Fraser Island – the largest sand island in the world
Enjoy the worlds largest sand island >>
Situated off the Queensland coast near Maryborough, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. It is over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point, giving it an area of 184 000 hectares. It has long surf beaches, cliffs and gorges, rainforests, desert-like sandblows, over 100 freshwater lakes, winding streams and mangrove forests.
In December 1992 Fraser Island attained World Heritage Listing in recognition of the island's exceptional sand dune systems, its rainforests on sand, and its beautiful freshwater lakes, ranking it with Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. It is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres
There are around 350 species of birds on the island, along with a variety of mammals, wallabies, snakes, possums, turtles and flying foxes. Some of the most popular tourist attractions are Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek and Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
Lake McKenzie is a crystal clear freshwater lake located inland from the small town of Eurong, 100 metres above sea level. It has an area of 150 hectares and is just over five metres in depth with beach sand that is nearly pure silica.
Eli Creek is the largest creek on the east coast of the island with a flow of 80 million litres per day. Visitors can reach the top of the creek via a boardwalk, and swim or ride down the creek if they wish.
Seventy-Five Mile Beach runs along most of the east coast of Fraser Island and is the site of the Maheno which is the only visible shipwreck on the island. There are dangerous currents but it is extremely beautiful.
The island is named after Eliza Fraser. In 1836 the Sterling Castle was shipwrecked and survivors including Captain James Fraser and his wife Eliza landed on the island and were reportedly taken as slaves by the Aborigines. Captain Fraser perished, but Eliza was rescued and returned to England.
The best way to see Fraser Island is by four-wheel-drive, and you can self-drive or there are several tour packages available. You will need several days to see all the highlights and it is a great place for a family holiday.