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Fraser Island - A Bit Of A Washout
Posted by Ray
Posted on July 15, 2008
In one way or another we were all a bit sad leaving Bundaberg. Our three months were complete, so it was time to move on.
The big trip was now in full swing with the first port of call being Fraser Island. Booking through Aussie Trax we organised a two day one night trip to the Island in a Landcruiser for the five of us working out at $177 each. Pretty good value.
We arrived early in Hervey Bay and picked up the keys. For some reason we were given an automatic Landrover. We drove the short distance to the ferry crossing picking up our permits for the weekend. We hooped back into the 4x4 to grab some supplies for the two days at the local shop. Nightmare, the Landrover wouldn't start. We tried everything for ten minutes, but nothing. At this stage other cars had arrived and lined up for the ferry. Oh sh*t.
Close to panicking, we rang the HQ and explained our situation. Twenty minutes later a Landcruiser pulled up and we transferred all the gear into the new 4x4. There was no time to make it to the shops or more importantly the bottleshop.
The Landcruiser was definitely a better choice with more space in the back (which proved a blessing later on) and being manual gave us a chance to really open up on the beach straights. I wasn't one of the named drivers on the trip. But what the hell, I wasn't missing out on the 4x4 experience, especially on sand.
We finally made it onto the Island even after Diane's drastically slow reversing onto the ferry boat. In fairness to the girl she's only used to driving a Clio back home and on the opposite side.
We had been given a two day itinerary for the Island which we tried to stick to. It proved difficult after we arrived at Central Station and the heaven's opened. The beautiful Lake McKenzie which is famous on Fraser looked half the picture perfect image I had expected. None the less Clem, Helene and myself lashed on the trunks and took a dip. It was sure cold, but worth it to swim in the crystal clear lake.
With a break in the weather we moved on to Lake Wabby, which had a scenic 1Km walk downhill from the viewpoint above. As the weather was holding we all decided to take the excursion. About half way down it began to pour down again. We ploughed on and made it to a large dune overlooking the lake. This was as far as we were going. We turned for home already half wet. Diane the only bright spark had brought a waterproof jacket. The walk back up the hill took a good twenty minutes and everyone was soaked to the bone. I had packed very lightly and only had a space tee shirt and shorts to change into. Day One was turning into a right disaster.
The light was beginning to fade and I was in dire need to find some goon for the long night ahead. We moved from the inland out onto the beach and headed north. The nearest shop was Happy Valley, 30Km up the coast. We pulled in here and stocked up on supplies for the night. Back on the road again we hit the beach again in search of a campsite for the night. We unknowingly pulled into a private campsite and were kindly asked to leave. On the way out we nearly came stuck in the wet sand. After a few attempts my Colin McRae instincts kicked in and we were back on the move. Shortly after we found a campsite and pulled in.
At the campsite there was already another group who had all their tents up and looked well prepared for the night. We on the other hand didn't even have a torch at hand. With about twenty minutes of light left we put up one tent with the help of two nice dutch lads. As the dark came, so did the rain and wind. The tent leaked and we all ended up sleeping in the 4x4. Me minus a sleeping bag (Clem borrowed for the night) spelled out a very cold night and sleepless night on Fraser.
Up early the next morning due to the high tide time we drove a little back to see the famous shipwreck along the beach. A couple of quick snaps and we headed back up the coast. We drove as much as we could north. We couldn't go too far due the tide coming in fast. We made it back to Happy Valley staying for over three hours to let the high tide pass.
Taking an island scenic route inland for an hour we made it back onto the beach as the high tide retreated. Before making it back to Central Station we stopped for photo's and famous inscriptions in the sand.
Aside from the bad weather Fraser Island was a worthwhile trip. I can only image how the island would transform with blue skies and warm weather. Driving was a definite highlight, more so inland where the winding, root laden tracks proved a real tricky experience especially with the added rain and puddles. This island is a must for everyone travelling the east coast and one which I'll be doing again in warmer times with the more leisurely three day option.
Fraser
The Broken Down Landrover
Chloe
Ferry Boat
Inland Track
Central Station
Central Station
Central Station
Didgeridoo Dude
Lake McKenzie
Lake McKenzie
Clem
Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby
Island Plant
A Night In The 4x4
A Night In The 4x4
A Night In The 4x4
A Night In The 4x4
The Ship Wreck
The Aul Landcruiser
Helene Driving
Lake Garawongera
Lake Garawongera
Ray & Clem
On The Beach
Fraser Island Like
Diane & Ray
On The Way Home
On The Way Home
Filed under Dubs Down Under, Australia >< 10 Comments
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Ray Keane's blog on traveling the world, experiencing life to the full and anything else that goes with... Oh & Lamb with plenty of mint sauce since I'm in New Zealand at the moment.
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Ah Fraser Island, the memories! How much of a pain in the arse was it to get to Lake Wabby!!!!