WORDS BY Nikki Sorbello
As the barge slowly inches closer to the world’s largest sand island, it is impossible not to be swept up in awe of Fraser Island.
Home to ancient flora and fauna, unique species of plants, abundant wildlife and picturesque beauty at every turn, Fraser Island is more than a truly magnificent holiday destination – it is a profound experience.
Travelling from Bundaberg you can be on the Island with a short 90-minute drive and 50-minute barge ride, where an instant peace descends. You are immediately transported to a different world, where sandy feet replace footwear and four-wheel-drives (4WD) reign.
The perfect escape
Kingfisher Bay Resort offers the perfect alternative for those who want to explore and enjoy the island without battling the elements camping.
It is the perfect base to traverse Fraser, with a general store and fuel station to keep you going during your stay.
Resort pools, day spa, restaurants and bars offer the ultimate island getaway while experiencing nature’s best – perfect for couples and families alike.
You don’t even need a 4WD. You can leave your vehicle at River Heads and resort staff will look after the transfer of your luggage. If you want to take a car over, there are sealed roads from the barge and around the Resort.
Once you are settled, plan the kind of stay you’d like – leisure or adventure. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers a range of guided tours, walks and activities to fully immerse yourself in the Island, so you can fill your days or do as little as you like.
Beauty Spots
By far the best way to experience the most iconic parts of Fraser Island is on the Beauty Spot Guided 4WD Tour.
As you journey across the island, learn about the history, plants and animals of Fraser and the characteristics that make it so unique. Traverse the 75 Mile Beach highway, searching the sea for dolphins and the sand dunes for dingos. Stop at the SS Maheno shipwreck and The Pinnacles coloured sands. Float down Eli Creek. Take a walk through Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek to see some of the oldest ferns in the world. Finish your tour at the jewel of the Island – Lake McKenzie. Make sure you have a swim and marvel at the bright white sand and duel-coloured crystal-clear water.
Guided Ranger Talks
Aside from the undeniable beauty of the Island, one of the most striking things about Fraser is the history and unique flora, fauna and wildlife it holds. The best way to discover more is to take a guided ranger tour.
Hear about the Islands traditional name K’gari (pron. Gurri), meaning paradise. Find out about bush tucker and the medicinal properties of native trees. Learn more about marine life and mangrove estuary systems. Take a hike through forest to spectacular views over the Great Sandy Strait or take a walk after dark looking for nocturnal wildlife. You can even peek behind the curtain and learn about the Resort, its award-winning architecture and eco-tourism principles. For the more adventurous, rangers also take guided canoe paddles down Dundonga Creek and guided Segway tours along the beach.
Most talks are free, and the rangers are a fountain of knowledge, happy to engage in conversation and answer any and all questions.
Junior Eco Rangers
Keeping energetic children entertained while on the Island is not a concern with the Junior Eco Rangers programs at Kingfisher Bay Resort. When the kids have had enough of the resort pools and sight-seeing, an experienced team of rangers will take them on bushwalks, scavenger hunts, stargazing and to see marine life by night. It will likely be the highlight of their trip.