Discover the world's largest sand island at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef just a three and half hour drive north of Brisbane followed by a 45-minute boat or barge ride from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.
Get the most out of Fraser (and your bearings) the eco-friendly way with a local guided tour. Not only does it reduce the amount of jeeps on the sand but it keeps the island in top condition too.
Stop at the S.S Maheno shipwreck on 75 Mile Beach for a photo or two and take a tumble down the enormous sand dunes at Lake Wabby sand blow. Deceptively shallow the Lake isn't ideal for swimming.
While the ocean is gorgeous, it's lethal to play in so head to Champagne Island north of the island (saltwater) or watch for pods of whales and dolphins that frequent the waters year round. Explore Fraser on foot with unique walking trails, each leading to blue freshwater lakes ringed by soft, white sands ideal for swimming.
If you've seen the movie Avatar, then you'll appreciate the untouched paradise of the Island's Central Station - a luscious rainforest thriving on its own ecosystem. Look for raptors and stingrays on a canoe tour through Fraser's waterways or spot armies of soldier cabs on the beach in a guided fishing tour. Great weather all year round means the secluded wilderness of this World Heritage listed Island is the perfect place to go camping, but you will have to pay a small fee. There are hotels on the island though if camping isn't your thing. Keep in mind that you will need to book in advance due to high demand. Affordable, natural and no need for a 4WD to explore it, Fraser Island truly is a slice of paradise.
Regional flights depart three times a week and twice on weekends from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Hervey Bay, where transfers via the Fraser Island barge and passenger ferry are available.