Bushwalking Fraser Island (K Gari) Australia

#Bushwalking_FraserIsland_Australia

Many ways to get onto Fraser Island (between $165 per vehicle, but only a 4WD which requires an access permit), Motorbikes $65 or Walk-On Adult $50..... all via the ferry
  
KeyTip:  I would opt for one day with a 4WD vehicle, as going solo you will see much more
 But again, make sure to check with the rental insurance agreement if it covers you for beach driving

 Your other option will cost you; as a two day, one night tour with resort accommodations will be around $600 - $1000  

 Some Rules to Follow;
 A) Once here no swimming because of the strong currents & riptides
 B) Another reason to avoid the ocean, Great White & Tiger Sharks along the coast plus Irukandji Jellyfish 
C) Saltwater Crocodiles (Salties as the Aussies call them which can be up to 6 meters /20 feet long) also have been reported to be in the area
D) No running on the island as it will trigger the Wild Dingoes, which then will be activating their instincts

Here is part of the 120km (75 mile) beach  & officially a National Highway
 Like any road system it has rules which are enforced by police from speeding (80km/50mph the posted speed limit) plus of course NO drinking & driving.
 Also you cannot drive on the beach during high tide for obvious reasons plus keep alert as
   sometimes its doubles as an unique landing strip for small aircraft

As you can see its a tough go if your hiking the island, so most opt to rent a 4X4 which you can find at Hervey Bay, Eurong or Kingfisher Resorts or of course if you brought your own rental

Now some places to see that i would recommend;

A) Central Station; takes you through the rainforest along the Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk 
 B) Lake McKenzie which is the most popular site to visit with its white sand & blue waters
 C) Kingfisher Bay; it has a sheltered coastline giving you great views from the Great Sandy Trail of historical sites
D) Waddy Point Headland; to see from the beach sea turtles, sharks & stingrays
E) Ocean Lake; great spot to view a variety of water birds, cypress, banksia & melaleuca woodlands 

The SS Maheno is one of the most famous wrecks (23 in total) that Fraser Island has claimed.
 It was built in 1905, it was one of the first turbine steamers that did a regular route from Sydney to Auckland.
Finally it was sold for scrap to Japan in 1935 & as it was being towed it was caught in a cyclone (called a hurricane in the North American waters) which snapped the chain, then it drifted onto Fraser Island beach which now has become a famous photo landmark

Personally i took on the challenge of the 2.5 hour hike to Lake McKenzie through the sand.

It is tough as your are pushing off from the bottom of your foot at the same time sinking
 So if any of you followers have calf, achilles tendinitis or other foot/low legs issues, tour the island by vehicle

 

 It is one of those miracles of nature how it became the worlds largest sand island (1840kms or 710 sq miles) with its ancient rainforests, large dunes, pristine freshwater lakes (over 100) endless white sands (including Seventy Mile Beach) also an abundance of birds, free roaming wildlife such as Wallabies, Possums, Flying Foxes and of course the last place on our planet with wild Dingoes. Finally an offshore that has Humpback Whales which are now in the protected waters of Hervey Bay

                                                        So how is this all possible; 

Well the sand was carried here by strong offshore current & because of the volcanic rock it got trapped, add in the naturally occurring mycorrhizal fungi into the ground which then it provided the necessary nutrients for plants to start the cycle of life. 

 So what better way to see nature than going for a hike, (Bushwalking in Australia Mate) 

Now for the adventurous fit types there is a 90kms (56mi) Fraser Island Great Walk but because of time issues i have opted for the Kingsfisher Bay (ferry drop off point) to Lake McKenzie which a doable 23km (15mi) return trek

       

 Like any journey there are some planning & rules to follow specially because mobile phone coverage here is limited so help could be hours away, so lets be smart about it.

 A) Sturdy/Comfortable boots or shoes are a must as there are some sections that include soft sand which makes the walking slow plus tiring.

 B) The weather can change in a hurry so bring rain gear plus warm clothes.

 C) Carry your own drinking water & First Aid Kit. 

 D)  Have a compass.....please know how to use it 😅  

 Now because Fraser Island is a Natural Treasure here are some additional guidelines to follow; 

 A) Its an offense to remove anything living or dead from the area. 

B) Stay on marked trails as shortcuts create erosion issues plus you might get lost.

 C) Do not use detergents, toothpaste or soaps in the waterways (creeks & lakes) and also limit the amount of sunscreen on you before going in for a swim. 

D) Wash your dishes or yourself at least 50 meters away from the waterways.

 E) Use only a fuel stove.

 F) Use only toilets in camping areas.

 G) Hard to believe i would have to mention this one......bring all your rubbish out with you then dispose of it properly.

 H) Finally be Dingo safe, don't be stupid by trying to feed them as they are wild animals.

 I) Also don't leave anything around in your tents, store all food in storage lockers located in the campgrounds, walk in groups & again dispose of your food scraps/garbage properly.

 There it is folks, for all to enjoy a place that will leave you a mind full of amazing memories.

Rubber traction mats are everywhere for the those you dare 😃 to drive on Fraser Island 

Fraser Island namesake has some history
Eliza Anne Fraser was an English woman that was a shipwrecked survivor in 1836.
 After she was rescued, wrote / talked about her experiences so then the island was given the designation after her husband Captain James Fraser
Finally it was renamed to its traditional name of Kgari in 2023

Happy Valley is basically the center of things on Fraser Island
You are close to the rainforest with a boardwalk around Wanggoolba, or check out the shipwreck of the SS Maheno among other things

On my way back to Northeast Australia (Hervey Bay/Rivers Head) which is a 50 minute ferry ride from one of the most unique places i have ever visited in all my travels