Fraser Island is not an ordinary island. It is one of Australia’s extraordinary destinations for many reasons. Located 300 km north of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world (approximately 1800 square-kilometers). Because it is such a special place, the UNESCO declared this place a World Heritage Site in 1992 and since then tourism has not stopped growing, receiving around 500,000 tourists every year.
How to get to Fraser Island
There are two ways to get to Fraser Island. The first, most exclusive is by plane, if you are willing to spend a little more to stay at one of the island’s resorts. In this case, you will need to rent your personal vehicle before arriving at the hotel. The Air Fraser Island offers a variety of packages, both for those already on the island and want to take a scenic flight, and for those who need to get on the island. However, the most common is to access the island via a ferryboat.
The only way to travel around the island is with a 4×4 vehicle, which you can rent on the mainland or on the island itself. For those traveling alone, the most common and economical option is to hire one of the agencies that offer share packages. There are two options and locations from which ferries leave for Fraser Island. The most common is from Rainbow Beach.
What to do on Fraser Island
After disembarking on the island, the first stop is the spectacular Lake McKenzie, with its calm and clear waters, bordered by an incredible white sand beach. Eli Creek is a small river that became a mandatory stop because of its strategic location. During low tide, the water that accumulates between the rocks forms the natural pools known as Champagne Pools, which have this name precisely because of the clarity of the pools. The Pinnacles is a mountain of colored sand formed by the action of water and wind, which for 700 thousand years acted to sculpt this place. Right next to the colorful mountain is the Maheno Wreck, a 120-meter long wreck. There are also some other places to see.
Planning to travel to Fraser Island
Are you going to travel and need to have internet 100% of the time on your cell phone? Having internet is essential for using apps like Uber and Google Maps, as well as chatting on WhatsApp and posting that photo on Instagram. Tours vary according to the number of days on the island (1, 2 or 3), type of accommodation (camping or hotel) and vehicle (bus or shared 4×4). There are excellent hotels and resorts on Fraser Island.
Considerations
Fraser Island is definitely a destination that should be included on the itinerary of anyone traveling along the Australian east coast. If time is short, you can even try to see the island in just one day. If that is your case, focus on visiting Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools and the Indian Heads lookout. Make a quick visit at Eli Creek. After Fraser, stop at Rainbow Beach.
