There aren’t too many places in the world that can continue to amaze you time and time again, no matter how many times you visit. Fraser Island and Hervey Bay are two of these places and will leave you breathless with their untouched beauty and intrigue.
The unique town of Hervey Bay is just one of Queensland’s many coastal towns that are frequented by sun-seeking tourists during the holiday seasons. Comprised of a beautiful bay, this town boasts a pleasant blend of seaside living and modern facilities.
Highly regarded as the Whale Watch capital of Australia, Hervey Bay boasts a number of seaside villages, lovely beaches and offers a vast range of tourist activities and attractions for all ages. Take a leisurely stroll or cycle along the esplanade and enjoy lunch at one of the numerous waterfront restaurants and cafes before checking out the eclectic set of stores and gift shops.
However, the undeniable highlight of Hervey Bay is of course its close proximity to the stunning Fraser Island.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, measuring an impressive 123 kilometres in length. Its world heritage listed status places it in the same league as Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef, making it a must for any visit to this Great Southern Land.
The best (and only) way to discover the wonder and beauty of this fantastic island is to do it in a 4WD vehicle. There are some great tours available, or alternatively you can hire one for yourself. Driving on the island can be incredibly dangerous though, and extreme safety precautions are a must.
Once you arrive, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Boasting long, uninterrupted beaches, pristine rainforests and over 100 freshwater lakes, you could spend an entire week just getting acquainted with the scenery here.
The eastern side of the island is a haven of natural attractions, all easily accessible right from the beach. Working your way up from the bottom, spend some time exploring the incredible Lake Wabby. A 40-minute walk will lead you towards a stunning oasis of sand dunes enclosing a green, tea-tree infused lake that is perfect for swimming and fishing alike.
Beautiful Eli Creek is just a little north and will amaze you with its crystal clear waters. As the largest freshwater stream on the eastern coast of the island, it is considered one of Fraser’s most unique natural wonders. A scenic boardwalk will take you right along the water’s edge, with swimming another popular option.
Take a journey back through time as you discover the masterpiece that is the Maheno Shipwreck. Wrecked in 1935, this ship tells a rich story of days gone by and truly is a sight to behold. Climbing on the ship is prohibited, but admiring from afar is just as aesthetically pleasing.
The Pinnacles are equally as breathtaking and are comprised of Fraser Island’s famous coloured sands. These multi-coloured cliffs of red, yellow, brown and orange were formed by natural erosion and create a spectacular scene that simply cannot be missed.
Indian Head is another breathtaking destination on the island and will expose you to dramatic coastline views and incredible jagged cliffs. The perfect way to cool down after this is with a dip in the Champagne Pools. These pools are formed by the ocean crashing over the rocks into shallow ocean coves that provide refreshing relief from the scorching sun.
However, the undeniable highlight of Fraser Island would have to be the extraordinary Lake McKenzie. Progressing from incredibly clear and turquoise waters, to a deep sea blue, the very sight of this lake is sure to take your breath away. Feel the silicon white sand in between your toes before you dive into the calm, cool waters and pose for what may seem like a million photos. A few hours here is a must as this is a place that is sure to capture your heart and imaginations for eternity.
Fraser Island truly is an exquisite place to visit. Home to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery, and easily one of Australia’s most loved icons, a trip to Fraser is a must on any keen traveler’s bucket list.
