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South Queensland

Fraser Island and Hervey Bay

The largest sand island in the world
Fraser Island was totally overlooked as part of the mainland when captain Cook sailed up the seaward shores in 1770 and it was not until 1836 when James and Eliza Fraser were shipwrecked here that the discovery was made. The tragedy of the massacre of the ship's crew and James Fraser by resident aborigines was recorded by rescuers and the island was named shortly afterwards. The population of some 3000 Aborigines lived on here after it was designated a native reserve. Shortly after the turn of the century the Aborigine community disbanded to the mainland and license for sand mining was granted. This was terminated in the late seventies when the island was nominated for a world heritage listing.

It is clear that this paradise island will always offer some special magic.
Within it's boundaries which exceed 120klms in length and some 15kms in width you will find such treasures as blinding white beaches, over 40 ancient peat lined, freshwater lakes. The island encompasses an amazing variety of landscapes, besides long surf beaches you find cliffs and gorges in shades of orange, red, yellow and pure white sand, dense rainforests, vast, desert-like sandblows, lakes perched high up in its 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 rainforest, 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 huge sand dunes on the island are interesting and covered in heath land vegetation, Banksias and Acacias, as well as the palm forests. There are 240 varieties of birds, brumbies (wild horses) kangaroos and it is reputed to support the purest bred dingo (wild dog). 

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.

There are resorts and conventional accommodation but the wild beauty is best enjoyed by the camping enthusiast who can enjoy unlimited fresh water supplies from the hundreds of creeks which drain the fresh water lakes. Travel is only possible by four wheel drive vehicle as there are no sealed roads, the accepted highway is the beach and is controlled by tidal conditions. Many single carriageway sand tracks cross the island so getting around is an unusual experience for the majority of visitors. 

There is regular access by car ferry, only a short journey from the mainland. Four wheel drive coach tours offer a glimpse of the magic to the traveller who cannot arrange independent travel.

Hervey Bay is considered one of the best places in the world to view Humpback whales which visit its waters between August and October each year, when the whales are on their way back to the Antarctic after spending the winter up North and giving birth. 

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FRASER ISLAND AND HERVEY BAY... Fraser Island barges Photos of Fraser Island Reader story: Bogged in the sand on Fraser Island

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The Gold Coast
Gold Coast  Weather:

The Gold Coast is situated in the South East corner of Queensland and at its heart is the famous Surfers Paradise. It is with its 40km (25 miles) developed and commercialised stretch of beaches – a conglomeration of urban areas with high-rise buildings and numerous theme parks, including Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld and with its blood-chilling ride, the Tower of Terror, Queensland's premier holiday destination. Less than one hour drive South from the state capital Brisbane, Holiday makers from all over the world come here to enjoy the tropical climate and the sophisticated night life. Bordered on the east by magnificent surf beaches and to the west, glorious rainforest (hinterland).

Surfers Paradise with its shopping malls and casinos, epitomises what this popular stretch of coast is all about. There are no shortage of beaches and a lively nightlife can be had in most of the towns and resorts. There are more than 60 golf courses for the golfing enthusiast.

The city offers a vast range of accommodation and attractions from Camping and caravan parks to luxury five star hotels, Bungy jumping, Theme Parks, Water slides and Wax works museum. Spectacular shopping, world class golf courses and Casino, Surfers Paradise hosts the annual Indy Racing Carnival and International Jazz and Blues festival.  

If you are looking for a quieter time, there is an abundance of places to go hiking, camping, bird watching and bushwalking. Nature lovers will enjoy Lamington National Park, known as Australia's largest reserve of subtropical rainforest, and offering some 160km (99 miles) of excellent walking tracks. The Springbrook National Park has the impressive Mount Cougal and the Numinbah Valley and also shares its position on an ancient crater rim with Lamington. Tambourine Mountain is a small town surrounded by nine superb national parks; subtropical rainforests flashing with parrots and lorikeets and if you're extremely lucky affording you a glimpse of a very shy platypus.

These are just some of the activities available in the national parks in the region.  In most cases bookings can be made direct or through your travel agent. Everything you could wish for can be found here. No trip to Queensland should miss a visit to the Gold Coast. 

At the southern end of the Gold Coast is Coolangatta with a domestic airport, which can be a good alternative to arriving in Brisbane. 

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