TEAR-OUT MAP #12

GREAT. AND SANDY FRASER ISLAND, QLD

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a rare and beautiful destination, at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a refreshing change from the mainland of Australia.

The island’s untamed wilderness and rugged, natural charm entices from the first, providing adventure riding excitement, but also a relaxing atmosphere from your base – wherever that may be on the island.

Once you’ve set up camp somewhere, there are hundreds of tracks which criss-cross the world’s largest sand island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rain forests, which flourish in dune valleys, coloured sand cliffs on Seventy Five Mile Beach or the mirrored lakes.

This particular route is just a sample of what you can do on Fraser Island.

It is not very long but depending on your sand riding skills, might take you some time. So what I’m saying is, allow plenty of time to do a particular route, in case you get stuck in sand, have to dig your bike out, chewing up hours of the day.

RIVER HEADS

River Heads (east of Maryborough) is where you need to get to for the barge trip with your bike over to Fraser Island. Get on the barge heading to Wanggoolba Creek (trip time is between 30 to 50 minutes, bookings are required).

KINGFISHER BAY RESORT AND VILLAGE

This village has all the essentials if you happened to have forgotten something on the mainland. You can also make this a base for an overnight stay.

DILLI VILLAGE

Basically just a place to camp overnight if need be and enjoy a swim at Seventy Five Mile Beach. No fuel is available.

EURONG

Similar to Kingfi sher Bay, Eurong is a place to stay, get fuel and relax after a hard day playing in the sand.

LAKE BOOMANJIN

This is the largest perched lake in the world, covering almost 200ha. Its waters are stained brown by tannins leached from the vegetation. Good for washing your hair.

LAKE MCKENZIE (BOORANGOORA)

This inland, perched lake is a popular site. Its white sand and sparkling blue waters are very attractive. Busiest times are between 10.30am and 3pm.

There are short walks to the lake from each of the three fenced picnic areas. This area also attract dingoes, so please remember take no food or drinks (except water) to the lake.

Once you get off the barge at Wanggoolba Creek head south on Ungowa Road down to Deep Creek. Veer left onto Dillinghams Road and make your way south east over to Dilli Village. Set up camp, go for a swim and relax.

Next morning head back past Toby’s Gap Airstrip and head north past Lake Boomanjin, Benaroon, Barga, Birrabeen and Jennings. Once you get to Central Station, you have the option of going to Kingfisher Bay or Eurong. Either way, you can base yourself at one, then the next day head for the other. Going towards Kingfisher Bay you’ll pass the very popular Lake McKenzie.

BARGE

To book and see times of travel – www.fraserislandferry.com.au or call 1800 227 437.

VEHICLE PERMIT

Visit – www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/recreation-areas/vehicle_access_ permit_fees.html

CAMPING FEES

Visit – www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/experiences/camping/camping_fees.html

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

Dingoes are popular in some areas,so use some caution.

Crocs are also found in a number of areas. Watch for the signs and don’t swim in these areas unless you like being lunch.

Some of the tracks are one way only, most are well signposted.

Mobile phone coverage is intermittent on Fraser Island. All emergencies: phone Triple Zero (000). Try 112, if you have no reception on your mobile phone.

Non-urgent calls: Police (Eurong): (07) 4127 9288, Ambulance: 13 12 33.

Lower your tyre pressure for sand riding. Depending on the bike and load, around 22psi is a good base setup.

ROAD CONDITIONS

Visit – www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/pdf/fraser conditions-report.pdf

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