Fraser Island - Fraser Island

location
Australia Queensland location map
Fraser Island
Fraser Island
Fraser Island from Indian Head

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and belongs to the Australian state Queensland. Which is only about 190 km north of Brisbane The lying island is a very popular destination and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.

landscape

Interesting natural formations that one encounters on Fraser Island are so-called Coffee rocks (English for coffee rock), sediments from sand and organic matter. The dark brown-black color and the firm consistency are reminiscent of coffee grounds - hence the name. The dense layer of rock prevents precipitation from seeping into the 40 different lakes.

Map of Fraser Island

Animals

The wildlife on Fraser is impressive.

  • Humpback and sperm whales can be seen regularly between August and October. Whale watching tours are offered from Hervey Bay.
  • Fraser is also home to over 230 species of birds, numerous wallabies and echidnas.
  • The island is also famous for its brumbies. A wild horse species (descendants of noble Arabs) that came to the island by the Indian army. Today's species has adapted to the sand island in such a way that it is very unlikely that they could survive on the mainland again.
  • However, the main attraction of the island is the dingo. The Australian wild dogs were introduced about 4000 years ago, either by the Aborigines or by sailors from Southeast Asia, and have proliferated. Many have got used to the tourists and seem very trusting, so it is often forgotten that they are wild dogs. Especially if they are fed too recklessly or cannot be fed, they quickly become aggressive. In 2001 a little boy was killed like this. Caution is advised!

getting there

The island is accessible by several car and passenger ferries Fraser Coast to reach. Make sure to make reservations during the school holidays!

By plane

There are regional airports on the mainland Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.

mobility

The island is only accessible with all-wheel drive vehicles, these can be in Brisbane, Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach be hired.

Tourist Attractions

Maheno wreck, March 2007
Side view of the Maheno, July 2007
  • 1  Wreck of the Maheno. Maheno is the most famous of the 50 shipwrecks on the island. The former luxury liner was stranded on the east coast during a cyclone in 1935.
  • 2  Lake McKenzie. One of the freshwater lakes on the island.
  • 3  Champagne pools. Natural rock pools north of Indian Heads that the spray brings salt water into.
  • 75 mile beach. The 75-mile beach is declared a highway.

Preparations

There's a lot to see and do on Fraser Island, so don't forget your camera. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent and plenty of water!

activities

  • Explore the island with a rented 4x4 vehicle and tents
  • The island on foot in 5 to 7 days on the Fraser Island Great Walk explore.
  • Lake Wabby (fresh water) is ideal for swimming.

accommodation

There are several campsites on the island.

security

  • Swimming in the sea is prohibited due to the dangers of the rocky coastline and the high number of sharks (Island Heads is a shark breeding site)
  • The dingoes are Wilddogs, the inexperienced handling of them leads to problems again and again. Feeding is prohibited (A $ 250 fine) and all food must be kept tightly closed (e.g. in the car or in safe boxes in the tent)
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