Say hello to Fraser Island – a phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest sand island. Measuring at over 120 kilometres long and 22 kilometres wide, it’s brimming with an abundance of incredible wildlife, spectacular natural wonders, and a countless list of experiences to suit any traveller. The island may be small but boy does it pack a punch! Here are just some of the experiences you’ll fall in love with, no matter what kind of traveller you are.
Wildlife Lovers
Home to over 350 bird species, Fraser Island is a bird watcher’s paradise! The towering rainforests shrouding the island make it an ideal habitat for honeyeaters, cockatoos, sea eagles, heron…the list goes on! While you’ll also find marsupials, reptiles, mammals (and maybe some elusive dingoes) on shore, there’s plenty to see offshore with humpback whales making their seasonal journey down the coast, taking rest in the waters off Fraser Island. You can often see them frolicking from the beach, but for an even more immersive experience take a whale watching cruise and witness these majestic creatures up close!
Water Babies
Photo by Tom Reynolds on Unsplash
If water sports are more your thing, then you’re in for a real treat! With its many lakes, creeks, and a coastline full of beaches, you are spoilt for choice with an endless array of activities. Hire a kayak and spend the afternoon paddling through the turquoise waters of Wathumba Creek and feel time stop momentarily. Go all wheel driving along 75 Mile Beach and stop at the Maheno Shipwreck and learn of its ill-fated expedition to Japan in 1935. While at the beach admire the dedicated anglers fishing in the surf, or perhaps give it a go and try land one of the many fish that surround these waters.
Thrill Seekers
For those that love getting their heart rate racing, take a four-wheel driving tour of the island and visit some of its famous landmarks. From the sand cliffs of the Pinnacles and Wanggoolba Creek, to the Pile Valley Rainforest (a place so rare that it’s the only place in the world where rainforests can grow from sand and reach almost 50 metres high!). Next stop, why not try sandboarding off the sand dunes at Lake Wabby and end up in the cooling waters of the lake – in a fit of laughter we might add!
Soul Soothers
If a flop and drop holiday is more your style, than Fraser Island has you covered. Grab a floatie and let the calming waters of Eli Creek take you on a slow ride along the flowing creek. The creek pours up to 4 million litres of freshwater into the ocean every hour! Back at the Kingfisher Bay Resort, relax by one of the 4 pools with a book and cocktail in tow; or consider booking a rejuvenating spa day and soak in the indulgence of a facial, massage (or both)!
There’s truly something for every type of traveller on Fraser Island. Looking to discover more? Check out the Tropical Island Discovery tour with Cosmos!
