queensland as well as jewfish, golden trevally and silver bream. On the calmer western waters, anglers go for whiting, flathead and bream. The choices of baits include pilchards, bloodworms, yabbies, pipi, and sandwords. One word of warning, Fishing is forbidden in the creeks and lakes on the island.

Trekking is another option for the outdoors-minded person. One favorite hiking trail is the well-maintained Fraser Island Great Walk which is 90 km in length. Shorter walk example is to start in Kingfisher Bay where the ferry drops off passengers and walk to Lake McKenzie, camp for the night and then return.
Fraser Island visitors have two choices of accommodations– resort hotels or camping.

The island has three resorts. Eurong Beach Resort, with a variety of room costs, is located on the south part of the main beach on the eastern part of the island. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, on the west side of the island, is more upscale, thought is has less expensive huts, plus dining and pubs. Sailfish on Fraser, situated at Happy Valley, provides two bedroom apartments.

Fraser Island has campgrounds which differ in features and accessibility. The primary organized camping areas are Dundubara Campground, Waddy Point, Central Point Tents, and Cornwells Break which allow large group camping. Campers must have permits for camping and vehicles.

Have fun exploring Fraser Island and share your impressions in the comments!

Natasha Tasha is a travel blogger from Australia. Her favorite form of travel is camping trips, and she writes travel reviews for Discovery Campervan Rental. She also writes travel journals and guides for several travel blogs.