A First Timer’s Guide to Fraser Island

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Fraser Island, Australia is located off the southeast coast of beautiful state of Queensland and is over 120kms long.

A place of outstanding, rugged beauty, Fraser Island is home to wild beaches, glistening freshwater lakes, a tangle of old forests and exotic wildlife that never fails to impress and leave one with a sense of ethereal wonder.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is home to a healthy wild dingo population as well as being a fantastic location for whale watching during their migration passed the island. When it comes to planning your visit to Fraser Island there are a few things to consider before reaching the remote location. Here, we take a look at some essential information you may need before making the journey.

• Accessing Fraser Island

There are three ways of access to Fraser Island. The Manta Ray barge is the most popular option. A continuous service is offered from 6 am to 5.15pm daily, with the 10-minute trips running from Inskip Point to the southern end of Fraser. Inskip has a beautiful beachfront campground in case you want to start your adventure early.

Option two is to land on a strip of beach in a compact Fraser Island Plane. Whilst the third option is getting there via the Fraser Island Barges, which offer daily runs from River Heads, just 20 minutes from Hervey Bay to Wanggoolba Creek located around the western end of the island. Not as frequent as the Manta Ray Barges, these journeys are longer, taking about 50 minutes.

• Driving On Fraser Island

Taking along your high-clearance 4X4 is the recommended option; as there are no proper roads on the island and although driving your SUV there is not discouraged, there are dangers of the damaging the undercarriage of your vehicle and getting bogged down in sand. Not a cool experience, especially if you have to pay to get the vehicle towed off the island!

Cheer up though, for all is not lost, you can hire a 4X4 from rental companies in Hervey Bay, specialised in renting out vehicles to tour the island. These companies go one step further and organise the necessary vehicle permits for exploring the Queensland National Parks in addition to organising campsite and ferry bookings.

• What To Take Along

There is no doctor on the island; hence, all necessary medical supplies must be packed. Packing a well stocked first aid kit is a must when visiting Fraser Island. In the event that you do find yourself short of certain items, the island is not a total desert. On the east coast of Fraser are a number of supply shops, with a pub and bakery found in the Eurong settlement. For fuel, oil and other basics, you can shop in Happy Valley, Orchid Beach and Cathedrals.

Some campsites offer coin-operated shower facilities, so you can stay fresh whilst wilding it out! You will need to take a stove, as campsites do not supply these. The Coolooloi Creek and Cornewells Group campsites require you to take along a portable toilet. If nature calls and you get caught short, make sure  to dig a really deep hole.

• Camping on Fraser Island

Choose from amongst the 45 campsites scattered across the Island. There are five with dingo deterrent fences that are recommended for families with small children. Camping is an essential Fraser Island experience, which you will not want to miss out on. You can check out the official website for comprehensive details on each booking and the facilities available at each campsite.

Enjoy your time on Fraser Island!

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