Fraser Coast
The world's largest sand island, Fraser Island, is a World Heritage Listed site that is truly breathtaking.
But there's also more to discover in the Fraser Coast region, with its sweeping golden beaches, agriculturally rich country, national parks and history.
Fraser Island (www.fraserisland.net)
Stretching over 123 km along the coast, the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. It is a place of exceptional beauty, with its pristine white beaches, strikingly coloured sand cliffs, and freshwater lakes.
Explore the island, its ancient rainforest, awesome sand dunes and crystal clear creeks. It is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres.
About 98 per cent of Fraser Island is protected national park. It is home to all kinds of wildlife including possums, wallabies and dingoes, as well as rainforest trees such as satinay and brush box, some more than 1000 years old.
Dive into the clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek as it flows rapidly to the beach, marvel at the Maheno shipwreck on the beach, or drive along the famous Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
Stay overnight at the award-winning Kingfisher Bay Resort (www.kingfisherbay.com), which overlooks lakes, bushland and the sea. It offers plenty of activities including fishing, canoeing, ranger-guided tours, sunset champagne cruises and more.
Hervey Bay www.herveybay.qld.gov.au
Known as Australia’s whale watching capital, Hervey Bay is bordered by 40km of pristine beaches and is a popular resort holiday destination.
Hervey Bay offers convenient access to Fraser Island and those who prefer to do a day trip to the island can opt to stay at the wide choice of accommodation lining the Hervey Bay esplanade, from caravan parks to motels, resorts and holiday apartments.
Sheltered by Fraser Island, the calm, safe waters of Hervey Bay attract hundreds of humpback whales and calves every year from the beginning of August until the end of October.
The whales stop here to rest and play on their migration south to the Antarctic. Mothers take time to fatten up their calves so they can survive the long journey and cold waters.
Kingfisher Bay Resort, conducts daily whale watch cruises with rangers during whale watching season. You can sometimes even see the whales from the jetty, putting up amazing displays including breaching, fin-slapping and rolling.
Great Sandy Strait www.greatsandystrait.com.au
Perfectly situated between Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Strait features mangrove-lined shores, protected beaches and a maze of tidal creeks and islands.
Its tranquil waterways are home to fish, turtles, dolphins and even dugongs. This area is also a valuable roosting area for migratory trans-equatorial shorebirds with almost 30,000 birds stopping annually. It is truly a haven for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Stop at one of the islands or Garry’s Anchorage for a picnic, go fishing, catch a feast of mud crabs or just enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Townships along the Great Sandy Strait include Rainbow Beach, with its surf and sandy white beaches, and Tin Can Bay, a peaceful seaside town ideal for fishing and boating.
Maryborough www.maryborough.qld.gov.au
Located three hours north of Brisbane, this heritage town is home to charming tree-lined streets and classic Queenslanders - high-stilted homes built of local timber, with broad verandas.
Maryborough was settled in 1847 by Europeans and is one of Queensland's oldest provincial cities. It is widely recognised for the abundant examples of colonial and Queenslander architecture, majestic public buildings and beautiful gardens. Much of the city's character has been preserved in these classic buildings.
This riverside town is also a haven for pleasure boats, yachts and freshwater fishing.
