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All About Fraser Island

Everything a visitor needs to know

  • About Fraser
    • Fraser Island Facts
  • Island Attractions
    • Towns
      • Orchid Beach
      • Kingfisher Bay
      • Eurong Beach
      • Cathedral Beach
      • Happy Valley
      • Dilli Village
    • Beaches
    • Rainforest
    • Lakes
    • Creeks
  • Barges & Ferry
    • Barges at Inskip Point
    • Ferry from River Heads
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Private Holiday House Rentals
      • Footsteps on Fraser – Orchid Beach
    • Caravan And Camping
      • Waddy Point Campgrounds
      • Dundubara Camping Area
      • Wathumba Camping Grounds
  • 4WD Driving
    • 4WD Vehicle Preparation
    • 4WD Sand Driving Tips
    • Best Tyre Pressure For Sand
    • Fraser Island Driver Etiquette
  • Fishing
    • Beach, Rock, Reef & Estuary
    • Finding Pipis
    • Beach Worms
    • Mud Crabs
You are here: Home / Fraser Island Facts

Fraser Island Facts

Fraser Island Sunset

Fraser Island, located just off the coast of Queensland, is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world.

It is a place where you can find a multitude of rare animals and plants, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

Here are all the facts about Fraser Island that will make you want to visit this amazing place.

Amazing Facts About Fraser island

The island itself is covered in a variety of different terrain. Including lush rainforest, glorious sand dunes, and amazing beaches. Filled with pristine lakes and crystalline creeks. Wetlands and wild scrub, including mangrove forests and eucalyptus woodlands.

The place is so unique that visitors are surprised when they find out just how unique and special Fraser island really is.

Here are some amazing facts about Fraser Island.

The largest Sand Island In The World

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, measuring 122 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres in width.

The Island has a total area of 1,840 square kilometres. The highest parts of the island can reach an elevation of 244 m.

It is also the largest island in Queensland and the fourth largest island in Australia.

Read more about the world’s largest sand Island

UNESCO World Heritage Site

The maheno

Since 1992, Fraser Island has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The island is an absolute gem, whose natural wonders need to be preserved for future generations.

The reason it was listed as a World Heritage site is because of its “exceptional natural beauty and unique eco-systems.”

Why Is Fraser Island Important?

Fraser Island is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. A UNESCO site that needs to be preserved for future generations.

The northern half of the island is now protected as the Great Sandy National Park.

Rainforest That Is Growing In The Sand

It is also the only sand island in the world that encompasses a tropical rainforest growing in its dunes.

The sand is nutritionally poor so the trees and other plants have evolved a unique sort of root known as a mycorrhiza to cope with it.

This root attaches to fungus, which aids in the plant’s uptake of nutrients from the sand.

Dingoes On Fraser Island Can Be Dangerous

Fraser Island resident Dingo

Yes, you do need to be a bit careful when you visit Fraser Island.

There are many hidden and potential dangers that inhabit our beautiful island.

Dangers like wild and untagged dingos can be dangerous. We all know that Fraser Island is the perfect “Family Friendly” place to visit.

But for many visitors to the island, are completely unaware of the dangers that lurk in the sand and the surf.

Dingoes on Fraser

Interesting Facts About Fraser Island

What is Fraser Island known for? Fraser Island is known as K’Gari (paradise) to the local Australian Aborigines.

Fraser Island History

Local Butchilla Tribesmen

The Island was originally inhabited by the Butchulla people, who have lived on the island for over 5,000 years.

In recent history the island was given the English name – Fraser Island – after Captain James Fraser, was shipwrecked on the island in 1836.

It was named after Eliza Fraser – wife of the ship’s captain. She was shipwrecked on the island and held hostage by a local aboriginal tribe.

How Many Tourists Visit Fraser Each Year?

Local tour group fraser island

The island is visited by 450 000 and rising every year.

During the peak seasons, the 75-mile beach feels like a congested highway.

Common Fraser Island Questions

beach time

Many visitors to Fraser Island have no idea what to expect, what to bring, or how to get there.

Here is a list of some of the most common questions about Fraser Island.

[Read more…]

Why You Should Visit Fraser Island

Orchid Beach Dingo pack

Reason number one is to see a dingo. Fraser Island is paradise and it’s also the place to see a real wild Dingo.

Here we have a couple of young dingos lazing about.

They are often found wandering on the beach in search of an easy meal and often find themselves being photographed by busloads of tourists.

[Read more…]

What To Expect On Fraser Island

Orchid Beach Trading Post

Fraser Island Local Facilities

Shopping for groceries and supplies is very limited on the island.

Our advice is to ensure that you are self-sufficient (especially if you are camping)

[Read more…]

Things To Do On K’gari Fraser Island

Fishing on Fraser

K’gari ( Fraser Island) means Paradise.

And paradise Fraser Island most certainly is.

If you want a trip of a lifetime Fraser Island certainly needs to be added to your bucket list.

Ultimate List Of Things To Do On K’gari Fraser Island

Fraser Island Turtles

Fraser Island is also home to the loggerhead turtle, which comes to the island to lay its eggs. Every year, around 100 turtles come to the island to lay their eggs.

The loggerhead is the largest hard-shelled turtle in the world and can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are found in all oceans but prefer warm waters.


Fraser Island Sharks

There are several species of sharks that call Fraser Island home, including the tiger shark, bull shark, and great white shark. These predators play an important role in regulating the populations of other marine animals on the island.

Despite their fearsome reputation, sharks rarely pose a threat to humans. In fact, there have only been two recorded shark attacks on Fraser Island in the past decade. However, it is still important to be aware of these apex predators when swimming or surfing in their territory.

Fraser Island Animals

Fraser Island is home to a number of unique animal species – including the dingo – which is a type of wild dog that is found nowhere else in the world.

The island is home to a profusion of wildlife. With over 25 different species of bird life, mammals including dingos, echidnas, flying foxes, possums and wallabies.

Fraser Island Weather Facts

incoming storm front

Fraser Island weather varies from mild to humid and hot climate.

In the winter, this island has a typical temperature of 15 degrees Celsius, while in the summer it has a scorching heat of 30 degrees Celsius.

Here we have an incoming storm front on Fraser Island.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and offers visitors plenty of stunning landscapes and wildlife to enjoy.

Here are just a few fun facts about this incredible place:

Where Is Fraser Island?

The island is located off the south-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia, and is accessible by ferry from Hervey Bay or via a 4WD vehicle from Rainbow Beach.

The small island of Fraser is located 300 kilometres north of Brisbane, on the southern coast of Queensland in Australia.

How Was Fraser Island Formed?

Formed during the Ice Age, the island was created over the last 800,000 years from sand drifting off the east coast of mainland Australia.

According to geologists, three different rocks called Waddy Point, Middle Point and Indian Head acted as anchors and consequently gathered the sand around their bases.

There was a time when Fraser Island formed part of the mainland, but it became an island around 20,000 years ago prior to earth’s last ice age. This was also a result of rising sea levels.

According to the experts, the sand dunes are a result of the omnipresent easterly winds. Consequently, some of Fraser Island’s sand dunes such as Mt. Bowarrady are among the tallest in the world, towering at 240 meters. It is interesting to know that Fraser Island contains purer sand than the Sahara desert.

Along with its large expanses of silica sand, Fraser Island is also made up of what’s colloquially referred to as coffee sand or coffee rock.

Because of the organic colloids that are prominent on the island, the sand has been cemented together and compacted, resulting in brownish rocks. While coffee rocks are visible all over Fraser Island, most of these formations are found across the beach.

How Big Is Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world measuring 122km by 22km.

It measures approximately 1840 square kilometres, making it the biggest sand island in the world.

How Many Lakes are on Fraser Island?

The island is home to more than 100 lakes, including Lake McKenzie, which is one of the world’s clearest freshwater lakes.

Because the lake is so clean, there isn’t much marine life.

See all of the Fraser Island lakes

Some Of The Tallest Sand Dunes?

Giant sand dunes

Fraser Island is also home to the world’s tallest sand dunes, which rise up to 240 meters above sea level.

Because of its elevation, Fraser Island offers magnificent views over its glorious sand dunes and woodlands.

See more Fraser Island sand Dunes

Fraser Island Rainforest Facts

Wanggoolba Creek - Central Station Fraser Island Australia

The rain forest at Pile Valley on Fraser Island is unusual because it grows in sand.

The trees and other plants have adapted to the nutrient-poor soil by using a special type of root called a mycorrhiza.

This root attaches to fungus, which helps the plant to absorb nutrients from the sand.

The rain forest on Fraser Island is home to a number of unique plants and animals, including the rare purple-flowering financial tree. This tree is only found in three places in the world, and two of those are on Fraser Island.

See more about the Fraser Island Rainforest

What Is Unique About Australia’s Fraser Island?

The maheno

The island is also home to a number of shipwrecks.

The most famous is the SS Maheno, which was wrecked on the island in 1953 while being towed for salvage.

The island has over 40 shipwrecks, making it a popular place for sightseers and divers alike.

See more about Fraser Island Shipwrecks

Why Is Fraser Island So Popular?

Lake mackenzie

Fraser Island is home to striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests.

This amazing array of spectacular locations makes Fraser Island a popular destination for the adventurous and nature lovers alike.

Facts for the Visitor before arriving

  • A 4WD is necessary to drive on Fraser Island
  • You will need permits for vehicles and camping on Fraser Island, and these must be purchased before you arrive

The most excellent camping spots are located here.

  • Central station campground
  • Waddy Point ( Top campground)
  • Dundubara campground
  • Dilli Village
  • Wathumba campground
  • Eli Creek campground
  • One Tree campground
  • Wongai campground
  • Lake Boomanjin campground
If you want to learn more about visiting Fraser Island, Join our email list for regular updates about what we have for you on the Island.
 

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More (K’gari) Island Attractions

  • Lake Mckenzie Fraser Island
  • Platypus Bay Fraser Island
  • Champaign Pools Fraser Island
  • Eli Creek Fraser Island
  • Central Station Rainforest
  • The Pinnacles – Coloured Sands
  • The Maheno Wreck Fraser Island
  • Indian Head Fraser Island
  • The Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Find the complete list of Fraser Island Attractions here.

Map of Fraser Island

map of fraser island

A Little About Us

Kids and sandboarding – awesome fun on Fraser Dunes

We are the Boston family. Rusty, Ursula and our 2 daughters Summer & Lotus. We are long time residents of the island and have lived at Orchid Beach for more than 20 years...
Read More…

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Map Of Fraser Island

map-of-fraser

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