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Named after shipwreck heroine Eliza Fraser, sub-tropical
Fraser Island, part of Hervey Bay, is situated
200 miles north of Brisbane and has a collection of natural
wonders including rainforests, surf beaches, immense sand
blows, coloured sand cliffs, mangroves and crystal clear waters.
There is no shortage of beaches as the 125 km long island
is totally made of sand -it's the world's biggest sandbar.
Rare species of flora and fauna grown in the pure sand and
some of the largest ferns in the world and numerous mammals,
wallabies, snakes, possums, turtles and flying foxes. The
island is a World Heritage site and the culture of the island
is protected for all to enjoy.
There are no paved roads and vehicles drive along its beaches
or over the dune. The east side of the island forms the "highway"
and is also an aerodrome for light aircraft. Driving on sand
requires skill as it's easy to roll or drive into the waves,
which will earn you a $2000 fine!
There are several lakes on the island each with unique features
from lakes stained red with tannin to Lake Mackenzie
which is known as mirror lake because the water is so clear.
It rises directly from the water table and 50 feet below is
visible. The water filters through the sands of the forests
and enter this island basin, a process which takes thousands
of years to occur. The waters are said to have a purifying
quality and can reverse the aging process. A unique bath can
be had at the Champagne Pools, where a barrier of volcanic
rock partially guards the beach from ocean surf. At high tide,
the waves fill the secluded rock pools. Waddy Point is a popular
haunt for fishermen and if you're lucky you can catch Barramundi,
Yellow fin Bream, black and yellow tailed kingfish, coral
trout, dolphin fish, mackerel, blue salmon, and many other
varieties. The lakes are the only place you can swim as the
seas in Queensland have strong curents and are infested with
Tiger sharks. Other sealife to watch include dolphins, mantarays,
turtles and whales.
The S.S. Maheno is Fraser Island's most famous ship wreck,
this Union Steamship previously held the record in 1907 for
a 21 hour crossing from Auckland to Sydney.
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