Fraser Island

By: Jamie Stone
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:42:59
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Situated just off the Bruce Hwy in Queensland, Hervey Bay is the gateway to World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Known as the world’s largest sand island stretching over 123km in length, its unusual formation of sand and rainforest make it a special source of adventure for visitors to explore. Well known among fisherman and 4WD enthusiast’s, the wonderfully coloured sand cliffs, unique fresh water lakes and diverse flora and wildlife will leave you feeling captivated and in awe.

The abundance of fresh water lakes, crystal clear creeks and streams provide the ultimate swimming experiences during a hot summer’s day. Scenic 4WD circuits and walking tracks in the southern half of the island take in some of the largest of the lakes.

Fraser Island is an ultimate environment for the photographer as it is home to more than 230 species of birds and around 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. Caution should always be taken with the dingoes as some are extremely tame and should not be trusted. Feeding is not recommended!

The annual migration of humpback whales from Antarctica, see’s many of the magnificent whales shelter to the waters of Platypus Bay after calving to relax and play before returning to the rich feeding grounds of the Antarctic.

Fraser is more than a unique environment for visitors; it was home to aboriginal tribes who lived on the island for over 5,500 years, their heritage is evident in archaeological sites seen on the island. Judged of such significant value, it is also one of the areas worldwide to be World Heritage listed and protected.

It is therefore the responsibility of all visitors to preserve this wonderful gift of nature in the best possible way.

Use the existing campsites.

Drive responsibly and carefully and display patience and courtesy to other island visitors. Use rubbish bins provided. DO NOT LITTER!

Do not use soaps, detergents, toothpaste or sunscreens in lakes and streams; this will contaminate the water ways.

Apply sunscreen after swimming in the lakes and use a hat and t-shirt to protect you whilst in the water. The lakes do not get flushed regularly as they are a closed environment and therefore concentrations of pollutants can build up over a period of time.

Use the firewood provided at campsites any gathering of timber from the park is prohibited. Observe fire bans and extinguish all embers of your campsite upon leaving your site. Remember one campfire could destroy many hectares of this world heritage environment.

Remember the golden rule of protecting your environment and don't destroy what you came to enjoy. Take only photographs and memories and leave only foot prints.

Speed limits are 35kmh on the inland roads and 80kmh on the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Normal road rules apply. All vehicles travelling to Fraser Island must first obtain an official permit. The permit must be attached to the windscreen at all time. Campers other than those using commercial camp sites must have a camping permit which should be attached to the tent and in clear view for inspection by the Park Ranger.

Fraser Island is a wonderful experience that should be observed but always be respected.

Article source: Expert Articles