A few days on Fraser Island

Headed for Fraser on 15 July, and stopped at Rainbow Beach/Inskip Point to deflate our tyres to get on the barge across to Fraser.  Started well, with Trev letting too much air out then having to re-inflate.  Finally got going into deep soft sand heading towards the barge - but Trev didn't put the boot in early enough (especially carrying a much heavier Jayco Dove) and guess what?  Yes, we got bogged even before we got on the barge!!!  Pete took note of the way we went and did a big detour around us - smart move.   Trev lowered the tyre pressures a little more and we eventually made it onto the barge.  

Then Pete & Dee came around and ..... yes, you guessed it - they got bogged just at the entry to the barge!  Whew, Trev would never have lived it down if he'd been the only one to get bogged before we started!  Anyway, all aboard eventually and 10 minutes later we were heading up the main highway of Fraser island - soft, soft sand to start with then it firmed up and we were on our way.


Picked a camping spot about halfway up the island at Yurru, near the Cathedrals.  Nice spot behind the dunes with a bit of shelter from the wind and an uninterrupted view of the ocean.  Finished setting up camp around 4.30pm - and most importantly, our own private WC - see photo left!  I was just testing, people - it does now have a complete cover.


Next morning, exploring.  We visited Lake Allom and had a picnic on the viewing platform while being viewed by the turtles!  Interesting drive, amazing forests, lots of birdlife, different coloured fungi, just beautiful.  After that we drove to the Knifeblade Sandblow walked up to the viewing platform, then drove through to Happy Valley for coffee, toilets and checking phones.


Next day, we did the Southern Lakes Drive. On the way we stopped at the wreck of the Maheno and took a few photos.  Hardly anyone about (we beat the crowds) so managed to get some lovely shots.  Lake Mackenzie was closed, but we visited Lake Birrabeen where we had a picnic on the pristine white sand beach, followed by a swim (well, Trev & I had a swim) in the amazingly clear water.  Cool, but refreshing.  From there we went to Lake Boomanjin, a totally different lake - black water from the tannins in the foliage - but also quite beautiful in its own way.

I also had my first taste of sand driving - both along the highway on the hard sand, and through one of the little villages - didn't do too badly, if I do say so myself!  So, Seb, it's your turn next!


Yesterday we travelled north to Indian Head - much easier to climb up this soft sand without a trailer on our back (which is what we did last time we here - we have learned!).  From there we went to Champagne Pools where we had a lovely swim with heaps of fish surrounding us - magic.  I wish I'd taken a mask and snorkel with us, it was so pretty.  Then it was up to Orchid Beach for refuelling, and Pete & Dee decided to head back while we went on to Ngale Rocks.  


We knew we were too close to high tide, so stopped at Ocean Lake for a cooked lunch.  We set off around 2.15pm, aiming to get as close as possible to Sandy Cape lighthouse.  However, we negotiated two sets of rocks with the tide going out - had to do a 'go-around' at another section.  We stopped around the middle of the rocks, then walked through to see how difficult the next section would be - met another couple who were around the other side of these rocks, also waiting for the tide to subside!  Had a chat with them, waited about an hour then figured that we were not going to make it in time to Sandy Cape so decided to turn back and head for home.  

Trev enjoyed the drive, cos it had everything in it:  beach driving on hard sand, soft sand, inland driving on very deep soft sand, clambering over rocks covered by water, and sliding down narrow channels enclosed by scrub - just great!  I even took some videos which showed some good 'rear wheel action'!

Got back to camp around 5.30pm, but just before we got there we had a beautiful rainbow over the ocean, with big billowy clouds around, so had to take some more photos of course.  How beautiful is this?

Today it's very overcast, so we're just driving down to Happy Valley, might stop at Eli Creek and the Pinnacles on the way back if the weather improves - if not, we'll have a quiet day at camp, start packing up for an early departure tomorrow morning.


Fraser is still beautiful - definitely recommend coming over here for something a bit different.  And yes, there are plenty of dingoes about - we saw three on the way up the beach on the first day, and have had plenty of sightings since then - this photo is for Blake and Brayden.