Fraser Island

Mon 9th Oct - Fri 13th Oct.

01 McKenzie Lake

Next, we went to Hervey Bay. Not much going on there, but it's from a ferry port here that you get to Fraser Island. We booked a 3-day/2-night self-drive 4x4 safari on the island. This involved getting 11 people and their belongings into a Toyota LandCruiser and navigating through the island's sandy terrain. There were 4 Irish, 2 Dutch, 2 Scottish, 2 Norwegian and 1 Japanese.

At 184,000 hectares, Fraser Island is Austalia's 5th largest island. It is made entirely of sand, but has vast vegetation and a large forestry industry. In 3 days we couldn't take in all of the island's sights, but cought the main highlights. The water in McKenzie lake is filtered through the islands sand foundations making it clean enough to drink. The 76km beach on the east side is a highway where official road rules apply. It also serves as a runway for light aircraft. We leisurly floated down Eli Creek, a shallow clear water stream that flows out to sea. Saw the Maheno shipwreck. Indian Head offers high views over shark infested waters in the sea below. I could go on...

02 Maheno Shipwreck

Another fun aspect of the trip was actually driving the jeep. None of us had driven a 4x4 before, so between that and having the extra weight of 11 people, with the top-heavy weight distribution associated with having all our gear on a roof-rack and the varying sandy terrain, it was made a little more interesting! We all got the hang of it quick enough though.

We stayed at an aboriginal camp both nights, with a bonfire and aboriginal dance one night which was good (even if they didn't bother getting into their traditional dress!). So all in all, it was a good trip and we all had a bit of a laugh!!

03 Middle Rocks

04 Indian Head

05 Champagne Pools

06 Dingo...

07 The 11...