Continued on south and then East towards the coast, and Hervey Bay. Couldn't believe how large Hervey Bay was as both Sandra and I thought it was a seaside tourist town. About 65,000 people and stretched out a long way. We found the Happy Wanderer Caravan Park with little difficulty and checked in. It is a top tourist park and very nice. Very clean and good size sites although the roads are a bit cramped and winding. We enjoyed a quiet afternoon doing some cleaning and washing.
Saturday morning we had a sleep in before doing a late morning drive along the Esplanade with the Ransleys. It was low tide again and the coast is really not that attractive. We found Hervey Bay somewhat dated along the Esplanade and it really looks like it could use some refurbishing and cleaning. We continued right around the Esplanade ending up at the Marina. This area was quite nice and we enjoyed a lunch overlooking the boats. Rans birthday was the occasion.
Did a bit of shopping on the way back to the park. Carol dropped Stephen & I down at a local pub for a few cold birthday beers and a bet or two on a Saturday afternoon.. Sandra and I prepared a baked dinner for the four of us to top off the birthday celebrations.
Sunday was another quiet day with Sandra doing some laundry and me catching up with the computer work. We enjoyed a lovely walk along the beach and out on the Jetty during the afternoon. Lots of people were out enjoying the sunshine and doing some fishing along the jetty. Had afternoon drinks watching football at the Ransleys. Carol joined us after tea to watch second last episode of "The Voice".
Monday morning saw us picked up at the caravan park by a Hummer for a guided tour of Fraser Island. It was a very enjoyable experience as the tour was just the four of us and our knowledgeable guide Roscoe. We set off to catch the Ferry across to Fraser Island from River Heads.
We loaded on to the Ferry for the 30 minute crossing to Fraser Island. Ferry was a bit old fashioned as only had one entry/exit point and all the vehicles had to reverse onto the ferry. Trip across was calm and uneventful. We rejoined Roscoe in the Hummer as we reached the other side to begin our exploration of Fraser Island. We had considered taking our own vehicle to tour the Island but are glad we decided against it. It would have cost about $200 to get our car onto the Island and the roads were narrow and many. We most likely would have got lost and not seen near as much as we did with the tour guide. Our first stop was for morning tea and a short walk through the rainforest. Satinay Pines were the main attraction with one we saw about 1200 years old. Amazing vegetation on this all sand Island. Morning Tea was very nice with several gluten free options for the girls.
Back into the car and off we went to 75 Mile Beach on the Eastern side of the Island. We travelled several kilometres up the beach at a good rate of speed before stopping at the Maheno Wreck. We saw a healthy Dingo along the way to the wreck. Got some group pictures before heading a bit further up the beach.
Next stop was the Pinnacles or Coloured Sands. Red, Yellow, and Orange coloured Sand cliffs. Beautiful!
Back in the car and retraced our steps to Eli Creek. We had a bit of a walk up the creek to a swimming hole. We passed on the swim as water was fairly cold. Wet our feet before jumping back on board the Hummer.
We then headed inland to a lookout overlooking a Sand Blow. Area where a huge amount of sand is blown over the trees and continually moves further as wind blows the sand. We had our lunch here as well and it was superb. Classy meals with great gluten free ones for Carol and Sandra. Topped off with a bottle of wine for the girls and Crown Lagers for the boys. One of the best tour meals we have enjoyed on our adventure. We had another Dingo show up to watch us eat. Very strong rules and fines against feeding the wildlife are in place.
Next stop was Lake McKenzie located in the centre of the Island not far from Kingfisher Resort. This lake is well above sea level and filled completely by rainfall. Beautiful clear water and white silica sand. Water level was very high as Roscoe advised there was usually 30-40 Meters of sand past the posts. Had a nice walk but passed on the swim because of the temperature. Would be a very popular spot during the summer months.
We headed towards Central Station after our time at Lake McKenzie. This was the central point for the original forestry settlement on the Island. Obviously the forestry was ended some time ago as is now a World Heritage Site. This area is a beautiful picnic area set amongst dense rain forest. A number of huge stag horns were features of the trees in the picnic area. We enjoyed a leisurely walk through the rainforest along Wanggoolba Creek along a boardwalk. This creek is so clear that you think it is just a sand bed. Beautiful and peaceful walk. Also home to the King Fern which grows to 6 metres in height.
Back in the picnic area Roscoe served up afternoon tea. Crown Lagers for Stephen and I again and Champagne for the ladies. Served with strawberries and fruit. What a great day! We made it back to catch the 5PM ferry to the mainland. Enjoyed a beautiful Sunset on the return crossing. We got dropped off at the caravan park just before 6PM. A wonderful day and a great tour. Cost a bit more than some of the other tours but was great value. Highly recommended!!
Carol joined us for The Voice finale after tea while Stephen found a Pub to watch football. Hervey Bay was fairly nice but a bit crowded for our liking and a bit run down we felt. Fraser Island tour was definitely the highlight of our visit.
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