By J.C. Lewis
Fraser Island is the biggest sand island in the world, located off the coast of Queensland in eastern Australia. It is listed as a World Heritage Site thanks to its diverse and spectacular natural habitats. Fraser Island has vast, white sand
beaches and dunes, more than 100 freshwater lakes, mangrove swamps and rainforests. Fraser Island can be reached from the mainland by passenger ferry and private or chartered boats and flights. Accommodations range from campsites to motels to luxury
resorts. The natural landscape is the main tourist attraction on Fraser Island, and tours of beaches, dunes, lakes, creeks and forests are popular vacation activities.
Whale Watching
Humpback Whale
Fraser Island is widely regarded as one of the premier spots in the world for whale watching. The city of Hervey Bay is the hub of whale-watching activity. Thousands of humpback whales pass through the sheltered waters around Fraser Island on their annual migration. The calm waters prove a perfect location for adult whales to nurture their calves. The best time of the year for watching the whales perform acrobatic displays is between late July and October. Visitors can take an organized excursion to view the magnificent whales up close, while elevated island locations such as Indian Head offer views of the ocean and possible sightings of whales as well as dolphins, sharks, rays and turtles.
Lakes and Creeks
Fraser Island is famed for its many clean, clear freshwater lakes. One of the highlights of Fraser Island is Lake McKenzie, which attracts visitors to swim in its shallow, clear blue waters and relax on the surrounding white sand shores. Some lakes are only accessible by trekking through the lush rainforest or over sand dunes, and creeks such as Eli Creek and Wanggoolba Creek flow through the forest, attracting tourists to their banks or to jump in and ride the flow back down.
Tours
Whether self-guided or organized by a tour company, the sights and natural attractions of Fraser Island can be experienced in full on a tour of the island. Only four-wheel drive vehicles and tour buses are allowed on Fraser Island--vehicles can be rented for a self-driven tour or visitors can take advantage of expertly guided excursions lasting from one to several days.
The Fraser Island Great Walk
The Fraser Island Great Walk takes six to eight days to complete and takes you through all the landscapes of the island, but sections of the walk can be undertaken for short gentle strolls or day long hikes. The main locations to embark or complete the walk are Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Some more remote sections are suitable only for experienced and well-prepared hikers, but there are gentle and family friendly short walks along the trail also. To embark on any part of the Great Walk, you will need a map, sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness.
About the Author:
J.C. Lewis is the editor and co-owner of a weekly newspaper, as well as a staffer and regular contributor to a group of three newspapers in Los Angeles, Calif. Her writing has appeared on USAToday.com, Hotels.com and various other websites. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in politics from the University of Bristol, England.
