Fraser Island was named after Captain James Fraser and his wife Eliza who were shipwrecked off the island's west coast in 1836. They reached the island, but there are different versions of how the story continued. James Fraser died, either killed by Aboriginal people or because of starvation. Eliza survived and was soon rescued by a convict.
The Butchulla, the island's traditional caretakers, called it K'gari (paradise). When European settlers arrived, the logging industry grew quickly. They realized that the wood of the island's trees was very valuable. Featuring a lot of oil, it was nearly waterproof and thus very useful for the construction of ships.
The Butchulla were nearly exterminated in the 19th century, in 1904, the remaining Aboriginal inhabitants were relocated to the mainland.
Dingoes - once common are now endangered on Fraser Island and the island is the only place in Australia where they are considered dangerous (mainly due to being fed by visitors and losing their fear of humans).
Fraser Island is famous for over 300 species of birds, and include coastal birds such as dotterals, pied oyster-catchers, pelicans and terns, and birds of prey such as brahminy kites, white-breasted sea eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons. The island's heathlands are home to one of Australia's rarest bird, the ground parrot, and here you will also find honey-eaters, kingfishers and cockatoos.
The freshwater wetlands are the habitat of curlews, jabirus and brolgas.
There are 25 species of mammal, including pure-breed dingoes, wallabies, possums, flying foxes and echidnas. Dugong feed on the sea grass, turtles breed on some island beaches, and tailor spawn annually near rocky headlands.
Humpback whales from the Antarctica come to the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay with their new calves on their return journey south. Between July and August is the time to see the whales, and licenced tour-operators operate from Hervey Bay.
At 500km south of the Tropic of Capricorn, Fraser Island has a hot and humid climate but is cooled by sea breezes. Its summer maximum average temperature is only 30 degrees C, although the summer months have some extremely hot days.
Winters are mild, with average temperatures of around 15 degrees C. This is usually the dry season and most winter days are sunny and frost free, making for a very pleasant climate.
People with fair skins need to be wary when out in the midday sunshine since unprotected skin can burn in a few minutes. Hats, cool clothing that protects from the sun, sunscreen and common sense are essentials to enjoying Fraser Island summers.
Vehicular access to Fraser Island is by ferry only; thereafter, four-wheel drive vehicles are necessary for transport around the island. Travelers have the option of bringing or hiring their own 4WD vehicle, joining a group from a Hervey Bay hostel, or taking a 4WD tour bus. [wiki=3ac6a87790b00545696342d6fd4a5b30#Get_around]Vehicle hire[/wiki] is available and tour buses depart from various towns on the Sunshine Coast ([wiki=b9d7b5b09ecc8a39fb3be780304316b6]Noosa[/wiki]) and Fraser Coast ([wiki=db3c4277412b9c26784353d033fcf814]Hervey Bay[/wiki]).
The following boats serve Fraser Island:
* Fraser Venture (Ph. +61 7 4125-4444) - vehicle barge that makes three crossings per day from River Heads (10km southwest of Hervey Bay) to Wanggoolba Creek (west of Central Station / Eurong). The price is currently $160 return fare for a car and up to 4 occupants ((Mar 14)
* Fraser Island Ferry Service - crosses from Inskip point near Rainbow beach to the southern point of Fraser Island. Most trips originating from Noosa use this service.
A number of charter operators fly light aircraft on to Fraser Island, landing on the main beach (at low tide only).
Virgin fly direct from Sydney, you can catch a taxi or limousine to Riverheads and walk on to ferry/barge to Kingfisher Bay.
One of the most enjoyable ways to visit Fraser Island is by 4WD. To visit most of the main sites you should allow three days. You can hire vehicles with camping gear or stay in accommodation on the island.
* Pippies Beachhouse Fraser Island Tours - www.pippiesbeachhouse.com.au - the ultimate Fraser Island Camping adventure - 4wd tag tour staying at a private campsite with personal tour guide. Ph 1800425356
* Fraser Magic 4WD Hire [url=http://www.fraser4wdhire.com.au/]]Family run business, with a Swiss-Australian background. Provides 4wd hire from 2 up to 6 seater Land Rovers. Accommodation or camping packages available. ph. +61 7 4125-6612
* Fraser Island Tagalong Tours [url=http://fraserislandtagalongtour.homestead.com/index.html[/url]]Fraser Island Tagalong 4WD Tours for the budget traveler.
* Other 4WD hire companies serving Fraser Island with self-drive tours include: Aussie Trax - 1800062275 : Safari 4WD - 1800689819 : Koala - 180046644 : Sunset Safari : Sargen Hire
* Nomads Fraser Island Tours [http://nomadsfraserisland.com[/url] 4wd tag-along tours on Fraser Island. Two day and Three days tours with a guide (fully equipped with sat phone and first aid kit, new Fraser Island regulations for 4wd companies). Email: info@nomadsfraserisland.com
Driving can be quite difficult especially during the dry season as the sand roads can be very difficult to get through. The sand can be soft and it is not uncommon if a vehicle becomes stuck to have to wait for hours before a bus can come by to tow the car out. The best time to drive is after there has been some rain when the sand road is more solid. Getting stuck relies on the help of others to get out. If you are not comfortable driving, taking a tour is recommended. Typically the longer the tour is, the smaller the group traveling.
Eurong Beach Resort [url=http://www.eurong.com]](Ph. +61 7 4127-9122) - with rooms to suit a variety of budgets, Eurong sits towards the south of the main beach on the east side of the island. Many guests will join 4WD bus tours from the resort. The area also contains shops, fuel and other facilities, though note that prices are substantially greater than on the mainland.
*Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village [url=http://www.kingfisherbay.com[/url]](Ph. +61 7 4120-3333) - a more upmarket option on the west of the island, but it also has some cheaper huts, with restaurants, pubs and shops.
*Sailfish on Fraser [url=http://www.fraserisland.au.com/accommodation/sailfish/resort-facilities.htm[/url]](Ph. +61 7 4124-0287) - Beautiful appointed 2 bedroom apartments at cosy Happy Valley.
*Waiuta Retreat [http://www.waiuta-retreat.com.au[/url](Ph. +61 419 722 098) - Quality, modern, beautiful 5 bedroom holiday house at Kingfisher Bay. Sleeps 11 guests, great for families and groups.
There are a number of campsites on the island which house standard facilities (toilets, showers etc.) and are fenced to keep dingoes out. Fires are permitted in these sites within fire rings, but noise is forbidden after 9PM. Never bring any food inside the tents as dingoes will tear apart the tents looking for it - even if it's already gone they can still smell the food that was there and will look for it. When possible keep food in a dingo cage off of the ground.
Along the main beach, there are designated areas for camping amongst the dunes. These are marked by wooden signs indicating areas where camping is permitted and where it is forbidden. In all cases, a permit is required to camp, and in some areas advanced bookings are required.
During busy periods, arrive early in the day to ensure your camping area. Camp fires outside of the official campsites are no longer permitted, with Rangers patrolling the beach and issuing fines for infringements. Be dingo safe; lock all food away when unattended.