Did you know islands made of sand exist? Did you know that Fraser Island is a world heritage listed island and considered to be the largest sand island? It is also the largest island off the coast of Queensland, Australia. While not found on your everyday itinerary to Australia, it is certainly a gem to consider putting into your vacation experience.
Fraser Island then is a Sand Island Gem
Why you ask? This unique island is actually loaded with some spectacular lakes, lush rainforest, and miles of pristine beaches. It is absolutely amazing how diverse the landscape is on this island created from sand. Another added bonus is it is home to one of the largest dingo populations.
To get to Fraser Island you begin with a ferry ride from Hervey Bay.
Hervey Bay is about 3 hours north of Brisbane. It’s a beautiful drive up from Brisbane along the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Once you ferry across the bay you arrive at Fraser Island and check into Kingfisher Bay Resort. The gorgeous resort overlooks the Great Sandy Strait on the western side of the island. It is a purpose-built ecotourism resort with numerous awards and accolades it can boast about over its 21 years of operation. The resort has an extensive program of guided walks, talks, and 4WD tours as well as wildlife. They even offer whale watch cruises during season. Kingfisher Bay Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the island.
A fantastic tour option is the Beauty Spots Tour.
On this incredible beautiful day of off-roading, you’ll visit the top natural attractions and cool off in fresh watering holes all in the comfort of your air-conditioned four-wheel drive coach. Lunch is provided, but you’ll want to pack your swim wear, a hat, and your sunscreen for this adventure. Here are the highlights you’ll discover:
Gorgeous Lake McKenzie
Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek
Pile Valley’s stunning Satinay and Brush Box forests.
Seventy-Five Mile Beach’s famous highway. (yes, you drive on it)
The Maheno Shipwreck.
The colored sands of The Pinnacles.
The temperate, fresh waters of Eli Creek.
The might Stonetool Sand Blow
To make it even more spectacular, consider taking a scenic peak of the interior by purchasing a ride in one of the sea planes that appear on the beach. And if you’re lucky and have your eyes out you may spot a dingo or two. Or in my case the dingo may want to join your tour and run along side your vehicle.
After a fantastic day of experiencing the island return to Kingfisher Bay Resort for a lovely dining experience at the Seabelle Restaurant. All of their dishes incorporate local indigenous items in them. Then end the evening in your room over looking the swamps and fall asleep to the sounds of the night world.
Sounds divine, doesn’t it?
Lisa Rossmeissl is the owner of Boomerang Escapes, a home-based agency located in Old Bridge, New Jersey with agents in TN, MS, and WI.
She has been a professional travel consultant since 2008 and specializes in Australia and the South Pacific. Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Fiji, and Cook Islands are among the specialist certificates she holds. Her agency’s focus is on creating custom itineraries with their client’s wants, desires, and budgets in mind. She and her planners believe in getting to know the traveler to ensure they have a vacation to remember. With each planner specializing in a different market area, Boomerang Escapes can offer a wide variety of leisure vacation planning.
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