Fraser is one of Australia’s resort islands, it consists entirely of sand, and this is its uniqueness. Located along the east coast across the strait from Hervey Bay. In the language of the aborigines, Fraser is called “Kgari Paradise”.
This is true – wide and clear sandy beaches, tropical forests and flowering heather meadows under a clear blue sky suggest just such a comparison.
Fraser is considered the world’s largest sand island. In length, it extends for more than 110 km, in width – up to 23 km, and the sand dunes of the island are its attraction. These natural structures reach a height of almost 250 meters. In addition, they are completely white and against the green background of the forests covering the island look almost like snow.
Fraser got its name thanks to a couple of Europeans who crashed off the coast of this island, lost in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. I must say that in those days – 1836 – relations between Aborigines and Europeans were quite aggressive, so local tribes were not too happy about such a neighborhood. As a result, the couple Fraser was held captive by the natives for some time. In 1992, Fraser became part of UNESCO World Heritage and received the status of a nature reserve. Despite this, it is very popular among tourists and travelers.
Surprisingly, on this island, washed on all sides by a salty ocean, there are quite a few fresh lakes. They are called “hanging” because they seem to hang between the salty waters of the Pacific Ocean. There are more than 100 of them. One of them is Lake Mackenzie, located in the forests 100 meters above sea level. This is the most beautiful fresh lake. Water in it is formed only from atmospheric precipitation. It is almost distilled, so no freshwater organisms can live in it. But around the lake there is a snow-white beach of pure quartz sand.
And the largest of them is Boemingen, about 200 hectares in size. The water in the lake is cool and fresh, which contrasts sharply with the Australian climate – mostly hot. For this feature, Boemingen is so popular among tourists.
Eucalyptus and palm trees, mangroves and bamboo, rainforest grow on the lake.
Today, the indigenous population of the island is only 400 people, 11 of whom are descendants of the same tribes who held the Frazier couple captive. It should be noted that a few years after the capture of the shipwrecked Europeans, colonizers from European countries came to Fraser and formed many new settlements. Of course, the natives were against such interference, and a war ensued. The unequal forces of the enemy simply exterminated the small and weakly armed army of the Australian tribes. Almost the entire local population was destroyed. Now Fraser is just a place of tourist attraction, where a tourist complex is equipped: a hotel, a motel, a pool, a bar, a shop and a cafe. You can get to the island on a small plane, but it is better to rent a car on the mainland and cross on a barge. Having your own wheels you can get to know the island much better.
Fraser differs from the rest of Australia in a milder climate, the nature of the island is rich and diverse due to the large amount of moisture. In the western part of the island are mangroves and swamps, the east is a string of beautiful sandy beaches, and in the northern part of Fraser is the Great Sandy National Park.
Since the plant world of Fraser is quite diverse, the animals there are very different. For example, in fresh lakes there are several species of turtles. In the forest you can see bats and foxes, as well as representatives of the classic Australian fauna: possums and wallaby, kangaroos, echidna and a dingo dog. In order to observe animals in their natural habitat, tourists are offered canoeing. In addition to the animal kingdom, it is not difficult to notice electric stingrays, sharks and dolphins in the water surrounding the boat. Migratory paths of humpback whales sailing to Antarctica also pass by Fraser Island – you can observe these animals from August to October.
The world of birds will also not disappoint fans of ornithology. About 354 bird species live on Fraser, 18 of which are considered predators. You can see such birds, which are rare species – the eagle-footed owl and the parrot.
Since the tourist infrastructure of Fraser is quite developed, tourists, in addition to a comfortable beach holiday, are offered various sports activities, among which there are also extreme ones. For example, surfing or bodyboarding along the sand dunes, followed by a noisy dive into the lake. The program of active entertainment also includes a four-wheel drive trip along the coast, where you can admire the Cathedral Rocks – amazing and majestic piles of colored sand.
