Fraser Island

Just off the coast from Queensland's Hervey Bay, is World Heritage Listed Fraser Island - 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.

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 a wealth of natural attractions: pristine fresh water lakes such as McKenzie, Boomanjin, Allom and the spectacular Lake Wabby; crystal clear creeks - Eli Creek being the most well-known; Champagne Pools - wonderful swimming rock-pools; the amazing coloured sand formations known as The Cathedrals and the Central Station camping area and ranger station. On the eastern beach, near Happy Valley you will discover Fraser Island's own shipwreck - The Maheno. For full details on each of these popular attractions of Fraser Island search under ""natural attractions"" on this website.

Fraser Island is home to several species of birds and 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.

You can visit Fraser Island either by taking a cruise across the Great Sandy Strait and joining a guided 4WD tour, or as a foot-passenger to the western side, or by self-driving (for Four Wheel Drive vehicles only). Access requires crossing by either catamaran, barge, helicopter or charter aircraft.