Fraser Island

About Fraser Island

Situated on the southern coast of Queensland, Australia, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world with a total area of 1,840 km2 (710.4 sq mi). An area of exceptional natural beauty, it was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1992, protecting the island from commercialisation and leaving it unspoiled for people to enjoy. It gives visitors the chance to live out their fantasies of being stranded on the perfect desert island and has plenty of activities for those who don’t just want to sit on the sand and take in the gorgeous scenery and crystal clear water.

Fraser Island is made up of white sand, with coloured sand cliffs stretching around to provide a dramatic backdrop. There are over 100 freshwater lakes on the island as well as rainforest areas and creeks running through the island, providing excellent opportunities for bathing. Even more stunning are the sand dunes, which have been formed over years of sea level changes, some of which reach up to 240 m (787.4 ft) above sea level.

Nearly half a million people are estimated to visit the island each year.

Some of the rarest and most vulnerable species on the planet live here, including turtles and the ant-blue butterflies.

Eli Creek is a fast flowing creek on the island, which still remains shallow enough so that visitors can bathe and wade in safely. Angling, camping, hiking and trekking are all allowed, with certain restrictions.

Warnings

Visitors are asked to use boardwalks and marked tracks to reduce the erosion of this fragile environment.

Did you know?

The island is the only place on Earth where tall rainforest grows in sand.