sarat

We are planning to go to Fraser Island for one night at the end of March. Can you go on the barge, walk off the other end and find accomodation? Or do you have to rent a 4 wheel drive? Any recommendation for mid-range accomodation? Is one night long enough or should more time be factored in? I hear it is quite lovely there.
Appreciate any advice.

amandab

Think you will need to definitely hire a 4 wheel drive or go on an organised tour. We went to Fraser Island in January 2005 for a day trip (organised tour) - it was absolutely fantastic. Once getting off the barge (southern end of Island) there was nothing there for literally miles and miles (50 rings a bell) - so you cannot just walk into accommodation from this end of the island. I believe there are only two 'towns' on the island (if you can call them that - really just a couple of resorts and not much else) It is a truly spectacular island. Lake McKenzie is an absolute gem. If we had known how stunning the island was, we would have stayed for an overnighter. One night is long enough I think - depends on how much of the island you want to see - it is very large indeed, but I would say one night would be great or two at the very most. Try doing a google search for the resorts there, we didn't stay overnight so have no idea on the cost but they seem to cater for backpackers upwards.

angelnot1

I love Fraser Island although haven't been back for two years

Remember that it is the world's largest sand island yet there are also clearwater lakes and rainforest there. The island is heritage listed. People forget the sand bit!

I would certainly not advise just walking off the barge -there are several landing points depends where you are coming from.

To get around the island you must have a 4wd vehicle and it is useful to have some experience driving it as people drive too fast on the beach and flip over or too slowly on the sand tracks and get bogged.

There are places to stay such as Kingfisher Resort and Eurong resort.

You can also camp at the central station.

We stayed at Kingfisher in a villa which cost around $90 pp. they also have deals from time to time.

The resort also offers tours so that you get to see places and swim in safe and beautiful areas such as Lake Mckenzie.

If you have one night only a better alternative may be taking a full day tour from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. I think the one from Rainbow Beach is about $120AUDpp and includes picks up, barge, swim, lunch etc.

If you wanted to stay at Kingfisher you walk to the resort once you get off the barge, but one night seems like waste of time by the time you travel by barge etc. That is why a tour might be better or stay longer.

If you want to hire a 4 wd there are places around - I think we used aussietrax www.aussietrax.com.au

Another point -do not swim in the surf! and do not feed dingoes if you see any!

Have a look at www.fraserisland.net

sarat

Great information-thanks

beryl800

anglenot1, I'm curious - why shouldn't one swim in the surf?

pat_woolford

Beryl, sharks, rips on unpatrolled beaches on ocean side. At least they were unpatrolled last time was there which is a few years ago now.

angelnot1

exactly Pat-also many visitors to Australia are not used to the surf and rips and get in trouble- but where the area is patrolled it is heaven !!