#8 Exploring Fraser Coast
This week I was busy exploring a truly paradise, the Fraser Coast and I would say that one week is clearly not enough!
Fraser Coast
Hervey Bay.
You are in Hervey Bay and you would like to learn more about the whales and other marine wildlife, go to the new Discovery Sphere, video, information and a giant “fake” whale outside to take picture with.
Hervey Bay is the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the sea. The calm and protective waters of the bay allow you to enjoy the ocean safely. After a delicious breakfast at Enzo’s on the Beach (veritable Italian coffee and yummy food), hire a kayak, a stand up paddle board or a kite surf and jump in the water.
If you prefer motor watersports, you will find all you need and possibly want at Aquavue: jet ski, water ski, wake board… you can also book a tour to go on Fraser Island by Jet ski!
You wanna meet some aussie wildlife while on holiday on the Fraser Coast? No worries, go to the Wildlife Sanctuary in Maryborough (30 minute drive from Hervey Bay). Kangaroos, Emus, Dingoes, Opossums, Snakes, Tropical birds, Dragons and so much more! Was so nice to get up close with them. This is also a rehabilitation center.
HERVEY BAY
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On my arrival, direction Hervey Bay, which was one of the highlights of my trip. This is indeed the home of the majestic humpback whales!
No more crocodile habitat or dinosaurs’ country here (cf previous adventures), no this time was the “humpback whales holiday destination” J!
First whales for me, big excitation. I spent half day on a cruise to watch them and their calves and believe me this is a life memory. To read more about the humpback whales and “take a plunge” with them on video, click on the thumbnail.
Insider Tips
Accommodation
Upmarket:
Ramada Hervey Bay: (Hotel/Appart Hotel) nice central swimming pool and free movies - Free wifi / Restaurant. $$
On budget:
Flashpackers Hervey Bay: pizza night on Wednesday, good atmosphere, clean and comfortable - Pool / Nice Kitchen / Free wifi. $
Eating and Drinking
Café:
Café Baleana, located at the marina: perfect to have a nice drink or lunch before boarding for a whale watching tour! $
Restaurant:
Coast: delicious Australian cuisine, perfect for a birthday or special occasion dinner. Julia the owner is just great! $$$
Beachfront breakfast-lunch:
Enzo’s on the Beach: good Italian coffee and wonderful tarts, muffins etc. With a lovely sea view and Enzo the nice owner used to be a tour guide in the region, he knows a lot about the place even if he comes from Germany . $
Activities
Watersports:
Enzo’s on the beach: standup paddle, kite surf (possible lesson)
Aquavue: jet ski, jet boat, kayak, banana, etc...
Museum:
Fraser Coast Discovery Centre : www.frasercoastdiscoverysphere.com.au
Nature/ wildlife:
Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary in Maryborough :79 Mungar Road Maryborough 4650 Queensland - 30 minutes drive
Whale Watching:
Hervey Bay Whale Watch: the most experienced whale watching company in Australia
FRASER ISLAND
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Then in Fraser Coast, stands Fraser… Fraser for Fraser Island, a “must go” place.
World Heritage-listed since 1992, the largest sand island in the world will just blow your mind away! The Aboriginal haven’t called it K’Gari (meaning Paradise) for no reason. World famous, I expected a big sand dune island with a stunning long beach… but I was not even close of the natural wonders waiting for me there. Yes you will be amazed by Fraser Island.
Once arrived on the island, I was “a bit” surprised by the road conditions: here no sealed roads, but only sand roads! That’s why the island is only accessible by 4WD. This makes now totally sense to me. The roads cross the rainforest, present all over the island and did you know that this is one of the only places in the world where rainforest grows in sand?! I was impressed to see these giant trees and lush vegetation coming out white sand!!
Walking through untouched ancient rainforest at Pile Valley (departure from Central Station) is just spectacular. Easy walk next to a pristine clear creek, observing the forest, this is so relaxing!
Big moment is also the swim in the white sand and freshwater lake McKenzie, so refreshing.
And how cool was driving on 75 Mile beach (+/- 127 km long!) which is not only a magnificent beach but also a national highway and a unique landing strip for light aircraft (AirFraser, which I had the chance to use to go back to Hervey Bay J).
Fancy driving on the 7th most beautiful beach* in the world, click on the video and enjoy few secondes of free ride!!
*National Geographic Ranking
Champagne Pools
perfect for a swim
The Pinnacles
cliffs of coloured sands
Maheno Shipwreck
a World War hospital ship,
it succumbed to a cyclone in 1935.
Since then, it has become
a landmark attraction.
Eli Creek
beautiful freshwater creek
to have a safe bath
Lake McKenzie
a popular swimming spot
in the sparkling blue water
Central Station
departure of several beautiful walks
It would be just too long to tell you all about the wonders of Fraser Island and that’s why I think that a map is a perfect way of synthetize it!
Insider Tips
Accommodation
Fraser Island Retreat:
Located at Happy Valley, perfect location on the east coast, 9 spacious timber cabins in a very quiet environment :-) One of the biggest bed I have ever slept in! Nice pool.
A store, bar and bistro open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You want to visit Fraser Coast?
Good idea!
Here some useful websites to help you out planning your visit:
To go there
4WD mandatory
You can book a guided tour to experience the island, many operators offers 2-3 day tours from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, daily departure.
Just for instance:
www.fraserexplorertours.com.au
You want to drive yourself on 75 Mile Beach, book a Tag along tour:
!!!! Be aware: Fraser island is home of the Dingoes !!!!!
Native wild dog in Australia, the dingoes on Fraser Island should not be confused with domestic pets. They are one of the purest strains of wild dingo in East Australia. They play a vital role in the island’s ecosystem, that’s why they are protected.
As they are wild and unpredictable animals living free on the island, it’s very important to be aware of some rules in order to stay safe:
*never feed a dingo (they are thin by nature, don’t think they are starving)
*always stay close to your children and walk in group
*keep your distance: never approach a dingo or encourage any interaction with one
*keep food and rubbish in strong lockable containers
*never leave food or rubbish unattended
*never take food to lake shores
more infos: www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/dingo-safe.html
