Named as the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island in Queensland is an idyllic getaway for those who appreciate natural beauty and crave adventure. This secluded sandy paradise is a great place to relax and explore all that nature has to offer. From camping to whale watching, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on Fraser Island.
So if you’re ready to explore all that Fraser Island has to offer, pack your bags, grab your map and check off our bucket list of things to do. We’ve also prepared a quick guide to Fraser Island’s weather so you can plan your trip for the most ideal time of year.
Quick Guide To Fraser Island Weather
Spring (September–November)
The average daily temperature during springtime sits around 24°C, but as we move closer to summer, the temperature gradually rises to a toasty 27°C. We believe that spring is the perfect time to visit as it’s not too hot and not too cold!
Autumn (March–May)
As the evenings get cooler with the change of season to autumn, the average temperature still sits around a balmy 23°C, which is perfect for swimming and other water activities.
Summer (December–February)
The average temperature on Fraser Island is a balmy 29°C, but hot weather conditions should be expected. Humidity will be high and there is always the chance for rain, so pack accordingly if you’re planning a trip here.
Winter (June–August)
This is the best time of year to travel, with average temperatures at a comfortable 18°C. You can also expect little rainfall and low levels of humidity, making the days perfect for exploring.
The Complete Bucket List Of Epic Activities On Fraser Island
With its mesmerizing white patches of sand and bright turquoise waters, Fraser Island offers visitors picturesque scenery that feels otherworldly. In addition to its dreamy landscape, there are many outdoor activities available on the island that make use of its unique beach and dune features.
Google Map To Fraser Island
Go Camping By The Water
Fraser Island should definitely be on your camping bucket list if you’re a lover of nature and all things outdoors. You’ll be able to find peace and serenity whether you want to be surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest or the waves crashing on the beach.
List Of Campsites
Grab your map and pick these campsites to your own liking:
Eastern Beach
- Beach Camping Zone 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Western Beach
- Congul Creek
- Bowarrady Creek
- Moon Point
- Woralie Creek
- Awinya Creek
- Bowal Creek
- Wathumba Camping Area
Southern Campsites
- Garry’s Anchorage Camping Area
- Coolooloi Creek Camping Area
- Ungowa Camping Area
Private Campsites
- Beach Camp Eco Retreat
- Dilli Village
- Cathedrals on Fraser Island
QUICK TIP!
Beware of the dingoes as they are everywhere on the island! While they are usually cautious of people, they can be opportunistic hunters and scavengers. So it’s important to lock up your food and never let your children approach them.
Laze Around Fraser Island’s Creeks And Lake
You don’t have to do grand things to enjoy what Fraser has to offer – simply diving into any of the clear blue lakes will suffice. Or, if you’d rather, let the lazy river lead the way and you’ll eventually find yourself in paradise.
- Eli Creek
- Lake Mackenzie
- Lake Wabby
- Wanggoolba Creek
- Wathumba Creek
- Orange Creek
- Lake Boomanjin
Explore 75 Mile Beach With 4 Wheel Driving
If you’re looking for a thrill and some excitement on your Fraser Island vacation, 4WDing is a must. Off-roading on Fraser Island has many advantages, including driving through some stunning scenery. This tour takes you on a track lined with lush, green forest. And you’ll get to put your driving skills to the test on these sandy terrains. So grab your Fraser Island map and start your engine to kick off this once-in-a-lifetime-experience!
QUICK TIP!
When you’re driving through sand and your car starts to struggle, quickly move your steering wheel back and forth so that your front wheels can find new ground. If you keep driving straight ahead when the going gets tough, your wheels are more likely to get stuck.
Save A Best Spot For Whale Watching
Not only is Fraser Island a UNESCO Heritage Site, it’s also been named the first UNESCO Whale Heritage Site. And rightfully so, as Hervey Bay is renowned for viewing the Southern Humpback whale between July and November. The whale population is on the rise and recovering after a history of whaling. Aside from joining whale watching tours, you have some options to watch them from the mainland as well. Below is the map to the best spots for whale watching on Fraser Island:
- Platypus Bay
- Indian Head
- Waddy Point
Pay SS Maheno A Visit
Come explore this wreck site and see history come to life before your eyes. This site is the result of a severe cyclone that caused the towline to be severed, and the crews were unable to reattach it as the ships heaved about in the choppy waters.
Stay Active With Water Sports
This sand island is the perfect place to enjoy water sports all year round! With its vast clear waters and beautiful weather, you’ll never want to leave! Grab your Fraser Island map and head out to the locations for the service:
- Enzo’s on the Beach
- Aquavue
- Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island
Kite-surfing
Kayaking
Catamaran
Paddle-boarding
Jetskiing
Cruise On A Glass-Bottomed Boat
Come see turtles, marine life, coral reefs, dolphins and more in their natural environment under your feet with Krystal Klear Glass Bottom Boat Tours in Hervey Bay. There are so much underwater wonders to explore and take in. Now you can see them and the marine world in general in a different way with a glass bottom boat tours.
Dive Deep To Try Snorkeling And Coral Viewing
Along with glass bottomed boats, Krystel Klear also offers snorkeling and coral viewing in their package. To be perfectly clear, the ocean surrounding the island is not ideal for snorkeling due to the strong and unpredictable tides, as well as the dangerous wildlife that inhabits the waters. However, you can still explore underwater splendors in many of Fraser Island’s lakes and creeks that we’ve named above.
Rush Your Adrenaline With Skydiving Over Fraser Island
There’s nothing quite like jumping to the sky and then landing on beautiful white sand in this year round perfect weather of Fraser Island, is there? Imagine how scenic it must be when the flight goes up to the jumping altitude. How incredible the views from up there could be? You bet the white sandy beaches and the turquoise waters would look gorgeous from up above.
Ride A Horse Along The Fraser Island Coast
Being the hero of your story and taking a ride along this stunning coastline on horseback is an experience you won’t soon forget. You can also try moonlight horse riding, swimming horse riding, beach rides, and country rides. Undoubtedly, a trail ride is an excellent way to connect with nature and is a common therapeutic practice that can improve your mood! Thus, getting out on a trail in this year round perfect weather of Fraser Island is a terrific way to clear your head and get some energy flowing through your body.
- Susan River Homestead Adventure Resort
- Rainbow Beach Horse Rides
- Freedom Equestrian
- Brooloo Park Eco Retreat & Equine Resort
Partake In Hervey Bay Whale Festival
During the months of July through November, thousands of humpback whales take a journey along the so-called “humpback highway” and eventually arrive in the serene and protected waters of Hervey Bay. Thus, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy Hervey Bay Whale Festival. On a whole, this festival is a great way for both local community and tourists to engage with marine life through art, music, science, education and other heritage and cultural events. Some highlights of this festival are: Paddle Out For Whales, Whale Parade, and Spirit Of The Bay.
View Fraser Island From The Sky With Scenic Flights
A scenic flight is the perfect addition to your Fraser Island adventure. Not only will you get to take off and land on the world’s largest sand island, but you’ll also get to experience the exhilaration that comes with it. This truly unique experience is sure to add another wow factor to your Fraser Island experience. Depending on where you take off and land, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Mckenzie, Lake Wabby, Butterfly Lake, Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek, Central station, and the Pinnacles—just to name a few.
Go Fishing
Fishing is the perfect way to take in the scenic view of this island and idle around the island after all the adrenaline rush. Fraser Island’s eastern side is the most popular spot for onshore fishing because surf gutters there are home to many popular types of fish. Trevally, flathead, and tuna can be caught all year round, and during the warmer months, whiting, bream, dart and mackerel are also plentiful in these gutters.
Enrich Your Knowledge About The Seas
Obtaining new knowledge is simply epic. Grab your Fraser Island map and head out to these destinations to learn more about the marine wildlife:
Wetside Water Education Park
On the days with hot weather, this wet spot in Fraser Island is the perfect place to play and learn about the sea. With beautiful views for parents or grandparents to sit and watch while the kids go wild, it’s a great activity for the whole family. Moreover, it’s free!
Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere
Fraser Coast Discovery Sphere is a great center for learning about the whale migration and the history of the area. There are plenty of information boards about not only the whales, but all the other kinds of flora and fauna in the area. The museum also has interactive items for kids to enjoy.
Reef World Hervey Bay
A small aquarium showcasing some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most beautiful creatures, including a massive groper. You can also see lemon, whaler and other non-threatening sharks.
Float In The Champagne Pools
Soaking your body in this natural jaccuzi after your epic adventures is a must. These fabulous ocean-level pools are best at mid-tide, when breaking waves create a natural, bubbly spa that will help soothe your tired muscles.
What Makes Camping On Fraser Island Special?
- Mesmerizing view
- Therapeutic ambiance with sounds of faint breeze and waves hitting the shore
- A nice change of scene from the cityscape
- Protected the industrial activities
- Opportunity to tune in with mother nature while camping on Fraser Island
- Fresh food ingredients
- The island is a UNESCO Heritage site
- It has special features as the world’s largest sand island
- High chance of spotting whales from your campsites
- This island is one of the few with beach camping due to its vast sand feature.
Why is Fraser Island a UESCO World Heritage Site?
In 1992, Fraser Island became a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unusual dune, lake, and forest habitats. The island grows several plant species. The indigenous Butchulla people (now living on the mainland) may have lived here for 5,500 years. And quite fittingly, the name K’gari—paradise—was given by them.
To be more specific, Fraser Island entered UNESCO’s list because it meets three major criteria that make it an Outstanding Universal Value: Criterion (vii), Criterion (viii), and Criterion (ix). With these three criteria, Fraser Island is an amazing example of substantial on-going geological processes as the world’s biggest sand island.
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