The Sights of Fraser Island; from the unique sand dunes to the vibrant island forests, visitors will want to spend several days enjoying their stay here. The variety of landscapes found on the island is stunning; many are in stark contrast to another.

Having had its natural resources exploited for a century, sand mining and logging have been stopped and the island is healing and emerging into an eco-tourism destination. Amazingly the dense rainforests with examples of towering 1,000-year-old brush box and satinay has managed to deeply entrench itself in the sand. Pile Valley, the most heavily logged area on the island, lays claim to the most magnificent of these trees in its sub-tropic rainforests.

Lake McKenzie has become a magnet for tourists. Located near the town of Eurong and fed by rainwater, this perched lake sits 100 meters above sea level on a bed of tightly compact sand and organic matter. The crystal clear water and pristine, white beaches of almost pure silica along the shoreline beckon invitingly. There are campsites with amenities near the lake.

While on Fraser Island, you must experience the Champagne Pools. Along 75 Mile Beach the ocean beats on the rocks, cascading water over them creating frothy, bubbling pools from which the Champagne Pools get their name. Strong currents in the ocean make swimming outside of the pools dangerous.

Just a few kilometers from Happy Valley to the north, the spectacular Eli Creek provides visitors with a place to have a icy dip on a hot day. Fed from a natural aquifer several miles inland, the creek spills some 80 million liters of water per day into the ocean where it empties onto the beach. Walking along the boardwalk along the creek’s banks allows you to watch the fish swim against the current as they fight their way upstream, the amazing array of birds that habitat the area, and the eels and frogs.

There are so many wonderful sights on Fraser Island that a day trip is simply not long enough. This natural wonder has in turn spawned other natural wonders that will have you coming back time after time.

Fraser Island is the perfect holiday destination for those that enjoy hiking. Here you will experience breathtaking scenery, unique and rare flora, as well as the other wonders of this island. The wonders of the island are best experienced on foot rather than in a 4WD.

Hiking along the Forest Lakes Hiking Trail provides a terrific opportunity to see the incredible sights of Fraser Island up close. Depending on your hiking ability and the time you spend exploring, the trail circuit takes around eight days to complete. One of the most significant challengers hikers must overcome is that of having to carry all the supplies that are needed on their back. You must take drinking water with you since there are no facilities along the trails to get potable water.

Currently more than 90 kms of hiking trails wind throughout Fraser Island with several campsites strategically placed. When planning your trek along the Fraser Island Great Trail, make sure to get your camping permits and book your campsites in advance. Make sure to take all of your camping necessities with you because there isn’t a store around the corner to buy what you need at. Be advised that when there is a high fire risk, the trail and walk-in camps are closed so check the Parks website before you decide to take time off of work for a hiking vacation.

Although Fraser Island is rich with birds, wildlife and vegetation; you do have to be aware of the dingos. These are wild creatures and, although they may look thin and hungry, they are not. Feeding or approaching these animals may cause them to be aggressive and they can be dangerous. Never hike alone for safety reasons and always store your food in the storage available at the campsite. If you are on the trail after dark, you may be viewed as prey so it is advisable to plan to be in camp before nightfall.

There are many trails and they vary in length and difficulty. One of the longest trails is Lake Mckenzie to King Fisher Bay. This scenic 12.7 km walking track will take about 10 hours to complete. At the end of the day, you may want to treat yourself to a stay at the award winning, eco-sensitive Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Eli Creek to the Eli Creek Boardwalk is about 200 meters and is one of the shortest walks. From the Boardwalk, you can gaze into the creek and spot the eels that slip through the water so quietly or quietly watch some of the 354 species of birds that inhabit the island.

Lose yourself in the beauty and tranquility of this unique vacation destination. Plan a getaway to Fraser Island and experience all the incredible environments it offers.

About 300 kms north of Brisbane lays Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. This island enjoys the company of such notable sites as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru National Park (the former Ayers Rock), Shark Bay, Kakadu National Park, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Wet Tropics of Queensland, Heard and McDonald Islands, and Macquarie Island as a World Heritage listed site. Fraser Island is indeed a gem among gems.

Before you set off to Fraser Island, you will have to do some planning. How are you getting there? If driving any vehicle other than a 4WD, how will you get around the island? Are you going to camp there? If so, plan your camping so that you are booked into the campsites in the areas that you want to visit. Would a commercial tour better suit you?

Easily accessible by vehicle barge, the island has much to explore and experience. Be forewarned, vehicle access to Fraser Island is restricted to 4WD vehicles that must have a vehicle access permit displayed on the windshield prior to on the island. The permits must be bought in advance and are good for one year from the date of purchase. The barge does accommodate foot traffic. If you want, you can rent a vehicle when you arrive but book it ahead.

If you decide that you want to camp on the island, you must have a camping permit. For easy access, the permits are available at a number of outlets as well as online. There are specific areas where you are allowed to camp so make sure that you know where you will be camping and how to get there. Formal campsites have water and toilets, as well as cooking areas. Informal campsites have no amenities. Camps known as walkers’ camps are small areas for walk-ins that are along the fascinating Fraser Island Great Walk. All camping must be in designated camping zones and all campers must have a permit.

The rules for camping are enforced because this is a very sensitive island. Booking your stay in advance is a must otherwise you may find that you have no where to stay. If you intend to have a fire, you must bring your own firewood and it must be milled off-cuts so that there is no introduction of pests or disease onto Fraser Island. Gathering twigs and deadfall on Fraser Island is illegal. If you prefer better amenities than camping can provide, there are a few commercial establishments.

To ensure that you and your family will get the most enjoyment from your visit to Fraser Island, make sure that you have researched it and planned accordingly. Make sure that you take first aid supplies and plenty of drinking water. Neither is available on the island.