Things to Do in Fraser Island

Lake Wabby, the deepest of the Fraser Island lakes, is a barrage lake that was formed by sand dunes blocking a natural spring that fed the lake. The small freshwater lake is surrounded by forests making it one of Fraser Island’s most picturesque lakes - not to mention that its waters are colored green!

Lake Wabby differs from other lakes on Fraser Island as it supports numerous fish species due to the lack of acidity in the water. You might even catch a glimpse of turtles and catfish while you swim.

Check out lovely Lake Wabby while you still can because in a century or so this lake will be eaten up by the sand dune on its west coast that is slowly taking over the lake.

A popular tourist attraction, Eli Creek features a serene beauty with its crystal clear fresh waters and pearly white sand bottom. With over four million liters of water pouring from its mouth every hour, it is one of Fraser Island’s largest freshwater streams. Along with its beautiful beach location people enjoy visiting Eli Creek for a relaxing float down its pure waters. Its gentle current makes it a safe option for both adults and children. For those not interested in getting wet a scenic boardwalk allows you to walk around the creek on land.

As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.

Magical, enchanting and serene are just a few of the adjectives people use to describe Wanggoolba Creek. A fresh water creek containing crystal waters cascading through lush rainforest over white sugar granules, you’ll be amazed at how fertile an island made of sand can be. In appearance Wanggoolba Creek is similar to Eli Creek, however, has a much less touristy vibe, retaining an air of peace. Those who enjoy biology will be interested to know the spot contains a beautiful and rare King Fern or Giant Fern.

Feeling stressed or need to relax? Wading in the creek’s still and lucid waters is said to have calming effect. Another option is to enjoy a leisurely hike along a walkway around the creek’s perimeters, a favorite for photographers. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery, and stop in the visitor center to learn more about the area.

Referred to as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World,” Hervey Bay is blessed with tranquil beaches and a mild sub-tropical climate that make it a delight to visit year round.

It’s a relaxed and charming city that is popular with tourists who come to whale watch, swim, fish and explore the surrounding countryside including catching the ferry to Fraser Island.

There are plenty of activities for the whole family in Hervey Bay especially on those calm blue waters that are perfect for sailing, jet skiing, fishing and diving. There are plenty of activities inland as well such as golf, horse riding and sky diving. During the winter months from August to October there are the whales who use Hervey Bay as their winter playground.

This stretch of soft white sand is aptly named Seventy-Five Mile Beach due to the fact that it’s 75 miles (121 kilometers) long. Running along majority of Fraser Island’s east coast, the beach offers a number of experiences, although swimming is not advised due to the high number of tiger sharks. That being said off-roading and fishing are popular pastimes on the beach, as is visiting its many attractions. If you are wanting to swim safely there are the Champagne Pools, natural rock pools that feature frothy Champagne-like bubbles when waves crash over the rocks.

Additionally, Indian Head is a rocky outcrop popular for watching stingrays, fish, turtles, dolphins and sharks in the surf. Visitors can also visit the Maheno Wreck, once one of the world’s fastest ships and used for target practice by the Australian Airforce in WWII. After a bad storm in 1935 it was pushed to the beach’s shore as it was being towed to Japan to be scrapped. And no trip to Seventy-Five Mile Beach would be complete without experiencing Eli Creek, a crystal clear freshwater creek where you can enjoy a relaxing float. Something else interesting about Seventy-Five Mile Beach is it’s not just used for recreation, but also as a highway and runway, as the hard-packed sand makes for great off-roading and planes often land here.

Awe-inspiring Lake McKenzie is possibly one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. It is also one of the world’s least polluted and a swim in the crystal-clear freshwater will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The lake is a “perched lake,” meaning it sits atop a sand dune where the sand and humus underneath have bonded into a concrete-like base. The lake isn't connected to streams or the ocean, which means all the water is pure rainwater. The sand also acts as a filter keeping the water clear, and makes for an amazing experience when relaxing in the lake.

Fraser Island is home to forty of the world’s eighty perched lakes, and like the many other freshwater lakes on the island, Lake McKenzie relies solely on rain for replenishment.

The sand surrounding the lake is pure silica so you can wash your hair with it or exfoliate your skin, perfect if you’ve been camping for days. There are a lot of delightful picnic areas and stunning beaches around the lake, which makes it perfect for an afternoon trip or a multiple day excursion.