Marina at Hervey Bay
Maryborough Heritage Centre
Beach on Fraser Island
River Heads Landing Wharf
Main towns in this Region
SEE BUNDABERG MAP
SEE HERVEY BAY MAP
SEE FRASER ISLAND MAP
SEE MARYBOROUGH MAP
SEE AREA MAP
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CLOTHES
The Fraser Coast enjoys a sunny climate and I recommend you take a hat, sunglasses and a good
UV and water resistant suncream. Informal dress is standard with some more formal clothes
for restaurants and hotels. In winter the temperature can drop of a night so something warm
to put over the top is a good idea if you are visiting between May and September.
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INFORMATION CENTRE:
Bundaberg City Visitor Information Centre.
186 Bourbong St. Bundaberg. Queensland 4670
Telephone: 07 4153 8888
HOW TO GET THERE:
By car along the Pacific Hwy.
Bundaberg is a 3 1/2 hour drive north of Brisbane along a freeway, and
the Bruce Hwy.
It has an airport serviced by QANTAS, Jetstar and Virgin Blue
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PLACES OF INTEREST:
Bundaberg Distillery
Great Barrier Reef
Fraser Island
Lady Elliot & Lady Musgrave Island Tours.
Mon Repos Turtle Rookery
Koalas can be seen at Paradise Park
Cooperage and Craft Centre
Hinkler House Museum
HOW TO GET THERE:
Bundaberg is serviced daily by coach and rail from Brisbane.
Regional Airlines operate daily to Bundaberg.
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FRASER ISLAND INFORMATION.
The Fraser Coast is one of Queensland's most attractive holiday destinations and is only a 3 1/2 hour
drive north of Brisbane or a one hour flight.
It has a remarkable diversity of experiences to offer, from World Heritage Listed Fraser Island itself;
to the sheltered waters of Hervey Bay visited each winter by the humpback whales; and the living history
of Maryborough or the majestic Bunya Mountains.
The unique environment which is Fraser Island is impressive in its sheer size and beauty. Its colourful
history and Aboriginal heritage have made it a popular place for visitors to explore. For the
naturalist, it is a rare and special garden. To the Aboriginal tribe which lived there for generations,
it was paradise. To the angler, it means a full creel. To the 4WD enthusiasts, it is the ultimate
off-road experience. To everyone who visits Fraser - it is the largest sand island in the world and
one of Australia's World Heritage sites.
FRASER ISLAND INTRODUCTION.
Fraser is the largest sand island in the world being 124km. long and covering an area of 163,000 hectares.
It encompasses an amazing variety of landscapes, long surf beaches, cliffs
and gorges in shades of orange, red, yellow and pure white sand, dense rainforests, vast, desert-like
sandblows, freshwater lakes perched high up in the dunes, winding streams, great basalt headlands and
salt pans with eerie mangrove forests.
Scientists believe Fraser Island has developed over a period of approximately 800,000 years. Its sand
comes from the tablelands of Northern New South Wales, washed into the sea by the big rivers of that
area, and strong sea currents carry it north.
Sand is the island's foundation, but water is its life force, giving rise to the island's vast tracts
of forest. Fraser Island has an abundance of freshwater in its many lakes and crystal clear creeks
and streams. Pristine clear mirror lakes and the peat-coloured perched lakes, are some of the largest
of their kind in the world. Across the broad stretches of the ocean beach and running through the cool
shady havens of the rainforests, comes the flow of the island's many creeks and streams.
Water has meant the creation of exceptional rainforests, growing in sand and surviving on nutrients
from the breakdown of other plants.
Towering satinay and brush box are among the forest giants, some over a thousand years old. The variety
of vegetation on Fraser is exceptional, ranging from mangroves to kauri forests and wallum heathlands
that fill with wildflowers in the early Spring.
The beaches and forests are the habitat of more than 230 species of birds - one of the largest and
most varied bird communities in Australia. Isolation from the mainland has also ensured the purity
of the island's dingo population.
Now listed as a World Heritage site, Fraser joins the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Kakadu
National Parks as being of universal significance as the largest coastal dune system and sand island in
the world and for its special environments.
As a precious part of Queensland's natural and cultural heritage, it is protected for all to appreciate,
enjoy and respect.
FRASER ISLAND NATIONAL PARKS, FOREST AND SAND
Fraser Island is part of the Great Sandy Region, the section of coastline stretching from the north shore
of the Noosa River below lake Cooroibah and Cooloola National Park, to Sandy Cape at the northern tip of
Fraser.
About half of Fraser Island is currently national park. The Great Sandy National Park occupies the
northern half of the island. The southern half is almost entirely crown land and state forests, proposed
for national park, subject to resolution of Aboriginal land interests.
Fraser has various centres providing information about the island and Great Sandy National Park.
Information Centres can be found at Eurong National Parks and Wildlife Office, Central Station, Dundubara
and Waddy Point.
FORESTS
Fraser's forests are one of the island's most remarkable and controversial features. Though the island was
heavily logged, large stands of satinays and brush box still remain. Pile Valley, between Central Station
and Lake McKenzie, where much of the logging took place, has the tallest of the towering satinay and brush
box.
Satinay and brush box form part of the island's sub-tropical rainforests together with piccabeen palms and
kauri pines. Fraser's rainforest are home to rare and ancient species including the angiopteris fern,
which has the largest fern fronds in the world. The angiopteris fern is notable due to its use of water
pressure rather than structural tissue to keep its fronds erect. The walkways along Wanggoolba Creek and
Central Station, inland from Eurong, pass several of the magnificant ferns.
Further north and inland from Happy Valley, the Yidney Scrub is home to a forest of 200-year old kauri
pines.
Fraser's vegetation is not all tall forest. Wallum heathlands occupy much of the lowlands. They consist
of shrublands, scribbly gum trees and wallum banksia. The heathlands spring to colour during August and
September with a profusion of wildflowers.
The western coastline of the island is fringed with mangroves backed by areas of cypress pine.
SAND FORMATIONS.
The dune systems of the Great Sandy Region, which include Fraser Island, are the largest and oldest in
the world dating back more than 30,000 years. Fraser is the world's largest sand island. Along the ocean
coastline, the dunes take on at times sculptured shapes, giving rise to the names "The Cathedrals"
and "The Pinnacles".
There are 72 different coloured sands that occur on the island. The best coloured sands can be seen along
a 35km stretch of the ocean beach north of Happy Valley. Sandblows are the other major sand formation,
caused through the gradual action of shifting sand across the island. The Knifeblade, just north of the
wreck of the "Maheno", is the largest of the island's sandblows. A lookout provides an excellent
lookout onto the beaches and dunes.
Further north, Middle Rocks' Champagne Pools are deep natural rock pools, ideal for swimming Waddy Point
is a popular base for anglers and provides good views from atop the lookout.
FRASER ISLAND WORLD HERITAGE LISTING
Fraser Island attained its World Heritage Listing in December 1992 in recognition of the island's
exceptional sand dune systems, its rainforests on sand and its pristine freshwater lakes. Fraser Island
is the tenth World Heritage listed site in Australia. The listing recognises
Fraser's combination of environments as having outstanding universal value and its protection for future
generations as a global responsibility.
World Heritage Listings began almost twenty years ago under the auspices of the United Nations with
establishment of the World Heritage Convention to which Australia is a signatory. 127 countries are
party to the convention, established to identify, protect and preserve properties which qualify for
World Heritage Listing.
The two criteria against which Fraser Island was judged eligible for listing as a natural site were as
follows:if it was an outstanding example representing significant on-going geological processes, biological
evolution and man's interaction with the natural environment; and if it has superlative natural phenomena,
formations or features.
While the World Heritage Committee does not have the power to dictate how the listed site is managed,
signatories to the convention, such as Australia, have an obligation to observe the ethic of the listing.
The purpose of the World Heritage Listing is to recognise Fraser Island as having unique and precious
natural environments of universal value that should be protected.
Fraser Island has merged from a century of exploitation of its rich sources - timber, sand minerals and
fish. Logging and sand mining have ceased after many years of campaignng by environmental groups. The
challenge for the island in the future will be in managing the growth in tourism. A detailed management
plan has been developed by the Fraser Implementation Unit, part of the Queensland Department of Environment
and Heritage, for Fraser Island and Great Sandy Region which sets a strategy to the year 2010.
The responsibility of protecting Fraser for future generations, however, belongs to all visitors in
respecting the island's environments.
FRASER ISLAND WALKING
Leaving behind the 4WD and taking to the walking tracks is one of the best ways of appreciating Fraser
Island's natural splendour. Without the rumble of engines, the birdlife can be seen and heard and the
beauty of Fraser's wildflowers, its forests, lakes, creeks and sand formations seem all the richer.
Walking tracks vary from a mere few hundred metres along some of the creek walkways, up to 13km. treks,
such as that between Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby. Before setting out ensure you have good, comfortable
walking shoes, a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen lotion, water, a good map and a compass is also advisable.
Terrain on Fraser is generally easy, but walking on sand can be tiring and slow when the sand is soft.
Avoid walking in the hottest part of the day and allow plenty of time to reach your destination defore
dark.
Walking tracks in the southern half of the island:
Dilli Village to Lake Boomanjin 7km.
Lake Boomanjin Circuit 4km.
Lake Boomanjin to Lake Birrabeen 10km.
Lake Birrabeen to Central Station 5km.
Central Station to Pile Valley 2km.
Central Station to Lake McKenzie 6km.
Lake McKenzie to Lake Wabby 13km.
Lake Wabby to Ocean beach 3km.
Walking tracks in the northern half:
Ocean Lake Circuit 5km.
Dundubara Creek to Wungul 3km.
Dundubara to Lake Bowarrady 12km.
The series of walks, particularly in the south of the island, can be combined for a trekking holiday over
a few days. It's advisable to go in a group, preferably with experienced bushwalkers and always advise
park rangers of your itinerary before setting out.
Maps and a compass are essential. Constructed walking tracks and old forestry roads make the easiest
walking. Taking to the bush, off the beaten tracks is inadvisable and can be dangerous, particularly
for the inexperienced bushwalker, as swamps and thick heathland vegetation make many parts of the island
difficult to traverse. The southern part of the island is well provided with water sources, but the
northern half is dry in parts and freshwater is harder to locate. Consequently, hikers should always
carry ample water supplies and food.
Fraser is not snake free and care should be taken. However, mosquitoes and midges are the greatest
wildlife threat, so it is advisable to apply insect repellent in the hotter months and after rain.
Do not encourage or feed the dingoes - they are wild, unpredictable and should be appreciated from a
distance. Fraser's delicate balance of environments will survive for future generations, only through
the thoughtfulness of its visitors.
Bushwalkers should keep to tracks, avoid damaging vegetation and respect the island's cultural and
environmental heritage.
FRASER ISLAND WILDLIFE
Fraser boasts around 230 species of birds, that flock to its beaches, rainforests, heathlands, wildflowers
and to its many lakes. Along the beaches, you can see dotterels, pied oyster - catchers, pelicans,
terns and gulls while overhead the skies are prowled by magnificant birds of prey - brahminy kites,
white- breasted sea eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons. The island's heathlands are home to one of
Australia's rarest
birds - the ground parrot, as well as honey- eaters, kingfishers and cockatoos. The lakes and wetlands
are the habitat of curlews, jabirus and brolgas.
The separation from the mainland and the lack of grazing fields has meant that Fraser's land and water
animals do not compare in numbers or variety to the island's exceptional diversity in vegetation.
Nevertheless, Fraser's wildlife is exceptional in its own way.
There are 25 species of mammal present on the island. Isolation has ensured that Fraser's dingoes are
the purest breed in Eastern Australia and consequently no domestic dogs are permitted on the island.
Visitors are advised not to encourage or feed the dingoes.
Wallabies, possums, flying foxes and echidnas are some of the other native mammals, but there are no
kangaroos.
Dugong feed on the seagrass beds, turtles breed on some island beaches as well as the mainland and each
year tailor make their annual migration to Fraser's rocky headlands
to spawn.
The annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica to the warm waters of Queensland bring many of
the magnificent whales into the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay, on the western side of Fraser Island.
After calving in the waters further north, many of the whales retreat to Platypus Bay with their new
offspring before returning to the rich feeding grounds of the Antarctic.
During the weeks from August to October, licensed tour boats operate from Hervey Bay's Urangan Boat
Harbour for visitors to watch the antics of the whales. Whale watching now attracts over 45,000 people
per annum to what is a special part of the region's natural wonders.
FRASER ISLAND ACCOMMODATION
While Fraser Island is one of Australia's great wilderness regions, accessible for the most part only
by 4WD, it offers a broad range of accommodation styles. Camping may still be one of the most popular
ways to experience Fraser. However self-catering accommodation, from caravans to apartments and luxury
villas, motel and four-star resort facilities, are all available.
Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, on the western shores of the island, provides luxury accommodation
on the ocean side of the island; Eurong Beach and Happy Valley Resorts, also provide high-quality
facilities. A selection of cabins, units, flats, houses and motel style accommodation is also available
at Eurong, Happy Valley and Dilli Village.
Camping at sites other than the private camping grounds require a permit. Permits are abtainable at the
time of getting your vehicle permit . Camping permits must be attached to the outside of the tent for
inspection by Park Rangers.
There is a private camping park at Cathedral Beach and there are designated camping areas established by
the Environmental Protection Agency along the ocean beach and some west coast locations.
Facilities including showers, toilets, cleared sites, and fireplaces are provided at Lake Boomanjin,
Central Station, Dundubara, Waddy Point and Wathumba. Lake Allom's camping area has earth toilets,
but no shower facilities.
Camping sites are not able to be reserved except at Waddy Point and Dundubara.
For reservations, call the Environmental Protection Agency, Customer Service Centre.
Ph:07 3227 8185. Email: csc@epa.qld.gov.au
TIPS FOR CAMPERS
Permits are required for vehicle access and overnight camping. These can be obtained
on-line at Queensland Government Camping or
by phone on 131304.
Do not camp within 100 metres of a lake or 50 metres of a creek.
Avoid digging trenches around your tent.
Use fuel stoves in preference to woodfires. If using BBQ's, use wood provided.
Do not feed or encourage the dingos, goannas or other wildlife.
Do not bury rubbish. Dispose of it in the proper bins or remove it from the island when you
leave.
Do not use detergents, soaps, toothpaste or shampoos in the lakes or waterways, it encourages
damaging algal growth.
Observe hygiene standards when camping without toilet facilities and bury human waste.
Respect the peace of other campers. Do not create noise or play loud music.
Boil water taken from natural sources.
Leave the campsite tidy for other campers.
FACILITIES ON FRASER
Fraser Island has no towns but the resorts at Eurong Beach and Happy Valley, both on the surf beach and
Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village on the western beach provide facilities for touring visitors. General
stores, fuel and ice are available at some other locations.
FUEL: Eurong Beach Resort, Happy Valley Resort, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village and Cathedral
Beach Camping Park.
GENERAL STORES: Cathedral Beach Camping Park, Dilli Village, Eurong Beach Resort, Happy Valley
Resort and Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village.
SWIMMING: There is excellent swimming in the creeks and lakes, with their sandy beaches and
warm water. However, swimmers should not venture out far into the surf along the eastern shore. It
is unprotected beach and there are rips and strong tidal currents.
EMERGENCIES: There are no doctors or hospitals on Fraser Island. During peak visitor periods,
a Queensland Ambulance Station is manned at Happy Valley. An Air Ambulance operates in the events of
emergencies. Contact the Ranger Stations at Eurong, Central Station, Dundubara; Waddy Point, Ungowa or
direct to the base in Nambour
Ph:(074) 41 1333. Visitors with pre-existing conditions should be aware of the limited medical
facilities and consider this when making holiday plans.
RANGER STATIONS: In the event of bushfires or other emegencies or difficulties, contact the
Ranger Staff at stations on the island at Eurong Ph:(071) 27 9128, Central Station Ph:(071) 27 9191,
Waddy Point Ph:(071) 27 9190, Dundubara Ph: (071) 27 9138 and Ungowa Ph:(071) 27 9113.
TELEPHONES: Public telephones are located at various major points around the island including
Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Ungowa, Central Station, Eurong Beach Resort, Cathedral Beach
Camping Park, Dundubara, Waddy Point, Indian Head and Orchid Beach.
INFORMATION CENTRES: Centres with information about the island are located at Central Station,
Eurong National Parks and Wildlife Office, Waddy Point and Dundubara. The resorts and stores on the
island also provide visitor information.
Further information on Fraser Island is available at Queensland Parks and Reserves.
SEE FRASER ISLAND MAP
INFORMATION CENTRE:
Tourism Hervey Bay
Cnr. Urraween & Hervey Bay - Maryborough Rds, Hervey Bay QLD 4655
Ph: 07 4125 9855
Ph: 1800 811 728.
Fraser Coast-South Burnett Regional Tourism Board
Maryborough South Travel Shop, Bruce Hwy, Maryborough QLD 4650
Ph: 1800 444 155
Maryborough & Fraser Island Visitor Information Centre
30 Ferry Street, Maryborough, QLD 4650
Ph: 07 4121 4111 or Toll Free: 1800 214 789
HOW TO GET THERE:
By car along the Bruce Hwy. to Hervey Bay from Maryborough, then 4WD only via ferry from Hervey Bay,
Rainbow Beach or River Heads.
Light Plane from Hervey Bay
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© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins