Located next to the south coast of Queensland, Australia, Fraser Island is approximately 200 km north of Brisbane. Named after the shipwreck survivor Eliza Fraser, it was added as World Heritage site in 1992. At present, Fraser Island is becoming a popular destination for tourists and is attracting more people to reside in the island.
![photo of Fraser Island from the Indian Head](./../../files/2011/09/fraser_island_indian_head.jpg)
Fraser Island from the Indian Head by <a href='http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fraser_Island_a03_indian_head.jpg'>Sensenmann</a>.
Geographically speaking, Fraser Island is estranged from the mainland. The northernmost area of the island is called the Sandy Cape where a lighthouse named after the place as operational since 1870 until 1994. Sandy Cape Light was the first operational lighthouse for European permanent settlement. There are more than 100 freshwater lakes found in the island. The well known lake is called Lake McKenzie which is situated in a small town called Eurong. The lake, perches right on top of compact sand, is 100 meter above sea level and is a favorite tourist destination.
Fraser Island is rich with various species. Dingoes, for one, were once very common in the island but are now instinct.
Known to be one of the largest sand island in the world and is considered a World Heritage, Fraser island also houses the biggest rainforest growing in sand. With the biodiversity, tourists will reconnect to nature once they visit the island. Also, roam around the island to visit historical places that have been situated there for a long time since European settlement.
Here are some things to do when in Fraser Island:
- Whale Watching at Hervey Bay – Considered as the Whale watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay is the ideal place to admire the natural beauty of humpback whales swimming carelessly in the crystal clear water of the bay. Hervey Bay also offers an easy jump off point from Fraser Island to other nearby islands. With its own domestic airport, Hervey Bay is a perfect getaway for all nature lovers out there.
- Travel Back in Time in Maryborough – This is one of the oldest city of Queensland where its history is told through the museums, houses and stores.
- Explore nature – Nature lovers will definitely discover untouched wonders of Fraser Island. Be amazed with the colorful sand dunes, freshwater lakes, crystal clear water of creeks, and vast wildlife animals.
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