The largest sand island in the world, Fraser island is a small piece of heaven off the east coast of Australia. The local Aborigines even call the island K’GAri, meaning paradise – giving guests a true picture of the natural beauty they can expect to find here. Its surrounding waters are home to various wildlife: dugong, dolphins, manta rays, sharks and migrating humpback whales and measuring just 76 miles long by 14 miles wide, it has half of the world’s perched lakes making up its landscapes. And if these elements weren’t amazing enough, Fraser Island is the only discovered place in the world where rainforests are found growing from the sand.
With plenty of natural discoveries to make, Fraser Island is a short journey from Brisbane and many itineraries that will intrinsically appeal to born-adventurers. Depending on the length of time guests have available in their travel plans, we’ve selected three of the best ways to explore the island, ranging from two to five day trips.
FROM: €210/per person
For those looking for a short, packed insight into the natural wonders of Fraser Island, this two-day tour navigates the beaches from the Cooloola Recreation Area before offroading on the Seventy-Five Mile Beach to the Maheno shipwreck. From here guests will trek along the rock headland of Indian Head, where scenery will allow glimpses of the wild nature and animals. With a knowledgeable guide on hand, guests will enjoy a picnic lunch and continue exploring the island: the exact itinerary is dependent on the time of year and weather conditions. The following day includes sights of the Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, clear water pools and relaxing white sands, before catching the ferry back to the mainland and returning to Brisbane or moving on the Gold Coast.
From €281/ per person
Adding on an extra day to the tour gives guests more time to explore the natural landscape and spot native inhabitants of the area. Accompanied by an expert guide, travel by four wheel drive to various highlights of the land, including the Cooloola Recreation Area, Wanggoolba Creek, Central Station and Pile Valley with the opportunity to relax in the natural Champagne Pools as well as Lake Birrabeen and Lake Wabby. The tour includes
a selection of meals throughout the three day excursion and accomodation at the Eurong Beach Resort: different rooms are available to fit traveler’s needs.
From €485/ per person
This five-day tour takes in both UNESCO World Heritage sites of Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef. Including all the highlights of Fraser Island via four wheel drive, this tour then moves down to a small beach town where you will spend two nights and explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Lady Musgrave Island: home to a large turtle population. Over the tour guests can will see natural wildlife and landscapes, take part in selected activities, at their own expense, and relax at pools or by the beach. Not included in the price in the National Park Entrance Fee, Ferry tickets and Great Barrier Reef tax (AUS $270), these all must be paid to the drive prior to departure.