Fraser Coast: Tales From The Marine Mecca

One particular place that is definitely constantly suggested to you when you are in Australia: Fraser Island. It is the world's biggest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage site, situated just off the coast of Queensland. Fraser Island has so much to offer that it swiftly emerged as a highlight of any trip to Australia. 

You will create lifelong experiences during your days of backpacking on Fraser Island, from whale watching to the whitest sand you see, shipwrecks to stargazing.

Uncertain about where to begin? The article below will walk you through everything about Fraser Coast trip.

How To Get To Fraser Island

Getting to Fraser Island is extremely easy. You could take a Fraser Island excursion from Hervey Bay or from Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island.

Ferry to Fraser Island

From River Heads, which is about 20 minutes south of Hervey Bay, you can board the Kingfisher Bay Ferry to the island's main accommodation facility, King Fisher Island Resort. It takes about 50 minutes to complete this route.

As an alternative, you can take the Fraser Venture Ferry, which also leaves from River Heads and arrives at Wanggoolba Creek, which is right across from Eurong Beach Resort, the second-most famous Fraser Island accommodation. This ferry takes 30 minutes.

You can take a ferry to Fraser Island

Driving on Fraser Island

Getting to Fraser Island is simple; the difficult part is driving on the island! Many people choose self-drive tours while planning their Fraser Island trip. You can only take a self-drive tour in a 4x4 and need a permit, a lot of confidence, and a lot of driving expertise.

Must-Things To Do In Fraser Island

Swim in Lake McKenzie

Being one of the most visited attractions on Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie is best visited early to beat the crowds. Swimming at Lake McKenzie is completely safe and is sure to be a highlight of any Fraser Island trip.

The sand of Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island is 98% silica, which makes it not only incredibly white but also reflective of sunlight to keep it from being too hot. This is what makes the lake so special. In addition to filtering the precipitation, the fine sand gives Lake McKenzie its renowned azure color.

Paddle Board on Lake Birrabeen

Try paddle boarding if you are backpacking on Fraser Island; it is one of the funniest "workouts" you will ever have. Paddle boarding on Lake Birrabeen is a memorable activity for visitors of all ages and this is sure to be the high point of your trip.

Try paddle boarding on Lake Birrabeen if you are backpacking on Fraser Island

Admire Wanggoolba Creek & Surrounding Rainforest

Fraser Island is more than just beach and sand; you should not miss the chance to visit the amazing rainforest. Starting at Central Station, an old forestry station, you can walk along a boardwalk that passes the crystal-clear Wanggoolba Creek and through the surrounding rainforest.

You can enjoy a tranquil and restful stay at Wanggoolba Creek. Fraser Island hiking tours include this rainforest. You will go through amazing flora and animals, including a tree that could hold eight people.

Drive on the 75 Mile Beach

You simply cannot miss it—you have to drive on the beach to reach all of Fraser Island's major attractions—in addition to the fact that it is definitely one of the most amazing drives you have ever taken.

Drive on the 75 Mile Beach

Dance in the Champagne Pools

Do not let the title mislead you; the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island do not have any flutes or moet. The sea bubbles that cascade in over the rock pools are what give the Champagne Pools their name.

It should go without saying that you should sit or stand in the pools rather than standing on the actual rocks where the waves are likely to hit you. Avoid making a trip to the hospital one of your Fraser Island activities.

Dance in the Champagne Pools

Take a flight over Fraser Island

What could be more awesome than turning a beach into a highway? Use it for a runway.

The best views of Fraser Island may be seen from the 75-mile coastline where Air Fraser operates small planes. For a 20-minute flight that showed off the dunes, lakes, rainforest, and even stingrays from above, it is something you must add to your Fraser Island trip.

The World’s First Whale Heritage Site

Hervey Bay is the commercial and tourism hub of the Fraser Coast.  It is well renowned for being a place to see humpback whales. It serves as a point of entry for trips to the neighboring K'gari. Because of its commitment to and dedication to protecting whales, the World Cetacean Alliance named Hervey Bay as the world's first Whale Heritage Site.

The whale season in Hervey Bay runs from July to November

Best time for whale watching in Hervey Bay

The whale season in Hervey Bay runs from July to November and the peak whale watching season is often early August to late September, although sightings can vary from year to year due to water temperatures. For the most up-to-date information on whale sightings, it is therefore advisable to talk with the whale watching tours in Hervey Bay before booking.

However, do not assume that these are the only months you will see whales; they start to arrive on Fraser Island and Hervey Bay from the end of April. These whales are generally juveniles, which are really entertaining to watch because they are very inquisitive. However, this month does not have any scheduled tours.

Humpbacks can meet and breed in Hervey Bay's warm waters, which are protected by Fraser Island and have few predators. Male Humpbacks display their skills by jumping, slapping their fins and tails, and singing whale songs to entice females during mating season. It is breathtaking to watch these natural spectacles.

Make an online reservation for the eco-friendly whale watching tours available in Hervey Bay to get a close-up look at these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

These Humpback whale watching tours in Hervey Bay provide enjoyable, instructive experiences that are both safe for you and considerate to the whales. You can snorkel with humpback whales, along with many other activities. To guarantee your preferred dates and times to view these magnificent animals in their natural environment, make sure to make your reservations well in advance.

Final Thoughts

Fraser Coast is truly a marine mecca. It offers visitors a mix of wild trips, wildlife encounters, and amazing views. Whether you're setting off on a Fraser Island trip, embarking on Fraser Island hiking tours, or catching a ferry to Fraser Island, there is no shortage of incredible experiences waiting for you. And if you dream of seeing big whales up close, the whale season in Hervey Bay is the best chance to see them in the wild.

Before you embark on your Fraser Coast trip, it’s essential to check your visa requirements. Many travelers need one to get into Australia. Getting it early can save time and trouble. You can get an Australia eVisa easily and quickly on our site. In just 15 minutes, you can complete your visa application using just a smartphone with an internet connection. Don't let visa worries hold you back—begin now and see Fraser Coast's marvels without stress!