You’ll think differently about sand after you’ve visited Fraser Island. Who could imagine that rainforests could grow in sand – and that a place with more sand than the Sahara desert could boast stunning freshwater lakes and be teeming with plant, bird and animal life?

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, only 45 minutes by ferry from Queensland’s Hervey Bay, is one of nature’s miracles. More than 120 kilometres long and around 30 kilometres across at its widest point, the island is endlessly surprising.

If you like nature, walking, fishing and exploring by 4WD, Fraser Island is the place for you. The best way to see Fraser is by 4WD touring (you can’t take conventional vehicles on the island as there are no paved roads) and you can join a 4WD coach tour, drive yourself, or take a private tour. You can camp on the island as well, either privately or as part of a guided walking or 4WD tour.

One of the wonders of Fraser Island’s is its many lakes, many of which you can swim in. There are more than 40 perched dune lakes – lakes that are sitting high on the sand – so you are constantly struck by the contrast between the sand and the glittering water. Lake McKenzie is one of the island’s beauties, with bright blue water set against a white sandy beach – an idyllic spot for swimming. Other freshwater lakes, like the emerald waters of Lake Wabby, will amaze you with their colour and landscapes. Eli Creek, on the island’s eastern coast, also makes an enchanting stop.

Sandscapes of every colour and shape surround you on the island, in dramatic formations like the Cathedrals, and in its many cliffs, gorges and dunes. These views also give way to areas of dense rainforest – savour the forest calm in areas like Central Station and the Valley of the Giants, and observe the wonders of the abundant plant life here.

On the eastern beach near Happy Valley you will find the rusting remains of the Maheno, a passenger steam ship that was marooned during a cyclone in 1935. It’s one of the island’s most popular attractions and a sombre reminder of its treacherous waters.

On your visit, expect to see around 300 different species of birds, several species of wallaby, possums, flying foxes and the purest breed of dingo in Eastern Australia. The warm waters that surround Fraser are filled with sea life including dugongs, dolphins and turtles. Between August and October, magnificent humpback whales pass by the island on their annual migration from Antarctica, with large numbers ending up in Hervey Bay.

With such an amazing environment, it’s heartening to know that even the island’s major resort, Kingfisher Bay, is ecologically sensitive without skimping on a few luxuries, like three good restaurants and four swimming pools. The resort, which opened in 1992, has set a benchmark in eco-tourism, and will allow you to have a nature-based experience with minimal impact on the island’s environment.

Chances are you’ll be at a loss for words when you try to describe Fraser Island to friends and family back home. Photographs will help in the storytelling, but you’re likely to reach the same conclusion as other travellers – you just have to see it for yourself.

Browse All Experiences

• Nearest City:Brisbane
• Distance to Brisbane:250km
• Nearest Airport:Hervey Bay
• Distance to Hervey Bay Airport:7km

Local Attractions in the Area

• 75 Mile Beach
• The Cathedrals
• Eli Creek
• Lake McKenzie
• Lake Wabby

Helpful Links for the Area

• Queensland Holidays - Fraser Coast Region
• Fraser Coast Holidays
• Walking on Fraser Island
• Drive Fraser Island
• Find Accommodation on Fraser Island

Seasonal Events

• Fraser Island Bird Week
• Toyota Fraser Island Fishing Expo
• Whale Watching Season
• Yag'ubi World Festival
• Australia Day Triathalon