Queensland Islands Fourth Part

Fraser Island stretches over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point. With an area of 184 000 hectares it is the largest sand island in the world.

Fraser Island's World Heritage listing ranks it with Australia's Uluru, Kakadu and the Great Barrier Reef. Fraser Island is a precious part of Australia's natural and cultural heritage, it is protected for all to appreciate and enjoy.

Fraser island is a place of exceptional beauty, with its long uninterrupted white beaches flanked by strikingly coloured sand cliffs, and over 100 freshwater lakes, some tea-coloured and others clear and blue all ringed by white sandy beaches. Ancient rainforests grow in sand along the banks of fast-flowing, crystal-clear creeks.

Fraser Island is the only place in the world where tall rainforests are found growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 200 metres. The low "wallum" heaths on the island are of particular evolutionary and ecological significance, and provide magnificent wildflower displays in spring and summer.

The immense sand blows and cliffs of coloured sands are part of the longest and most complete age sequence of coastal dune systems in the world and they are still evolving.

They are a continuous record of climatic and sea level changes over the last 700 000 years. The highest dunes on the island reach up to 240 metres above sea level.

The Great Sandy Strait, separating Fraser Island from the mainland, is listed by the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention).

The wetlands include: rare patterned ferns; mangrove colonies; sea-grass beds; and up to 40,000 migratory shorebirds. Rare, vulnerable or endangered species include dugongs, turtles, Illidge's ant-blue butterflies and eastern curlews.

4WD- ing

Fraser Island is strictly four-wheel-driving territory. Seventy-Five Mile Beach is an actual highway that runs up the surf side of the island. Four-wheel-drives share the highway with Air Fraser planes making joy flights. Sand tracks cross the island linking lakes and rainforests.

Driving conditions vary with weather and tides. Speed limits are 35kmh on inland roads and 80kmh on the Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Normal road rules apply. Carry essential spares as well as a towrope, spade, water and first aid kit.

Vehicle access permits are required for all vehicles entering the island. Permits may be obtained from River Head Barge landing, at Kingfisher Bay Resort reception and at Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service offices including Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Rainbow Beach.

Fishing

Fraser Island's famous 75-Five Mile Beach is right on the action for some of the best beach fishing in the world.

Surf gutters along the ocean beaches provide all-season angling. Whiting and bream are plentiful in the gutters in warmer months and swallowtail can be caught all year round.

The tailor season in winter sees dozens of fishing groups along the beach. All the usual rock species can be caught off the headlands from Indian Head to Waddy Point.

Trailer boats can be launched in the calm water behind Indian Head and Waddy Point.

Off shore, both northern coral and southern reef species can be found.

Moreton Island, one of natures undisturbed wonders, is a 17000 ha naturally formed sand island situated in the Moreton Bay Marine Park 35km from Brisbane, Australia. Approx 95% of Moreton Island is National Park and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation as well as being very popular destination for nature based recreational pursuits.

Like other sand islands in south-east Queensland, Moreton Island was formed as a result of sand movements caused by winds and waves and sea level change over thousands of years. The island is approximately 38km long and 10km at its widest point and appears to this day much the same as it did thousands of years ago.

Moreton’s ocean beach stretches over 40km long and with the untouched white sandy beach, coastal dunes and crystal clear blue water; it is one of the most scenic places on the island. The waters and many reefs surrounding Moreton Island are always clean, and usually crystal clear. This clear water allows visitors to experience the spectacular array of sea life that uses the islands coastline as their playground.

From the Cape Moreton lighthouse you can spot dolphins, whales (in season), manta rays, dugongs, turtles and numerous types of fish swimming in this natural, crystal clear paradise. Swimmers can enjoy a dip from any of the beaches, but Honeymoon bay or the western beach are favorite sheltered spots to enjoy the waters.

Moreton Island is also home to some of the most beautiful freshwater lakes, colored sands, rugged cliffs, sand hills and also the largest sand dune in the world, Mt Tempest. An untouched paradise, Moreton Island is the perfect destination for a holiday, weekend getaway or one-day island adventure.

Experience Moreton Island on an all expenses paid wilderness safari

MORETON ISLAND ATTRACTIONS

There are a few freshwater lakes on Moreton with Blue Lagoon being the largest and most easily accessible. Blue Lagoon was formed through the natural catchments of rainwater over thousands of years when the water table meets the ground surface. Its crystal clear blue water and white sand make it the perfect spot for a swim to cool off or to just sit back, relax and enjoy the serenity of this untouched paradise. A number of Perched lakes have also formed on the island over many years as a result of layers of sand trapping water. Some locals say that the lakes can even set back the aging process when you swim in them.

Camp at Blue Lagoon on the 1, 2 and 3-day Moreton Island Tours

The Cape Moreton Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in Queensland and is situated on rocky cape moreton, which is the only part of the island that is not pure sand. Situated at the north end of the island, the 23 meter high lighthouse was erected back in 1857 with sandstone blocks excavated from the island by tradesmen and prisoners. The views from the lighthouse are simply amazing and it is one of the best places to see impressive 360-degree uninterrupted views of the island. Situated near the lighthouse is the Moreton Island National Park Information Center, which is a great source of island history. An educational center it includes information and artifacts on marine and wildlife habitats and stories of the island from the past.

Visit the Cape Moreton Lighthouse on the 1, 2 or 3-day Tours

Tangalooma Wrecks

A perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving the tangalooma wrecks is one of the most famous landmarks on Moreton Island. Home to myriads of reef fish species and coral formations, snorkeling through the wrecks can be an amazing experience with fish swimming within center meters of your hands. The Tangalooma wrecks came about in 1963 as a result of lobbying by recreational boat owners for an artificial harbour. Subsequently various disused government vesseles were sunk at the site with the Maryborough being the first vessel of 12 to be sunk in the place which now forms the wrecks as they stand today.

Visit and snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks on the 2 and 3-day Tours

Mount Tempest is the highest sand dune on the island and is also the highest vegetated sand hill in the world with the peak approx 285m above sea level. The walk to the top of Mt Tempest can be a challenging climb once you reach the top the breathtaking views will make it all worthwhile. This is the best place to view the surrounding area and on a clear day the 360 degree views are something to treasure. From Mt tempest you can see the coastline from the Sunshine Coast through Brisbane and all the way to the Gold Coast. Be sure not to forget your camera as the views are something that you will want to keep for a lifetime.

See Mt Tempest on the 3-day Moreton Island Wilderness Safari.

Australia’s Gold Coast has got the lot – rainforest, beaches, nightlife – and even tropical islands.

South Stradbroke Island is a beautiful getaway, accessible for the day – or longer stays – via services from Runaway Bay or through self cruising.

North and South Stradbroke Islands extend from the Gold Coast north to Brisbane’s bayside suburbs.

Around 6000 years ago sand around the rocky outcrop known as Point Lookout formed what is now Stradbroke Island. The island separated in the 1800s.

Captain Cook approached within six miles of Point Lookout which he named and believed was part of the mainland.

The island was named Stradbroke in honour of the second son of the Earl of Stradbroke – an aristocratic title truly worthy of this superb natural reserve.

What’s to see?

• More than 20km of open ocean beach with melaleuca wetland and Livistona rainforest.
  
• Look for 160 bird species or see the agile wallaby or golden swamp wallaby.
  
• Be dazzled by 35 species of butterflies – even the native bees don’t sting in this island paradise.

There’s camping, resorts, a marina, self-catering accommodation and water taxis.

Try sea kayaking or the many sports offered through the resorts – tennis, a sprint track, rock climbing, canoeing, windsurfing, parasailing, surf fishing or pampering.

Where Summer Never Ends...

North Stradbroke Island is the ideal holiday destination for families, couples or maybe just a day trip. Located one hour from Brisbane, Straddie is easily accessible by Stradbroke Ferries fast reliable vehicle ferries or water taxi which depart from Cleveland.

Stradbroke Island Holidays book a diversity of Stradbroke accommodation at both Point Lookout and Amity Point to suit all needs and budgets including resorts, holiday houses, hotel and cabins.

The Island is famous for its scenic headlands, kilometres of rolling surf and white sandy beaches. Although Straddie is the second largest sand island in the world and ideal for four wheel drive enthusiasts, the island’s bitumen roads make it suitable for conventional cars.

The next time you want a Stradbroke getaway then contact Stradbroke Island Holidays. North Stradbroke Island ……… Where summer never ends.

Latest News | November 2010

• The Whales are Here

  From June to November each year, the majestic humpback whales pass the North Gorge headland on their annual migration from Antarctica to their calving grounds near the Great Barrier Reef

  Read »

• The Fish are Biting

  My first fishing update for Stradbroke Ferries is an awesome report for Straddie. There’s plenty of good size 2-3 kilo tailor down on main beach. The secret is to look for a good entry or exit next…

  Read »

• Straight From the Plate

  The eating out experience on Straddie can be as relaxed or as formal as you like. With a diverse range of cuisine available you can be certain your tastebuds will be satisfied.

  Being an island there is…

  Read »

Tours & Attractions

• Adder Rock

  Adder Rock Beach is accessed through a 4WD track next to Adder Rock campground. This beach provides an attractive spot for swimming, and is popular with campers and four wheel drivers. However, there is a side sweep which may carry you parallel to the beach. Adder Rock is not a patrolled beach.

  Further Information…

• Amity Point

  On the western side of the island, Amity Point and Dunwich offer sandy beaches and calm water for swimming and great fishing. Amity and Dunwich both have swimming enclosures however these beaches are not patrolled.

  Further Information…

• Care for Dunes & Beaches

  • Dunes and beaches can be extremely fragile. The sparse and inconspicuous dunal vegetation is often all that is stopping the dunes from becoming mobile and moving inland. To drive on the beach at Stradbroke, you must obtain a permit first.
  • For annual permits you will need to contact Stradbroke Tourism on 3409 9555.
  • Be aware, the rules of the road apply to all beaches on Stradbroke.
  • Enter and leave the…
  Further Information…

• Coral Sea Gallery

  Situated on Kennedy Drive, the gallery will be open for exhibitions during school holidays beginning in June with an exhibition by local watercolourist Dixie Lambert.

  Further Information…

• Cylinder Beach

  Cylinder Beach is a picturesque cove between Cylinder and Home Beach Headlands. It is popular with families because it is easily accessible with a carpark situated only metres from the beach.