Fraser Island Circuit

RATE2

Fraser Island
Fraser Island
Fact Sheet
trek length:3-4 days
max altitude:240m
walking distance:60km
prime time:Novemeber to April
price range:~100A$
physical level:
technical level:
culture shock:
Image
Fraser Island National Park is the biggest sand island in the world and a world heritage site. There're no permanent settlements on the island except a few resorts, campgrounds are research stations. It is an immensely popular place both among the locals (Brisbane is right around the corner) as well as international tourists. Don't expect to be alone on the vehicle sand tracks or the eastern beach which are favorites among the numerous SUV owners. Till it became a National Park the island suffered quite a bit from logging. As a more or less positive side effect from that era there´re many broad and easy trails crossing the island. Fraser Island also houses a "Great! Walk" (Queensland's designated Top Treks) - a 5-7 day track traversing the island from the far north to the south. Unfortunately there is not shuttle service available and the only Taxi is a bit on the expensive side. However, it is possible to connect the primary highlights - the freshwater lakes, some old forest patches and 90mile beach - in a 3-4 day circle trail covering the southern part of the island. The access to the Fraser Island is possible via various ferry lines or by plane (which lands on 90mile beach). You need to obtain permits for the track campgrounds (usually no problem). As hinted above the inland tracks are generally very easy and shaded but hiking the vehicle sand tracks and 90mile beach can be quite strenuous because of the soft sand. On the beach the hard (wet) sand is occupied by the SUV folks and hikers are supposed to walk near the (softer) dunes. The beach portion is also very exposed to the sun so take a hat and good sunscreen.

Due to the traffic and the old, broad logging tracks the "atmosphere" isn't quite as natural or moody as on other trails. The main "problem" is simply that you can visit all the highlights of the trail by car so track rating isn't/can't be overly high. If you intend to do the track better go for weekdays outside the holiday season.

Trek-Map:

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Last Updated ( Sunday, 20 May 2007 )