So this is the holiday I’ve been most keen on in recent times. Work has been really full on lately and I felt myself burning out because of it.
This break was planned with a great mate of mine, Jeremy, and it was supposed to take place in NSW for some bushwalking. After buying all necessary items for the trip, Covid decided to throw a spanner in the works and threaten to lock me down if I ventured to that state. Knowing that I couldn’t take the risk, we decided we would change the location to Fraser Island.
Both of us had been there previously but neither had done any serious camping over there. Jeremy had stayed in available houses for rent and I had done a brief camp which was located in a fenced off area which protects you from the wildlife whilst providing you with luxury amenities.
So with the location set it was time to book some camp spots and plan out the days. I left this entirely up to Jeremy as he enjoys this side of holidaying and does a great job of planning ahead.
So with camp spots booked, permits acquired and barge tickets purchased we were set to go.
When the date finally rolled around it was time to kiss the family goodbye and drive the 5.5 hours south to meet up with Jeremy, who had travelled roughly a total of probably 15 hours to get there.
We met up at Inskip Point, and after a quick yet firm handshake, it was time to jump on the barge and head over.
Now I honestly don’t remember any of the names of the camp sites so I won’t even try to pretend but they were incredible. Camping just behind the dunes in large sites where we could easily spread out and enjoy some freedom was pure bliss. Being coastal means a good chance of some pretty decent winds kicking up and it definitely didn’t disappoint.
The first couple of nights were spent on the eastern side of the island right in the beach. There is always one thing very soothing about hearing the crashing of the waves.
On the second day we decided to go through Eurong Village and dispose of the previous nights rubbish and venture on to the one and only Lake Mackenzie. This Lake is a thing of beauty. With some of the most pure fresh water you will find on the planet it is an absolute must to see when visiting Fraser. Before our trip commenced I recommended to Jeremy that we get some inflatable standup paddle boards to have a look all around the Lake as only a fraction of it is used by the public. So we agreed and I collected one from Jeremy’s old man and purchased one for myself. We both agreed that this was the best decision for the trip. Paddling all around the Lake was spectacular. There are so many beautiful spots all around it and Jeremy said that with the water being so clear he could see some turtles swimming around near one of the shores.
After this we spent the next part of the day travelling through the island and then back to the eastern side to check out Eli Creek which is a popular spot for people to enjoy some lunch and a swim with the kids in the crystal clear fresh water.
We then went on to the Maheno ship wreck which is only a few minutes up the beach with The Pinnacles being on the way.
The next morning we packed up and headed to the western side and instantly I realised the the West is Best. Clear and calm water, white sand beach and very few people. So after a bite to eat we found a nice spot to set up camp and get the boards out again. Luckily, behind our camp site there was a really nice creek that ran from all the way up from an inland lake, down through the mangroves and out to the beach which we were able to paddle the whole way and it was an experience I won’t soon forget.
Unfortunately the weather turned bad and the rain and wind set in which set us up for a pretty miserable night. But we made the most of it with some good music and a few beverages. Even had a local dingo lingering around our camp.
With the poor weather showing that it was setting in for a few days we chose to end our Fraser trip early and head back to the mainland.
It was an incredible few days away and enough to recharge the batteries. Once back on the mainland we decided we would do two more nights of solo camping in our own seperate directions.
Fraser Island you are one magnificent beast.
Thanks
E.G