Our next major stop after Airlie Beach is Hervey Bay, the main city for Fraser Island. Before we arrive, we have taken in Eungella National Park, a truly wondrous tropical rainforest area. We find the place stunning – even (once again) in the rain – well it is the rainy season.
We attempt a visit to Finch Hatton Gorge but are foiled by overflowing rivers blocking all access – we go down a track to be met by a 1.5-metre high wall of water. Quick reverse!
We decide to stay a night in Agnes Water/Town of 1770 before moving on to Hervey though. Good decision, fantastic place. Yet again, fantastic beaches and scenery – simply blows you away. First sighting of Dolphins here – Caroline made up!
Arrive in Hervey Bay on 27th Feb. Hervey is OK, bit of a UK seaside feel to it. First job is sussing out our trip to Fraser Island – the Worlds largest ‘sandbank’ island with the East side being a 50 mile stretch of almost unbroken sand which is 4WD accessible. We decide to go on an organised tour by 4WD coach.
The self styled ‘Captain Kangaroo’, our driver for the day, turns out to be quite a character and not afraid of throwing a 4WD 30 foot coach around 6 foot wide sand tracks at break neck speed. With only sand roads traversing the island, it’s a bit bumpy to put it mildly! At the end of the day we feel a bit sore where we don’t want to be.
That aside, a great day. On one side of the island we visited, 2 guys were offering $75 flights in their 7 seater light airplane over the island – so Roger went for a flight. Took off and landed on the beach – wonderful stuff.
The East side is a surreal experience – it’s a 4WD highway for 50 miles along the beach, with little regulation. Loved Fraser, next Noosa.
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