Explore the Great Walk of Fraser Island
Fraser Coast Walks
By its very nature, accessing an island without a bridge to the mainland can be regarded by some visitors as being a little difficult. Ask that small proportion of people again after they have been on Fraser Island for even just a day and most will be adamant that it is more difficult to leave!
World Heritage Listed Fraser Island has that effect on all who make the decision to go there and experience its outstanding natural attractions.
Stand in knee-deep water at the mouth of Eli Creek on the ocean side of the island and ponder the following: The creek spills 4.2 million litres of freshwater every hour of every day throughout the year across the beach and into the Pacific Ocean. That is the equivalent of this flow having the capacity to fill an average-sized, backyard, and swimming pool in just 3.6 seconds!
Other attractions on this remarkable island, which in reality can be easily accessed by vehicular ferries, fast passenger catamarans and even twin engine aircraft that land on the beach, include an interpretative walk around Central Station which was the centre for the forestry operations on the island until the 1960's.
This is also the access to the well-constructed boardwalk overlooking Wanggoolba Creek, an idyllic haven for rainforest plants including the prehistoric Angiopteris ferns, which sprout the largest fronds in the world.
The stunning Fraser Island World Heritage Area is the setting for the Fraser Island Great Walk that winds 90km between Dilli Village and Happy Valley. Towering rainforests, crystal-clear lakes, coloured sands and vast sand dunes are just a few of the natural wonders you will discover on the walk.
Following the pathways of the island's original inhabitants, the Butchulla people, as well as old logging roads and tramlines, the track passes iconic sites such as Lake McKenzie, Wanggoolba Creek, Lake Wabby and Central Station. The Great Walk also reveals some of Fraser Island's hidden treasures like the Valley of the Giants.
As well as the full Great Walk, there are short sections that can be accessed from several locations including Central Station, Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Lake Boomanjin and Eurong. Additional walking tracks link the Great Walk to the island's main barge landings, accommodation and supply centres.
Walkers' camps are located along the Great Walk and all offer access to toilets and drinking water.
