Top 7 must-do experiences on Fraser Island, Australia
Fraser Island… K’Gari… The largest sand island on the planet. However you classify it, the commonly known Fraser Island is one of the most unique in the world and one of the most iconic experiences to be had in Australia. If you’re wondering why you should visit, look no further.
Below we've compiled our top 7 must-do experiences for Fraser Island to get you started with planning your perfect Fraser Island trip!
7. Driving the Dunes of 75 Mile Beach
Imagine yourself in traffic on a highway in any major city. Now imagine that highway was pure sand, with beautiful crashing waves of cobalt and turquoise blue along the painted lines… This is 75 Mile Beach. The most incredible, rustic highway you’ve ever driven on. It’s no wonder that only 4 wheel drives are allowed to travel in this scenic commute. 75 Mile Beach is unlike any other you’ll experience in the world, with destinations like Indian Head, Champagne Pools, and the SS Maheno Wreck. Facing the Eastern Front of the island, you’ll catch the most spectacular sunrises you’ve ever seen in your life. You have the options to self-drive or hire your own vehicle, stress-free with Fraser Dingoes’ popularly pink Toyotas (perfected by knowledgeable locals over the decades and customised for the terrain) or you can sit back and relax on a guided tour with Fraser Explorer Tours for a no-hassle ride.
6. Visit the Iconic Lake McKenzie
You’ve probably heard of the iconic swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, but did you know you can experience these fine silica sands in one of the perched lakes on Fraser Island? Lake McKenzie is another phenomenal destination on your Australia bucket list that can offer these unique pure white sands, but this time in a freshwater lake inland! There are several tours that can take you closest to the walking track, and of course, you can self-drive or take a tag-along tour! Pure, ancient rainwater and protected rainforest surround this incredible photographer's dream! Much more than a safe harbour for swimming, this is one of the most instagrammable places on Fraser Island.
5. Explore 7 Types of Forest
Unkown to the naked eye, K’Gari, or Fraser Island, is home to 7 different types of forests, all growing on the largest sand island in the world. A delicate balance of layered nutrient-rich sediment and fungi creates an incredible and diverse root base for many types of trees and bushland. As you travel from coast to coast, you’ll pass through several without even noticing, but there are signs pointing out the different types of bush and trees, along with the different forests as you traverse through the soft, sandy trails. Any option is a great way to see this diverse and ancient foliage, from self-drive to tag-along tours, and even guided bus tours. Central Station and Pile Valley are some of the hot spots you won’t want to miss!
4. Shoreline Fishing
Undoubtedly, many people visit Fraser Island for its incredible shoreline fishing. Locals will tell you there is no season, and permits aren’t required, just make sure you research the season you are planning on visiting, as laws are subject to change on this UNESCO world heritage site. Lakes and creeks are still heavily monitored so make sure you read up on the national parks website before casting a line in any freshwater lakes. Some fish you can expect to catch while surfcasting include Dew Fish, Trevally, Spanish Mackeral, and you can even catch your own bait right on the shore! You’ll find “pippies”, or small clams at low tide which can be great for a barbeque steam up! Leaving behind bait or cleaning fish on the shore is also heavily monitored due to the wild dingo population. Self-driving or private vehicles are the best way to take advantage of this activity, as you will have more freedom than if you were tagging along with a group or on a guided tour.
3. Chase the Sunrise, Catch the Sunset
This may sound like a no brainer, but in fact, sunrises and sunsets on Fraser Island are extremely unique. If you aren’t an early riser, we suggest you make the effort at least once during your time on the island, as most overnight accommodation faces the eastern shore. On 75 Mile Beach, you will likely have it mostly to yourself, as tag-along and guided tours don’t usually depart until after sunrise. This is also a great time to get photos of the long sandy highway without any tyre tracks since the tides and wind will have smoothed out the shoreline overnight. We recommend sunrise at Eurong Beach, outside of Eurong Resort. You can also catch the sunset on the western shore at Kingfisher Bay Resort, which is spectacular over Hervey Bay. If you time it correctly during your stay, you may even be able to catch both the sunrise and sunset all in one day!
2. Take a Scenic Flight
Almost any tour, tagalong or self-driven Fraser experience wouldn’t be complete without taking advantage of a scenic flight over the island. Check with your tour guide about arranging a scenic flight, as their operation is tide dependent. Air Fraser Island has been operating on Fraser Island for over 30 years, and have skilled local pilots ensuring your enjoyment and safety while in the air. You’ll see some of the top highlights from above, such as Lake McKenzie, and some of the sand blows and dunes. You can’t really absorb the full length of 75 Mile Beach unless you’re up in the air too, making for some pretty incredible photo opportunities. With flights starting at as little as $80 per person, this short but fulfilling flight will not disappoint!
1. Spot a Dingo
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic experiences on Fraser Island, as well as an Australian bucket list item, is encountering a dingo in the wild. There are roughly 250 protected dingoes on this world heritage site, and due to the isolated nature of their location and heavily protected status, they are the purest breed of dingo in the world. There are plenty of signs around warning of the dangers of interacting too close with these predators, but with proper distance and some common sense, this can be one of the best experiences on the island. Protecting yourself as well as this wild population is the top priority for authorities, so there is strictly no feeding allowed. They are easiest to spot on the beach, as they scavenge feed along the shoreline.
As locals of the East Coast of Australia, we pride ourselves on being experts in the best travel experiences you can have. Our local travel experts can help you work out the perfect way to traverse this wild and beautiful island, on any budget or comfort level!
