Islands of Fraser Coast

The world’s largest sand island, measuring 1840 square kilometres, Fraser Island is a sparkling gem in the Queensland tourism story, flush with natural attractions, flora, fauna and culture and history.

Boasting more than 120km of ocean beaches, not all are safe for swimming but there’s plenty of natural experiences on Fraser Island to keep even the most ardent adventurer entertained in this pristine paradise. Accommodation ranges from eco resorts to holiday homes and campsites. 

History and culture

The local Aborigines, the Butchulla people, were the first to inhabit the island, with the last Indigenous resident leaving in 1904. European involvement on the island is believed to date back as far as 1521 to a Portugese explorer. Clay pipes found at Indian Head point to Dutch navigators in the 17th century.

In 1799, explorer Matthew Flinders discovered that Fraser Island, was, in fact an island and not part of the Hervey Bay peninsula. But it wasn’t until 1836, when Captain James Fraser was stranded on the island with his wife Eliza, that the island was named after her.

Whatever your take on history, Fraser Island has always been a popular destination and remains so today with its natural rainforest, beautiful freshwater lakes and sand formations.

Adventures galore

4WD enthusiasts adore Fraser Island for its 75 Mile Beach, a gazetted highway, along which you will find the crystal clear freshwater Eli Creek, which is ideal for swimming.

• Head to the Cathedrals and you’ll encounter a 35km stretch of coloured sand cliffs.
• At Indian Head, there’s a rocky lookout which makes it easy to spot sharks, stingrays and sea turtles.
• Visit the famous Maheno Shipwreck, which tells the tale of one of Queensland’s most colourful maritime disasters.
• Swim in the clear blue waters of beautiful Lake McKenzie.
• Take a dip in the Champagne Pools where waves crash over the rocks creating a frothy watering hole.

Scenic spots and walks

• At Waddy Point, visitors are afforded great views over the headland of ocean and beach.
• Central Station, a former settlement for loggers, boasts the impressive Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk through the rainforest.
• For those looking for a longer trek, take the Fraser Island Great Walk which takes between six and eight days.
• For some of the best photo shots, rise early for sunrise over the Maheno Shipwreck and at sunset, head to McKenzie’s Jetty (south of Kingfisher Bay Resort) or Kingfisher Bay Resort pier.

Wildlife encounters

Fraser Island is also home to an incredible amount of wildlife including 47 species of mammals, more than 354 species of birds, and 79 species of reptiles which include 19 species of snakes alone. 

• Spot rare native dingoes on 75 Mile Beach.
• Spot dolphins, dugongs, turtles and manta rays in the surrounding ocean. 
• Spot humpback whales as they migrate along the east coast of Australia between July and November, stopping in the shores of Fraser Island to rest.