Ten glorious days on the beautiful island of K’gari (Fraser Island)
This trip to K’gari was not to work, but rather for a holiday. We went with our friends Maree and Graham to explore the beauty spots on K’gari, of which there are many. K’gari is part of the Great Sandy National Park.
Accommodation
We stayed at The Bungalow, a lovely holiday cottage in Second Valley near Eurong, about an hours drive from the barge drop off at Hook Point. It was very comfortable, quiet and a short walk to the beach and the Eurong Shops. It was also well screened to escape the march-flies which were in abundance.
As with all the towns on K’gari, Eurong is fenced to keep dingos out. The drive way is electrified and dingo sticks are supplied at the gate for anyone walking on the beach. If you’re going to K’gari, keep ‘dingo safe’ by reading one of the many resources available, like this one. The dingos of K’gari are the last pure bred dingos in the world. To help stop the extinction of this unique animal, follow the guidelines by Parks & Wildlife, to keep you and them safe. Some of the research into this animal was covered in our blog K’gari (Fraser Island)
We saw plenty of dingos on the beach.
One evening when Tim and I went fishing, three dingos started sniffing around the car, trying to get to the fish we had caught. We decided it was best to leave.
A dingo appeared from the dunes and became a little too curious about Maree cooling off in the ocean. But then decided to cool off too.
Places we visited
Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie)
Our first visit was hot, humid, overcast and drizzling with rain. It was like being in some mystical place, like a bunyip might appear at any moment. Such a beautiful place to visit.
Our second visit was sunny and windy, and we got to see the true colour of the water.
Most tourist sites on K’gari have dingo proof fenced picnic areas so you can eat without dingos around.
Champagne Pools
Rock pools filled by the ocean waves splashing over the rock walls.
The Pinnacles
Coloured sands.
Beach Driving
The beach is the main road. Normal road rules apply.
Along the beach there are various obstacles, like large rock formations. If the tide is low enough it is possible to drive below them. Some have tracks inland for when the tide is too high. These tracks are usually very soft sand, and depending on the tide, it can be easier to cross the rocks rather than take the track.
Eli Creek
We visited Eli Creek several times. Sometimes it was very crowded but always lots of fun. The board walk goes along the creek and you can float down to the mouth of the creek.
Most people drive cross the creek by going directly across I, often at a well defined spot that others have crossed beforehand and the sand is well compacted.
Then there are those, who for some unknown reason decide to drive UP the creek, towing a boat. He didn’t get very far from the mouth, and after a few hours and multiple rescue attempts, was free.
Maheno Wreck
Central Station
For at least 5,000 years prior to European settlement, this area was a sacred site for the local Butchulla women to give birth. In 1840 white man began logging and the area became a small town for the loggers and their families called Central Station. It was also used for Commando Training in 1943. Today it is used for group camping for school groups etc.
Inland Driving
Distances may not be many kilometres but it can an hour to drive 10 kms.
Lake Birrabeen
Another perched lake with the sand almost pure silica. The water here is tea coloured with tannin from the surrounding tea trees. A truely peaceful and beautiful place to visit.
Dilli Village
Run by the University of Sunshine Coast, The K’gari-Fraser Island Research and Learning Centre has a range of facilities with options for campers, researchers and school groups.
Lake Boomanjin
By far our favourite lake. Absolutely stunning colours and shadows on this lake. The water is stained dark red from the surrounding trees; tea trees, black butt, and bloodwoods. Making it impossible to see the bottom. Lake Boomanjin is the largest perched lake in the world.
Lake Wabby
Significant for Maree and Graham. Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year, they camped beside Lake Wabby when in their early twenties. Lake Wabby is a barrage lake, expected to eventually disappear under the sand blow that created it.
Around the island
Cheers til next time
Helen & Tim