4 minute read
50 Island Time
from Cove magazine
ISLAND TIME
Discover the unspoilt natural beauty of Fraser Island.
WE ARE SURROUNDED by natural beauty in Queensland with a seemingly endless supply of nature’s wonders to explore.
When my husband and I decided some adventure and a change of scenery was needed, Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, was at the top of our list.
An easy 4 - 4.5 hour drive, then we were relaxing on the ferry, already in holiday mode. WORDS ANGELA ORAM
We chose Kingfisher Bay Resort on the western side of the island to base ourselves as we couldn’t resist the idea of watching the sunset from the beach bar, even better than Bali.
The aim of our trip was to explore this beautiful island, rejuvenate and add more amazing memories to our life bank.
Kingfisher Bay Resort and Fraser Explorer Tours managed our experiences seamlessly, making our days stress free and memorable for all the right reasons.
We enjoyed the sunset cruise on the first night, the perfect way to kick-start our break.
Some nibbles and sparkling and you've got a boat full of new friends to enjoy the experience.
The West Coast Explorer cruise the next day saw us discovering islands along the Great Sandy Strait. >>
The rangers were fantastic, and their knowledge of the area and its inhabitants was extensive and informative.
The calm, sheltered waters of Platypus Bay, on Fraser Island's western coast, are a prime whale-watching spot.
Each year from August through to late October, thousands of humpbacks migrate north to frolic, nurture their young and learn some essential life skills.
Back to land and the next day we set out on the very popular Beauty Spots 4WD Tour.
This is a full-day adventure that takes you through some of the sandy tracks of the island from the west coast to the east coast.
Prepare to be amazed at each stop during this tour.
We visited gorgeous Lake McKenzie, Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek, Pile Valley’s awe-inspiring Satinay and Brush Box forests.
After lunch, the bus takes you along 75 Mile Beach's famous highway to the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of The Pinnacles.
We were blessed with a magical day allowing the Cessna aircraft to fly, one of only two places in the world where planes currently take off from the beach.
Viewing the island from the sky highlighted just how large Fraser Island is.
Beautiful Lake McKenzie is even more spectacular from above and if you’re lucky enough to visit during whale season, seeing them breach from above is pretty special.
The final stop is Eli Creek.
It was a little too cool for us to take a dip, but in summer it's the perfect way to refresh before the trip back to Kingfisher Bay Resort.
While at the resort you can do as much or as little as you like.
There are plenty of self-guided paths you can explore, as well as ranger-guided walks.
You can also make your own tracks with the Segway green machines, play tennis or beach cricket, indulge with a day spa treatment or simply bubble away in the jacuzzi.
If your self-drive holiday includes the kids, the island and resort offer a new playground for them to explore, along with ranger-guided activities and large pools for them to enjoy.
The west coast is calm, the water softly laps the shoreline, making it a beautiful beach for kids to play and the family to enjoy sunset walks.
I highly recommend you move Fraser Island and Kingfisher Bay Resort to the top of your holiday list, you won’t be disappointed.
Cruise Specialists
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