Page 248 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

246  QUEENSLAND

6 Fraser Island VISITORS’ CHECKLIST

Situated off the Queensland coast near Practical Information
Maryborough (see p245), Fraser Island World n Hervey Bay Visitor Information
Heritage area is the largest sand island in Centre 1800 811 728.
7 = 8 0 -
the world. Measuring 123 km (76 miles)
in length and 25 km (16 miles) across, Transport
g from Urangan, River Heads &
the island is a mix of hills and valleys, Inskip Point.
rainforest and clear lakes. Ferries to the
island operate from Urangan, River Heads and Indian Head was named
Inskip Point. There is a range of resorts and by Captain James Cook
numerous camp sites on the island. Vehicle (see pp54–5) as a result of
(4WD only) and camping permits are required. a number of Aborigines
he saw assembled
here on arrival.
Sandy Cape has treacherous waters; its Watumba
lighthouse has saved many ships from
potential danger.
HERVEY
Lake Allom, fringed by melaleuca trees B AY
and sedges, is surrounded by a towering
rainforest. Freshwater turtles can be seen
in the lake.

The Cathedrals
These striking, deep red
PACIFIC sand formations stretch
OCEAN 18 km (11 miles) along
the beach.
Lake McKenzie
The beautiful clear waters here are
surrounded by white sands and Kingfisher Seventy-Five Mile Beach
blackbutt trees. Bay is notable as the site of the
Maheno, the only visible
shipwreck on the island.
Central Station was
once the hub of the
island’s logging Eli Cr
Eli Cr
Eli Creek is large and spectacular, eek is large and spectacular, eek
industry and is a pouring gallons of water each hour
starting point for Lake into the surf.
beautiful walks. Birabeen Eurong
Lake
Boomanjin
James and Elizabeth Fraser
0 km 5 In 1836, survivors from the
shipwreck Stirling Castle,
0 miles 5
including Captain James
Fraser and his wife Elizabeth,
known as Eliza, landed on Fraser
Key Island and were captured by
4WD road Aboriginals. Captain Fraser
Walking trail perished, but Eliza was
rescued and returned to
England, where she told her
story widely. The story
inspired Patrick White’s novel Survivor
A Fringe of Leaves (see p39). Elizabeth Fraser
Hook
Hook
Point
For keys to symbols see back flap