Destination Profile - Fraser Island, Queensland
World Heritage Listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand! Over 120 kilometres long and over 30 kilometres across at its widest point, the Island has developed over 800,000 years and is a unique natural environment.
Fraser Island's sand originated hundreds of kilometres away; washed from the tablelands of northern New South Wales into the rivers and out to sea where strong currents carried it north to create the largest sand island in the world.
Named 'K'gari' (meaning paradise) Fraser Island was home to the Butchulla people who lived on the island for over 5,500 years. Their heritage is evident in archaeological sites, midden heaps, ceremonial bora rings, and stone implements. European history credits Fraser's discovery to Captain James Cook. The island was named after Eliza Fraser in remembrance of her dramatic shipwreck.
Fraser Island boasts pristine fresh water lakes such as McKenzie, Boomanjin, Allom and the spectacular Lake Wabby; crystal clear creeks; wonderful swimming rock-pools; the amazing coloured sand formations known as The Cathedrals and the Central Station camping area and ranger station. They are excellent subjects for photography, great places to see birds, other fauna and flora and a welcome oasis on hot summer days.
Lake Mckenzie is said to have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The white sand and clear fresh water gives you the feeling that the beach is artificial. On the eastern beach, near Happy Valley is Fraser Island's own shipwreck - The Maheno.
Fraser Island has about 230 species of birds and 25 species of mammals including wallabies, possums, flying foxes, echidnas and eastern Australia's purest breed of dingo. Its warm waters attract dugong, dolphins and turtles. The magnificent humpback whales, with their young, pass on the western side of the island between August and November. Some trees are 1,000 years old.
This destination is part of the Islands in the Sun Australian Adventure.
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