Fraser Island… spa?
I’d read a bit about Fraser Island before booking the 2-day tour I just went on, but I must admit that I didn’t really know much about what the tour would involve. Since I’d opted for the version with a guide, all I knew was that I wouldn’t be the one who would have to do any of the planning (or driving).
It ended up being a great two days! Fraser Island is an incredibly relaxing place, and I think all of us on the tour were happy just being there. The first day we went for a swim in Lake McKenzie – the water is warm and still and has a very low pH level (so it actually cleans you and any jewellery you happen to be wearing). It felt like being at a spa! I didn’t expect this. Normally, this lake is a clear blue but it was a very overcast day so the water was dark and grey instead. While we were swimming, we could actually see the rain approach us over some nearby hills – it was very neat, and fun when the light rain ended up reaching us (it was like a mist rolling in, then totally drenched us when it reached us). We were still swimming at the time and ended up getting out and trying to dry off while having the coffee and snacks the driver had prepared for us under a large tarp (nice to be taken care of!).
The rest of the tour around the island was beautiful. We walked through sub-tropical rainforest (which has no koalas or kangaroos – little to no animals, actually, which seems strange) and had some close encounters with dingos. My favourite part on the second day was when we stopped at Eli Creek. The creek is actually a freshwater spring that you can float down. I was so glad I decided to do this part! The water was extemely shallow – you’re just a few inches from the bottom and can just glide along, looking at the sky and the vegetation along the shore.
After arriving back at Hervey Bay last night, I caught an overnight bus to Airlie Beach. Thankfully, it turns out that I can sleep on the bus! I arrived at Airlie Beach this afternoon and go sailing around the Whitsunday Islands tomorrow. The weather seems quite nice at the moment, so hopefully that holds out…
Hi Fiona,
It’s Michael. I was just speaking to Auntie Carole. Sounds like you all are having a great time.
I just found out about your blog. I’ll swing by and check it out now and again.
Hope you’re still having a great time. We’ll have to catch up when you return.
Michael
Hey Fiona!
I’m so very jealous reading about your travels. South Africa is on my “next-to-visit list”!!! I was only in OZ/NZ 18 months ago, and I can remember how awesome Fraser Island was! Are you going to be able to swim the Reef? I spent 4nights/3 days diving the Reef and the Yongala out of Townsville…AMAZING experience! Where are you off to next? Alice Springs/Uluru I hope!
GRRRRRR….
I’m jealous, I’ve always wanted to go there! I’ve heard the whole thing is a massive sand beach and is absolutely gorgeous.
Oh well, sounds like you’re having a great time. Where are your photos??
Pete =)
No photos online yet – takes too long to transfer them, so I’d rather wait until I’m home. Besides, I’m afraid that if I clear my memory card I will start filling it up again (I’m nearly at 700 pictures, and I don’t want to have to sort through over 1000 when I get back!).