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7 unmissable things to do on Fraser Island
From driving down the sand highway to taking a dip in the crystal waters of the Champagne Pools, this Australian island is the perfect destination for adventurers
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Your support makes all the difference.Dense rainforest hugs inviting dunes that tower over a natural sand highway, where the blue hues of the Pacific Ocean ebb and flow onto the tracks. Beyond the sand are freshwater lakes and creeks, and lesser-trod walking trails burrowed by greenery that is home to the songs of more than 300 bird species.
This is Fraser Island, known as ‘K’gari’ (paradise) by the Butchulla people, located just off the coast of Hervey Bay in Queensland. It’s the largest sand island in the world and a natural oasis, with unforgettable experiences awaiting and rugged beauty that has to be seen to be believed.
Take to the air
Fraser Island is World Heritage-listed with its most captivating vantage point being a bird’s eye perspective. Fly over from Hervey Bay with Air Fraser Island, descending on 75 Mile Beach, or opt for a scenic flight from the sand runway.
4WD along the sand highway
Discover 75 Mile Beach – a true sand highway with enforced road regulations and a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour. Whether you take to the wheel on a self-drive experience or join one of the organised tours, enjoy swapping the Tarmac for the sand as you explore the island.
Discover where rainforest grows in the sand
Fraser Island is the only place in the world where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes. Tourist hot spot Central Station was home to a logging community in the Twenties. Now, 1,000-year-old Satinay trees beam above the crystal-clear Wanggoolba Creek, with a narrow foot track winding through the cool rainforest.
Chill out in the Champagne Pools
The ocean bursts over a rock wall and spills into a natural cove known as Champagne Pools. You’ll get a first, dramatic glimpse of the rock pool from an overhanging boardwalk, where stairs cascade down to the shore. It’s the perfect spot to put your head back, feet up and just float, listening to only the sound of rolling waves.
Plunge into Lake McKenzie
Fraser Island is home to 40 lakes, though the jewel in the crown is Lake McKenzie, a freshwater perched lake sitting 100 metres above sea level. It’s a tempting ombre of blue and lined by soft white silica sand that acts as a filter, providing clarity to the water.
Meet the wildlife
The oceans surrounding Fraser Island are home to turtles, dugong and seasonal humpback whales. Land residents include dingoes and more than 300 different bird species.
Stay in an eco-lodge
After a busy day of exploring, find serenity at Kingfisher Bay Resort, nestled within the rainforest along the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait. The aptly named Sunset Bar is the ideal spot for sundowners. Regional flavours take the helm at Seabelle Restaurant: the menu is inspired by the Butchulla people, incorporating local produce, such as fresh seafood, crocodile, native berries, nuts and leaves.
Discover more about Queensland here. To explore Fraser Island, contact one of Flight Centre's Australian Travel Experts on 0808 278 5293 for some great holiday offers and the kind of personal service that has garnered a five-star Trustpilot rating, based on more than 14,500 customer reviews. You can also visit flightcentre.co.uk/queensland for more holiday inspiration