Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
of
Indian Head,
a 60m (197-ft.) rocky outcrop at the northern end of the
beach.
View the island's famous colored sand in its natural setting—the 70m (230-
ft.) cliffs called
the Cathedrals,
which stretch for miles north of the settlement
of Happy Valley on the eastern side of the Island.
Some of Queensland's best fishing is on Fraser Island. Anglers can throw a
line in the surf gutters off the beach. (Freshwater fishing is not allowed.) Bream,
whiting, flathead, and swallowtail are the beach catches. Indian Head is good for
rock species and tailor; and the waters east off
Waddy Point
yield northern and
southern reef fish.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
(see below) offers free fish clinics,
rents tackle, and organizes half-day fishing jaunts.
August through October, tour boats crowd the straits to see humpback whales
returning to Antarctica with calves in tow. Kingfisher Bay Resort runs a whale-
watching cruise from Urangan Harbour.
WHERE TO STAY
Fraser Island Retreat
This is the wild side of Fraser Island, just min-
utes from 75-Mile Beach. Don't come expecting a luxury resort, but one that has
comfortable timber cottages and all the amenities you need. There's a small
swimming pool, surrounded by a deck and deck chairs, and each cottage has a
small veranda. The rooms all have fans, limited cooking facilities, and a VCR.
(You can rent videos.) The bar/bistro is open for all meals, but be warned that
day-tour buses stop here for lunch so it can be crowded at that time. If you want
to cook for yourself, there's a general store selling food and liquor. The store also
has fuel, ice, and gas for campers. You can also hire a four-wheel-drive from the
resort. There's a public phone to use. The only access is by plane (
Air Fraser
Island,
&
07/4125 3600
) or bus.
Fraser Island Tours
(
&
1800/446 655
in
Australia, or 07/4125 3933) will transfer guests to the resort from Hervey Bay
and also runs day tours of the island for A$99 (US$64) adults and A$55 (US$36)
children 4 to 14.
Happy Valley, Fraser Island, QLD 4650.
&
1800/446 655
in Australia, or 07/4127 9144. Fax 07/4127 9131.
www.fraserislandco.com.au. 9 units (all with shower only). A$110 (US$72) 1-bedroom lodge (sleeps 3);
A$150 (US$98) family lodge (sleeps 5). Ask about package deals. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar; out-
door pool; tour desk; car-rental desk; babysitting; coin-op laundry. In room: TV/VCR, kitchenette, small fridge,
no phone.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
This sleek, environment-friendly ecoresort
lies low along Fraser's west coast. Hotel guest rooms are smart and contempo-
rary, with a Japanese-style screen opening onto a balcony looking into the bush,
but my pick is the two- and three-bedroom villas just a short walk from the main
resort area and pools. The hillside villas, which have Jacuzzis on their balconies,
are fairly luxurious, but there's that long haul up the hill to contend with. An
impressive lineup of ecoeducational activities includes daily four-wheel-drive
tours with a ranger to points of interest around the island, free guided walks
daily, and an excellent free Junior Eco-Ranger program on weekends and school
vacations. You can also join bird-watching tours, guided canoe trips, sunset
champagne sails, and dolphin and dugong (manatee) spotting cruises. Wildlife
videos play continuously in the lobby, and the on-site ranger office lists the ani-
mals and plants you are most likely to spot.
Fraser Island (PMB 1, Urangan, QLD 4655).
&
1800/072 555
in Australia, or 07/4120 3333. Fax 07/4120
3326. www.kingfisherbay.com. 262 units. A$270 (US$176) double for hotel rooms; A$825 (US$536) 3 nights
in 2-bedroom villa (sleeps 5); A$1,260 (US$819) 3 nights in 3-bedroom villa (sleeps 6); minimum 3-night stay
in villas. Additional person A$22 (US$14). Free crib. Ask about package deals. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
Finds
Kids
