Fraser Island

I wasn't sure that Fraser could really live up to the hype as everyone says that it is definitely one of the most incredible and diverse landscapes that you will ever encounter. However they are right and I have just spent two amazing days on the island.

Fraser is the largest sand island in the world and to think such an array of vegetation survives in this sandy terrain is quite remarkable. From rainforests to freshwater lakes and sandunes.

The island is only accessible by 4WD vehicles and you have the option of either doing a self-drive and camping on the beach or taking a guided tour. Whilst I don't mind camping I was worried that I might be paired up with a group of young lads who just wanted to get pissed and party by the lake, so opted for the guided tour. What's more when I arrived into Hervey Bay I found out that my tour wasn't running and instead I had been upgraded to stay in a nicer resort on the island which obviously I was really pleased about.

The whole experience was fantastic. There were 13 of us in total and the guide was great so not only did we see all the main attractions but learnt about the history of the island and why it has such a diverse ecology too.

On the first day we went to Lake McKenzie, an aqua clear blue lake with fine white sand which was breathtaking. We also walked through the rainforests to see king ferns and huge trees as well as visiting Lake Birabeen which boasted a beautiful reflective surface.

On the second day we drove along the 'ocean highway' otherwise known as the 75-mile beach stopping off to see the bats, python and dingo along the way. We paddled in Eli creek, took photos of the Maheno shipwreck's rustic hull and saw various coloured sands.

After that we walked up to Fraser's renowned look out 'Indian Head' to watch the dolphins and whales in the distance before going for a dip in the Champagne Rock Pools.

All our meals were included in the trip so we didn't need to worry about what to bring as there is vary little on the island itself. In terms of accommodation we stayed in cabins on the grounds of the exclusive Kingfisher Bay resort and whilst basic they were warm and we got to watch the sunset in the resorts jacuzzi!

The 4WD experience was unreal with at points you actually bouncing off your seat or thinking the truck is going to tip. We saw a couple of vans who had become stuck in the sand and needed pushing/towing out. To think that there are no paved roads with the main route on the east side via the beach itself, with the tide washing under the wheels is something I don't think I will ever experience again.

I am now back in Hervey Bay catching up with washing, emails etc before catching a bus up to 1770 this afternoon reminiscing about the last two days.