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Ok’gari, also called Fraser Island, is the world’s largest sand island and is nicely referred to as among the finest locations in Australia for hard-core four-wheel driving and out of doors adventures, but it surely presents a lot greater than that.
That is East coast Australia at its finest – exploring surreal pure magnificence, swimming in glistening turquoise blue lakes, seeing wild dingos roam on the lands and migratory whales from its shores. For sure, there are such a lot of issues to do on Ok’gari (Fraser Island) than simply bouncing round in a 4×4.
Ok’gari stretches 123 km lengthy and 23 km vast, dumped over 800,000 years in the past from locations so far as Antarctica when it was nonetheless joined with Australia.
It’s a part of the Nice Sandy Nationwide Park, which is cut up into two sections. The primary is the Cooloola Recreation Space, which is on the mainland (and contains Rainbow Seashore and the Nice Seashore Drive), and the second is on Ok’gari.
The most effective methods to discover the island is to go off-road and create your individual tracks, or comply with these created by nature. The ever-changing panorama of an island manufactured from sand means no day is identical, and no return go to would be the similar both.
Ok’gari was a spotlight of our massive 18-month lap round Australia. Its authentic identify, Ok’gari, means paradise. It comes from an Aboriginal Dreamtime story a few goddess named Ok’gari who fell in love with the Earth and by no means needed to go away.
I really feel assured that once you go to Ok’gari, you’ll not wish to depart this paradise both. Right here’s what you are able to do there…
1. Expertise the dawn at Eurong Seashore
Though being an island, Ok’gari isn’t any small place. A lot of the resorts and inns are situated on the East aspect of the island, which is the place the well-known 75-mile seaside freeway is situated.
On this aspect of the island is Eurong, the place the vast majority of the lodging choices are, together with the highly-acclaimed Ok’gari Seashore Resort.
One of many advantages of staying on the East coast of the island is that you just’re immediately going through the dawn. Witnessing the dawn over the ocean horizon whereas the kookaburras wake everybody up for breakfast is a spectacular method to begin your day!
2. Drive 75 Mile Seashore
75 Mile Seashore is Fraser’s Nationwide Freeway, the principle lengthy stretch of seaside on the Japanese aspect of Ok’gari, and is classed as a part of the Bruce Freeway. It’s the one method to get across the island and is virtually unavoidable, however you shouldn’t underestimate it as a vacation spot in its personal proper – in spite of everything, what number of occasions in your life have you ever pushed on a seaside in a four-wheel-drive?
That is coastal four-wheel-driving at its finest, and the primary time we skilled hardcore 4×4 motion in Australia – we had been immediately hooked.
The ocean is wild and pounding, the seaside panorama ever altering from the tides. Situated off the seaside freeway is tenting on one aspect, and seaside fishing on the opposite. It’s alongside this stretch of sand the place you achieve entry to lots of the finest issues to do on this information.
When driving 75 Mile Seashore it’s essential you perceive how the tides work so that you don’t get lower off and might’t make it again to your lodging.
Low tide is finest, not solely as a result of you will have extra seaside to drive on, however you additionally wish to drive it when it’s flat and onerous, which occurs when the tide has gone out. You additionally wish to keep away from driving throughout the two hours on both aspect of excessive tide. Verify the report of the present circumstances right here.
And be sure you’re taking note of the regular stream of different 4WDs, the washouts, wild roaming dingoes, the ambling vacationers and seaside fishermen, and the enjoyment flights taking off on the seaside – sure that’s proper, it doubles up as a touchdown strip.
As a result of it’s classed as a freeway, strict highway guidelines apply and there are police current able to nab those that pace or drink drive.
Should you can time your go to for whale watching season (Might to November), do it. An unimaginable expertise of our drive was recognizing migrating humpback whales breaching a couple of hundred metres off the seaside.
Should you’re fortunate, you may also see dolphins and dugongs close to the ocean’s shores too.
3. Swim and wade by way of the waters of Eli Creek
Eli Creek is the most important creek on Ok’gari, and is likely one of the hottest sights. It’s particularly busy when all of the tour buses congregate.
The creek has water so clear you solely comprehend it’s there when a leaf floats previous you. It’s water that’s been filtered by the sand for as much as 100 years – such purity! It’s additionally estimated to pour greater than 4 million litres of water into the ocean each hour.
Eli Creek is known for wading, tubing, or swimming by way of. You don’t have to fret about crocs both, as that is contemporary water (although salt water crocs have been noticed on uncommon events on the west aspect of the island). There isn’t any place on Fraser fairly prefer it.
4. See the Maheno Shipwreck
One other spot alongside 75 Mile Seashore that is likely one of the most photographed and visited websites on Ok’gari is the Maheno Shipwreck.
The Maheno is a former Trans-Tasman luxurious liner and a World Conflict I hospital ship that was washed ashore in 1935 while being towed to Japan – a cyclone viciously ripped her from the chain and spewed her up on Fraser.
Sunrises are supposed to be picture-perfect right here with the Maheno because the foreground, so long as the tides are favorable for gaining entry. Both means, the Maheno is a postcard second at any time of the day!
5. Admire the colored rocks of The Pinnacles
As you drive alongside the East coast, Fraser’s sand will proceed to amaze as you come alongside The Pinnacles, a small part of colored sandy cliffs alongside the Surf Seashore (I can’t imagine they’re constructed from sand!), simply north of the Maheno.
You don’t want a lot time at The Pinnacles, but it surely’s value getting out of your automotive and taking a brief stroll inland for a more in-depth look.
6. Benefit from the views at Indian Head
Indian Head is a coastal headland on the Japanese aspect of Ok’gari that you just’ll get to when heading north on 75 Mile Seashore, and is essentially the most easterly level on the island.
Indian Head is one among solely three sections of rock on the island, and this space was named by Captain James Prepare dinner who, while crusing his ship The Endeavour, noticed a gaggle of Aboriginals standing on the headland.
It presents panoramic views over the seaside and ocean, and is a major whale-watching spot – we noticed a couple of humpbacks migrating previous. Simply magical!
7. Swim on the Champagne Swimming pools
Simply north of Indian Head is presumably the most well-liked swimming spot on Ok’gari, and for good motive, particularly on a sunny day!
Our children, and us massive youngsters, loved a low tide dip within the clear, effervescent sea water of Champagne Swimming pools, which is aptly named after the effervescent water which is brought on by ocean waves pouring over the tidal swimming pools.
The view from the highest as you stroll down the staircase is breathtaking. You’ll wish to allocate sufficient time to profit from this pure swimming spot, retaining in thoughts the tides for driving again down 75 Mile Seashore.
8. Protect your youth at Lake Mckenzie (Boorangoora)
In the course of Ok’gari is the spectacular Lake Mckenzie, with water that’s stated to maintain you youthful and holds the important thing to youth.
The temperature of the lake was fairly cool after we visited, however actually refreshing after a protracted day of driving and my toes positive appreciated it – I might see them simply sufficient, not a murky streak to be discovered, provided that the lake is made totally out of rainwater and isn’t fed by any rivers or streams.
The crystal clear water glows iridescent blue and the white silica sand so powdery smooth and gives a terrific distinction towards the lake edge.
And the well-known heart-shaped tree provides to the already fairly panorama.
Keep awhile.
9. Drive by way of a sub-tropical rainforest
Our drive from Eurong Seashore to Kingfisher Bay alongside the sandy tracks and thru the sub-tropical rainforest was equally as spectacular as driving alongside the 75 Mile Freeway.
It’s onerous to think about that this complete island is manufactured from sand and that you just get these unimaginable timber rising to nice heights.
In case you have sufficient time, cease in for a picnic at Central Station and stroll the boardwalk subsequent to Wanggoolba Creek, which carries clear water by way of a tranquil rainforest full of historical ferns at Central Station – as soon as a forestry township for about 150 folks.
10. {Photograph} wild dingoes
Ok’gari’s resident wildlife is the dingo. These are wild canine who seem like a cross between a wolf and a fox, and are native to Australia.
There are lots of dingoes on Ok’gari, and they’re tamer than they need to be due to the poor selections of people.
In case you have young children like us, by no means depart their aspect, not for a second, as they’ve been recognized to assault and are very crafty.
You’re sure to have dingoes coming fairly near you on the seashores, significantly close to Eli Creek, sniffing for meals.
Regardless of indicators warning of the hazard all around the island, we noticed vacationers transferring near them to get their shot of the lovable wild canine.
We saved our distance and I relied on my 300mm zoom lens to get these close-up pictures.
11. Take a scenic flight
A particular spotlight of our go to was experiencing the enjoyment of a flight over Ok’gari with Air Fraser Island, which take off from nature’s finest runway alongside 75 Mile Seashore.
You’ll be afforded unimaginable views up and down the East coast, fly inland over the large sand dunes and fairly Butterfly Lake, and spot migrating whales in season.
Air Fraser runs 15-minute pleasure flights all day lengthy. It’s costly, however among the finest bucket listing experiences in Australia, and nicely definitely worth the splurge.
Watch the video of our scenic flight over Ok’gari right here:
12. Watch the sundown at Kingfisher Bay
Should you’re staying at Kingfisher Bay Resort on the West coast, don’t miss having a couple of sundowners on the unassuming Jetty Hut – bottles of champagne and platters of prawns, cheese, and crackers are additionally on supply.
Kingfisher Bay resort has completely different lodging varieties starting from two and three bed room villas, multi-share Wilderness Lodges, resort lodge rooms, and Kingfisher Homes.
13. Go whale watching
Do you know that Ok’gari is a major location for whale watching?
Southern humpback whales migrate to the waters round Ok’gari to present delivery to their younger and keep for a couple of months whereas nursing them earlier than heading again for the Antarctic for summer season.
We’ve got visited Ok’gari throughout whale watching season earlier than (late July to early November) and noticed whales breaching from 75 Mile Seashore, and from the viewpoints at Indian Head and on our scenic flight.
Ok’gari can be simply offshore from Hervey Bay, which is the whale watching capital of Australia!
Greater than 20 years of analysis has confirmed that the Fraser Coast the place Hervey Bay and Ok’gari are situated is the one real stopover alongside the migration route the place as much as 10,000 whales deviate from their annual journey again to Antarctica.
So you can’t go to the Fraser Coast throughout the winter and NOT incorporate whale watching into your Fraser Island journey. I’m positive you’ll sea dolphins and different marine life as nicely.
The cruises from Hervey Bay go alongside the tranquil Nice Sandy Strait alongside the pristine western aspect of World Heritage-listed Ok’gari.
You’ll be able to learn our put up on whale watching from Hervey Bay.
14. Go to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse
Situated on Ok’gari’s northernmost level is the Sandy Cape Lighthouse, a heritage-listed lighthouse that was in-built 1870, making it the second oldest lighthouse in Queensland.
It was one of many first lighthouses in Queensland to be constructed out of pre-fabricated sections of iron.
It’s additionally the tallest lighthouse in Queensland.
The views from the lighthouse are unimaginable, and you can even take a guided tour of the lighthouse and study concerning the early historical past of Queensland from a educated information.
There may be additionally a former World Conflict II bunker close to the lighthouse value testing. It was as soon as utilized by the military to detect enemy plane and ships throughout the late-war interval.
15. See the tiny turtles at Lake Allom
One other great place to see native wildlife on Ok’gari is Lake Allom. It’s situated off a brief aspect observe by way of the subtropical rainforest, the place you’ll discover a viewing platform.
Right here you’ll be able to see Krefft’s river turtles swimming within the waters.
The lake is small and surrounded by overgrown reeds and bushes, however remarkably swimming is allowed right here.
Should you don’t thoughts swimming in a little bit murky water, dive straight in! However it’s not as good as Lake McKenzie. Actually, it’s solely value visiting for the turtles.
16. Strive seaside fishing
Ok’gari is a superb place to go seaside fishing. Casting your line anyplace alongside 75 Mile Seashore generally is a rewarding expertise, and in addition a little bit adventurous as you see 4WDs zoom previous you might be you’re throwing your line within the ocean.
Should you’re visiting between July to November, this can be a widespread time to catch tailor spawn. It’s additionally doable to catch bream, flathead, mackerel, whiting, and even tuna.
level to solid your line is close to Waddy Level, north of the Maheno or Sandy Cape. Merely dig up some worms or yabbies and see what you will get!
Fishing fanatics ought to observe that it’s prohibited to fish within the freshwater lakes and rivers on the island, you’ll be able to solely fish within the ocean.
17. Hike the Fraser Island Nice Stroll
Should you take pleasure in mountain climbing, then you definately’re going to take pleasure in mountain climbing The Fraser Island Nice Stroll! It’s one of many few sights you are able to do with out a 4WD automobile.
Though the entire hike covers 90-kilometers, it’s doable to hike simply small sections of it for those who don’t have a lot time. It’s a simple path since Ok’gari is usually flat, however to do the entire hike will take you 6-8 days.
The hike passes alongside one of many outdated logging routes created by the island’s indigenous folks, the Butchulla folks. It passes by wild seashores, the attractive Lake McKenzie, and into the subtropical rainforest.
It additionally takes you to small villages, Dilli Village and Completely happy Valley, the place you’ll be able to replenish your self earlier than tackling the following a part of the path.
You’ll be able to study concerning the historical past of the island and its folks at historic reveals at Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, and dune-backed Lake Wabby, which is slowly being devoured by the Hammerstone Sandblow, so be sure you see it when you nonetheless can!
Attending to Ok’gari (Fraser Island)
SeaLink function ferries and barges for each automobile and passengers day by day from River Heads, 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay, to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Wangoolba Creek on the west aspect of Ok’gari.
Manta Ray is one other firm that operates a barge from Inskip Level (Rainbow Seashore) to Hook Level on the south of Ok’gari.
Visiting Ok’gari with out your individual automotive generally is a problem. Typically the best means – and doubtless hottest for vacationers – is to hitch a tour.
I’d not advocate doing a day tour from Noosa or Rainbow Seashore – you’ll waste a lot time in transit. If doing a day tour, depart from Hervey Bay and spend the evening there earlier than hand, or do a number of day excursions on Ok’gari.
This 16 day Sydney to Cairns tour with G Adventures incorporates a cease at Ok’gari. Listed here are another excursions of Ok’gari you are able to do:
Ok’gari four-wheel drive rent
Ok’gari is strictly 4 wheel drive territory as all roads on the island are sand tracks, and if you wish to self-drive Ok’gari you’ll want a 4WD with affordable under-vehicle clearance.
You’ll be able to take your individual automobile, however we solely had an all-wheel-drive, so we selected to rent one on the island. You’ll be able to rent a dependable and totally maintained 4×4 from the pleasant people at Atlas 4WD rent.
They’ll get you your allow, offer you useful directions on methods to drive safely throughout your driver security briefing (permit 1 hour) and so they will even retailer your automobile throughout your time on Ok’gari.
These driving occasions are conservative and it’s best to all the time drive to go well with the present circumstances:
- Eurong Seashore to Kingfisher Bay Resort – 22km (approx 1hr)
- Eurong Seashore to Eli Creek – 30km (approx 40mins)
- Eurong Seashore to Maheno Wreck – (approx 45mins)
- Eurong Seashore to The Pinnacles colored sands – 35km (approx 50mins)
- Eurong Seashore to Indian Head – 60km (approx 1hr 20mins)
- Eurong Seashore to Champagne Swimming pools – 63km (approx 1hr 30mins )
- Eurong Seashore to Central Station/Pile Valley – 8km (approx 30mins)
- Eurong Seashore to Lake McKenzie – 15km (approx 45mins)
The place to remain on Ok’gari (Fraser Island)
Ok’gari just isn’t large, but it surely has some incredible locations to remain. Should you’re undecided about the place to remain on Ok’gari, then we advocate the next locations…
Ok’gari Seashore Resort, formally ‘Eurong Seashore Resort’
On the east coast, Ok’gari Seashore Resort, formally Eurong Seashore Resort, is a superb base from which to discover all of the issues to do on Ok’gari listed above with its prime beachfront place on 75-Mile Seashore, together with the world class seaside fishing.
The resort can be centrally situated for visiting the southern lakes, which embody Lake McKenzie, The Basin, Lake Wabby, Jennings, Lake Birrabeen and Boomanjin, in addition to the sub-tropical rainforests round Pile Valley, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
How does a little bit little bit of luxurious sound amidst one of the distinctive and pristine components of Australia? Kingfisher Bay Resort is on the quieter western aspect of Ok’gari, proper the place the automotive ferry from River Head drops you off.
Kingfisher Bay has the extra upmarket buffet breakfast and dinner at Maheno Restaurant, or you’ll be able to splurge on the a la carte Seabelle Restaurant.
There’s a stunning pool, cocktail bar, segway journey excursions, guided bushwalks, and completely different lodging varieties starting from two and three bed room villas, multi-share Wilderness Lodges, resort lodge rooms, and Kingfisher Homes.
Tenting on Ok’gari
Tenting can be doable on Ok’gari in a number of tenting areas. Due to wild dingos’, it’s not doable to wild camp on Ok’gari, however there are a number of websites you’ll be able to keep at.
Tenting on Ok’gari is seasonal, from 1 March to 30 September, due to excessive fireplace hazard throughout the summer season months.
For extra details about tenting, go to the park’s official web site right here.
Is Fraser Island (Ok’gari) value visiting?
Ok’gari is a World Heritage Website that’s continually transferring and evolving and is the one place on the earth the place tall rainforests are discovered rising on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 meters. After which there are the 1,000+ freshwater lakes.
With a lot pure magnificence, historical past, and iconic landmarks to discover, Ok’gari is unquestionably value visiting.
Last ideas
Ok’gari is a real journey lover’s paradise off the East Coast of Australia and is someplace you can’t skip when visiting Australia.
Merely getting across the island is an attraction in itself, and it’s the right place to expertise the wild and rugged nature of Australia and see wildlife in its pure habitat.
I hope this information helped you intend your go to to Ok’gari and gave you some inspiration for issues to do.
South Queensland Journey Suggestions
Are you planning to go to different locations in South Queensland? Then you could take pleasure in these different sources:
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