Australia Hiking Adventure - The Lakes of Fraser Island

A walk across the beautiful Fraser Island, off the coast of Queensland

Australia Hiking Adventure- Fraser Island is a sand Island that lies off the coast of Queensland around 220km north of the state capital Brisbane. Aborigines used to populate the island, but after colonisation the native people were forced off their land and their traditional lifestyle was destroyed and their numbers declined. Sand mining and logging once took place here, but in 1976 the sand mining was stopped although logging went on until the early nineties. The island was placed on the prestigious World Heritage List in 1992 and has now become a travel hotspot.

Though the island is a popular travel destination, permits for bush camping are easily obtained.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, coming in at 123km long and 15km wide. The Island was created when sand erosion from the tablelands of what is now New South Wales were carried by ocean currents and deposited on what is Fraser Island.

The western shores of the island are made up of mangrove swamps, with the exposed eastern side of the island being made up of sand blows and fore dunes. There are hundreds of freshwater lakes and creeks in the interior of the island. Wildlife is alive and well on the island and off the western shore there is colonies of Dugongs and Green Turtles. In the interior of the island Flying Foxes, Possums and Dingoes come alive during the night. There are plenty of bird species around the island and Sea Eagles, Kites, Cockatoos and King-Parrots can be seen in the skies.

Dingo attacks on walkers are very rare, though their have been some reports. You should never feed or pet the animals as this just makes them less wary of humans. You should never leave food hanging around and should put all waste in the bin. Australian officials also recommend leaving your tent open when you are away from camp, to ensure the Dingoes do not rip it open in an attempt to see what is inside.

On the first day of your Australia Hiking adventure you will follow 4WD trails and walking paths that will take you past Eucalyptus woodland, Dundonga creek and to the first lake, Lake McKenzie. From this lake you will follow more trails, passing swampland and climbing up and over a hill which falls down to Basin Lake, considered one of the most scenic spots on the island. Set amongst dense forest you can take a small rest in the shade watching the small Turtles wander past.  From Basin Lake you will follow a well kept path along Wanggoolba creek to the first night stop, Central station.

Here there is a campsite set beside some tall Kauri pine trees and with a food cage, hot water showers, a BBQ and a shaded eating area.

Day Two

When you leave Central station on the second day of the walk you will be walking along a trail that edges along a ridge over some lovely forested land. Eventually the trail merges with a 4WD track that works its way down to the shore of Lake Birrabeen and a picnic site. From here you will walk along to and past two other lakes, Lake Barga and Lake Benaroon. Past these lakes you will make your way to the coast which you will occasionally get a glimpse of along the way. Walking this way past some more wooded land you will come to the next night spot by Lake Boomanjin, where a 4WD track around the lake will bring you to a campsite that has cold showers, a BBQ, fireplaces and running water.

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