Fraser Island, just north of the Sunshine Coast, is, at 70 miles long and an average of 10 miles wide, the world’s largest sand island – indeed, it is one of the only places on earth where rainforest grows on sand!

The original Aboriginal name for Fraser Island literally translates as “Paradise”, and this is certainly reflected in the stunning natural environment you will find here. Reputedly discovered by Captain Cook, heritage-listed Fraser Island, it is famous for its ancient towering rainforests, mighty sand dunes, coloured cliffs, more than 100 pristine freshwater lakes and streams and an abundance of birds and wildlife.

You can still see dingoes in the wild here, and humpback whales offshore between August and October. Seventy Five Mile Beach serves as the main road and landing strip for light aircraft. 4WD is a popular way of getting around the island and there are several tout operators offering excursions of varying length; but walking is another great way to get around Fraser Island – the Fraser Island Great Walk takes in many of the most scenic parts of the island.

The wildlife spotting opportunities are almost endless – not only the purest population of dingo, but also 325 species of bird, wallabies, possums, echindnas, flying foxes, and on the coast dolphins, turtles and dugongs.

The main attractions on Fraser Island include:

• Champagne Pools at Middle Rocks – a naturally occurring Jacuzzi, where bubbling seawater fills the beautiful rockpools, a great place for swimming at low tide;

• Eli Creek, the largest freshwater lake on the East Coast, shallow enough to paddle up and fast flowing so you can drift back down – over four million litres of water flow back into the sea each hour!

• The lakes – go tortoise spotting at Lake Allom; go swimming in Lake McKenzie, one of the best known of the freshwater lakes; or visit Lake Wabby, the island’s deepest lake.

• The Cathedrals are stunning cliff formations formed out of different colour sands

A 4WD vehicle is essential for driving on Fraser Island as all the roads are sand. It is possible to hire a vehicle in Hervey Bay, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach or from the Kingfisher Bay Resort on the island itself. All vehicles must have a permit. Flights to Fraser Island depart from Hervey Bay Airport, landing on various grass airstrips across the Island or on 75 Mile Beach. There are also various barges and passenger ferries to take you to Fraser Island from the mainland ports of Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. There is no bridge joining the two!
Accommodation on Fraser Island ranges from camping in the rainforest to luxury hotels and apartments. Perhaps the best known is the multi award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort, which provides a unique blend of luxury and adventure – it overlooks the islands and channels of the Great Sandy Strait and is spread over a heavily wooded site at North White Cliffs on the island’s west coast, with easy access to the many attractions of Fraser Island. The Kingfisher Rangers lay on a varied programme of activities including starspotting, birdwatching, 4WD adventures and dolphin search cruising. Adventure aside, you can also enjoy excellent Australian bush cuisine and fresh seafood, indulge yourself in the spa, or just relax by one of the four swimming pools. A children’s Eco Ranger programme is also available which teaches younger guests about the natural environment of Fraser Island and the species to be found there.