Fraser Island, Fraser Coast, Queensland

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and is the only one with rainforest growing on it. Its tropical climate supports a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are already in the endangered list.

Originally named 'K'gari,' meaning paradise, in the Butchulla people's language, the island got its present name from Eliza Fraser, a shipwreck survivor in 1836.

Today, visitors come to the island by ferry and flights chartered from Marcoola and Hervey Bay. Getting around the island requires one to rent a 4WD vehicle, since it’s the only type of vehicle capable of navigating the island’s sandy surface. Even so, first time visitors and those inexperienced in driving 4WD vehicles should request for a guide to get around safely. Most hire companies will equip tourists with everything they need, including permits and experienced drivers, if necessary.

When visitors come in through chartered flights, they will usually land along the 75 mile beach facing the Pacific Ocean. This beach also serves as the main highway of the island, affording travelers with unique sceneries while driving to their destinations. Swimming, however, is generally discouraged in these waters due to strong currents and the presence of numerous Tiger sharks.

When looking for perfect spots to swim, visitors head out to various resorts and camps around the island’s several freshwater lakes and swimming holes. One notable resort would be the Dilli Village, where different types of accommodations are available. Located near the Toby’s Gap Airstrip, it is a convenient entry point for tourists wishing to embark on an exploratory trip around the island. Dilli Village, like the rest of the resorts in the island, is fully fenced to prevent dingoes from coming in. Dingoes are species of wild dogs that used to roam freely in Fraser Island. Visitors are cautioned against approaching these animals, as dingoes are known to attack and kill humans on occasions. However, dingoes are just part of the diverse wildlife found in Fraser Island, where more exotic species are also found, including rare frogs found around Lake Basin.

North of Dilli Village is Lake Boomanjin, the island’s largest. The water here is brown due to leached tannins from surrounding melaleuca trees. The lake is also a perfect spot for bird watching.

Nearby is the Lake Birraben, where the sands on its beach are made up of pure silica. It is one of the more popular swimming spots in the island. However, if visitors really want to experience what it’s like to swim in one of the top ranked beaches in the world, they should head out to Lake Mackenzie. This perched lake also boasts of silica sand as well as emerald waters, features that draw visitors from around the country and the world.
Just like Dilli Village, there are other resorts and campgrounds situated along the eastern shore of Fraser Island. Further north of Dilli is the Fraser Island Beach Houses resort, the Happy Valley Hotel, the Sailfish Apartments, and the Dundubara campground.

Several interesting points in the island that are worth visiting include the wreck of SS Maheno, the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, and tidal pools at Waddy Point and Champagne Pools.