6 Fraser Island Must-see and Do

One of the numerous smaller islands that comprise the beautiful country of Australia is Fraser Island. You can find it just off the south Queensland coast, opposite Hervey Bay. It stretches 122 kilometers long and has an expanse ranging between five and 25 kilometers. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, which is why it is considered a part of Australia’s natural and cultural heritage.

It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Australia. People visit the island to admire its exceptional beauty. If you haven’t been there, picture these in your mind: long, uninterrupted white beaches sandwiched by sand cliffs of striking colors and over 100 freshwater lakes with tea-colored and clear, blue waters surrounded by white sandy beaches.

Try to visualize rainforests along the banks of swift, crystal-clear creeks, immense sand blows, and cliffs of colored sand that are part of the longest and most complete age sequence of coastal dune systems in the whole world. There are wetlands that boast of rare, patterned ferns, mangrove colonies, sea-grass beds, more or less 40,000 species of migratory shorebirds, and rare, vulnerable, and endangered species of dugongs (sea cows), turtles, ant-blue butterflies, and eastern curlews. Little wonder, then, that Fraser Island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 in recognition of its natural values.

You can do so many things once you set foot on Fraser Island. Nevertheless, one of the most famous attractions there is its highly invigorating natural environment that makes for a day of extreme adventure. The island is littered with dramatic tracks that are perfect for driving a 4WD. You can hire one and explore interesting places right on the island such as the following:

1. Lake McKenzie

This is an astounding body of azure water with low ph levels. The waters are surrounded by soft white sand, which makes it the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely dip before heading out to your next stop.

2. Pile Valley

Here, you can admire a rainforest environment that has existed for years. You can certainly immerse yourself in the wonders of creation and beauty of nature in this place, what with its leafy trees and quiet streams.

3. Stonetool Sand blow

This is an active sand blow covering a decent part of a forest. Once the sand blow moves across the island, what appears to be a vast dessert slowly gives rise to the forest.

4. Eli Creek

This is the best route to take, wading through cool waters, if you want to go from the rainforest to the Coral Sea at 75 Mile Beach. Incidentally, the said beach is aptly named because of the sand shores that stretch for 75 miles.

5. Maheno Shipwreck

The wreckage of this trans-Tasman liner that was blown off-course by a cyclone washed up on the waters of 75 Mile Beach in 1935. To this day, you can take in the sight of the wreckage while on the beach.

6. Pinnacle Colored Sands

Iron compounds in the sand made possible this wonder of nature. The location takes its name from the rainbow-colored sand and rocks in the area that makes for a uniquely beautiful sight. Make sure you have your camera handy when you visit this place because you’re sure to come face-to-face with a shot-worthy landscape.

After visiting these places, you can go back to the beach and cave in to some adrenalin-pumping activities like snorkeling and diving. Of course, if extreme activities are not your cup of tea, you can always rent a trailer boat and go fishing.