WALKING TRACKS
Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Fraser Island. An extensive system of short walks is described in the Fraser Island walkingtrack guide (available with your permit). Also, a recommended investment is the Fraser Island Forest Lakes Walking Track brochure which describes in more detail what to look for along the walking trail around the southern lakes and forests. In its entirety, the Trail represents a 3-5 day hike, or may be taken in sections as a series of short walks. 
THE LAKES
Fraser Island is renowned for its freshwater lakes, some crystal clear and others stained dark brown by organic matter. Two basic types of lakes occur on the island - "Window Lakes", which occur when the surface of the ground falls below the water table, and "Perched Lakes" which are held by impermeable sandrock in depressions between sand dunes well above the level of the water table. Watertable window lakes are less common landscape features than Perched lakes on Fraser Island and include Lake Wabby, Ocean Lake and possibly Yankee Jack Lake. All the other major lakes are thought to be perched lakes.
One of the more beautiful is Lake Boomanjin. It covers some 200ha and is the largest perched lake in the world. The combination of tea-coloured water washing onto sandy shores lined with melaleucas makes this lake one of the most picturesque on the island. A camping area is situated near the lake and is the starting point for two walking trails which twist their way through unusual and interesting vegetation.
Lake McKenzie, in the midst of a rich blackbutt forest, is one of the most popular lakes on Fraser. Its crystal-blue water makes it an inviting and refreshing swimming spot. Good camping and picnic facilities are provided near this lake.
Lake Birrabeen is another clear water lake that appears crystal blue in certain conditions and is ideal for swimming. Day use picnic facilities only are available.
Lake Wabby is the deepest of the lakes on the island. The serene beauty of this deep-blue lake surrounded by tall trees is being encroached by a massive sand blow which may eventually engulf it. The grandeur of this scene is best appreciated from the Lake Wabby Lookout. Warning: Water depth is deceptive and is often shallower than it appears. Serious injury could result from running or diving into the lake.
Lake Allom is an attractive small lake with natural Hoop Pine forests as a backdrop. Home to many tortoises - feel free to look, but do not feed them.
Lake Bowarrady is not as accessible as many of the other lakes, but its scenic delights are well worth the effort involved in getting there. One of the highest perched lakes in the world, Bowarrady is a naturalist's paradise. Access by foot only.
Hidden Lake, in the centre of the island, is so named because it is concealed in a deep depression veiled by giant trees. A variety of wildflowers lines the shores, providing spectacular scenes from July to September. Access by foot only. Boomerang Lakes are the highest perched lakes in the world, nestled high up in the inland dune systems and are well worth a passing visit.
THE WRECKS
The sandy shores of Fraser Island have become a graveyard for many ships over the centuries.
In 1864, an American barque the Panama was driven ashore near Rooney's Point. The Chang Chow, a steamer carrying Chinese back from the goldfields, was wrecked on Breaksea Spit in 1884. Two famous wrecks still in existence today are the Marloo and the Maheno. The Marloo was an ex Italian luxury vessel beached in 1914 behind Waddy Point. If you are a keen scuba diver, you will find her remains off Orchid Beach.
The Maheno, the most famous of the Fraser Island wrecks, was driven ashore just north of Happy Valley during a cyclone in 1935. Once a well known trans-Tasman liner, the Maheno was bound for a Japanese wrecking yard when she met her stormy end. Today, the deteriorating hull rests helplessly on the beach about 10km north of Happy Valley. It is not safe to climb over this wreck.
COLOURED SANDS
Fraser Island has many outstanding natural features but few are as spectacular as its rich coloured sands which stretch for some 35 km north from Happy Valley.
The Cathedrals, towering cliffs of multi-coloured sands sculptured by the wind, are composed of over 70 differently coloured sands ranging from brilliant white through ochre to jet black.
Another- -impressive coloured-sand formation is Rainbow Gorge near Happy Valley. A trail leads from the beach to the top of the gorge through the splendour of one of the island's most colourful treasures.
INDIAN HEAD
One of only four rocky outcrops, Indian Head is Fraser's most prominent landmark. The cliffs of this massive whale-like volcanic formation tower some 60 metres above the sea, giving excellent views.
Indian Head is also one of the best fishing spots. During the tailor season in winter, the rocks are popular with fishermen chasing the "big catch". Beware of waves breaking over rocks.
THE AQUARIUM
"The Aquarium" or "Champagne Pools" are the names given to the bubbling seawater rock pools at the base of Middle Rocks. The pools are ideal for swimming. Beware of waves breaking over rocks.
CENTRAL STATION
Central Station was originally established as a forestry camp back in 1920. Today, the site is an information centre as well as a picturesque camping and picnic area. Here, you can become a part of nature, pitching your tent amidst tall hoop and kauri pines fringed with large staghorns. Central Station is the best area for viewing Wanggoolba Creek's rare ferns, however please use the boardwalk and do not walk in the creek.
PILE VALLEY
Situated between Central Station and Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley is home to some of the tallest timber on the island. A forest of giant satinay trees towers up to 70 metres high. Logs from areas near Pile Valley were used in the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt in the 1920's.
ELICREEK
This is the largest freshwater creek along the east coast. Over four million litres of water flow from its mouth into the ocean every hour. The swift current makes swimming in the creek, which is surrounded by banksia and pandanus trees, a refreshing and invigorating experience - Only swim in the stream adjacent to the boardwalk. Please comply with the closure of the creek upstream from the bridge. This area has been set aside for revegetation. The swift current also makes 4WD crossings at the mouth, dangerous at high tide.
WANGGOOLBA CREEK
The fresh cool waters of Wanggoolba Creek flow silently over a bed of green coloured sand among some of the most luxuriant forest on the island. Walking along the constructed boardwalk is an ideal way to gain full value of the newly signed descriptions of the creek ecosystem. Central Station is the best area from which to view the creek. The forest gradually closes in, allowing only filtered sunlight to highlight the broad leaves of lush tropical palms and ferns which line the banks. One of these ferns, botanically known as the Angiopteris fern, dates back to prehistoric times.
These and many other beauty spots can only be preserved if you follow the 'Environmental Code'detailed further on.
Fishing
Fraser Island is one of Queensland's most prolific fishing areas. Although most renowned for its beach fishing, especially during the winter months, Fraser also offers good estuarine and offshore fishing. Fishing is prohibited in all freshwater lakes and streams.
The surf gutters along the ocean beaches provide "all-season angling". During the warmer months, the beach gutters generally abound in whiting, swallowtail, flathead and tarwhine. The cooler winter months bring on tailor and bream with swallowtail providing a good stand-by all year round.
Off the rocky headlands from Indian Head to Waddy Point, all the normal rock species can be taken along with tailor. Schools of mulloway frequent these headlands in the tailor season. Beware of waves breaking over rocks.
The waters of Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait through to Inskip Point provide excellent opportunities for the estuarine angler both from the shore and by boat. From Sandy Cape to Hook Point, the whiting fishing is probably the best anywhere in Queensland with &. season lasting from July to March. Flathead, swallowtail, bream and tarwhine are resident nearly all year round and can readily be caught from the bank in 'any of the estuarine areas. For the boating enthusiast, the calm estuary waters of Great Sandy Strait boast many species ranging from cod to mackerel. The succulent Queensland mud crab can be trapped in any of the mangrove areas or creeks.
The fishing grounds offshore from Waddy Point are unique as they are inhabited by the northern coral species as well as the southern reef species. Calm launching areas can be found behind Indian Head and Waddy Point for small trailerable boats. The offshore reefs are exceptionally good for reef fish and have the added attraction of mackerel during the summer months.
Protect our future fish resource and only take what you really need.
Please check with Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (071) 23 7722 for information on possible fishing restrictions and limitations.
Fishing camps can quickly become an eyesore unless care is taken with litter Please recycle glass and aluminium and ensure that rubbish is disposed of correctly.
Flora
The Island's transition forest is the most interesting feature of the flora. These develop as tall stands of satinay and brushbox and mass together with piccabean palms and kauri pine to harbor a lush understorey. Satinays, the most magnificent trees on the island, are easily recognised with their rough bark, dark fleshy leaves and straight trunk reaching some 70 metres or more towards the sky. They are almost exclusively found in the centre of the island with the most impressive areas being at Pile Valley, between Central Station and Lake McKenzie.
Blackbutt is a common species which formed a major component of the timber industry in the past. It is usually found on the tops of ridges surrounding the transition forest areas. The best areas of blackbutt forests are around Lake McKenzie and Central Station.
Another of the more common species on Fraser is the scribbly gum. It is characterised by distinctive scribbles left in its white mottled bark by burrowing insects. These trees can grow up to 20 metres high and are particularly common on the northern areas of the island.
Cypress forests edge parts of the mainland side of Fraser. These trees are unmistakable with their dark fern-like foliage, dark grooved bark and straight cylindrical trunks, some of which are over a metre in diameter. The low-lying coastal and swampy areas support paperbark forests. Paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) has adapted to the sandy environment better than most, although many of the trees have been contorted into weird and wonderful shapes by their struggle in windy conditions.
In the wildflower season (July to September), Fraser's face again changes as the heaths abound in shades of pink, mauve, blue and yellow wildflowers.
Fauna
Fraser Island's fauna may not be as varied as its flora, but it is just as interesting. There are about 25 species of mammals including dingoes, possums, echidnas and occasional wallabies. Many of the large land-dwelling animals common to the mainland are not found on the island. There are no emus or kangaroos.
The dingoes of Fraser are said to be the purest strand of dingo remaining in eastern Australia. This is attributed to their isolation from domestic dogs. They have become familiar with people and their vehicles, and venture into campsites and other places used by visitors. An unnatural situation created by the behaviour of people can result in aggressive behaviour by dingoes towards visitors to the island. Be wary of dingoes. Always stay with your children, and it is best not to walk on beaches alone. NEVER feed dingoes or try to attract their attention. Keep your food in lockable containers, or in your vehicle. Put rubbish directly in bins or in your vehicle. Obey the advice in brochures obtained with your permit from the Dept of Environment (QNPWS).
The freshwater lakes not only add to Fraser's scenic beauty but also provide a habitat for some rather unusual animals. A previously undiscovered species of sunfish has been found in Lake Boomanjin, Lake Wabby and Red Lagoon. The carpgudgeon, found usually only in the Murray-Darling River systems, has been found in the lakes. There are also the "acid frogs', - a range of freshwater animals which have adapted to the acidic waters of the lakes. Reptiles include a variety of snakes and lizards and the large sand goanna.
The most abundant and beautiful of Fraser's animal community is its bird population. There are more than 240 varieties. The list includes some well known varieties such as the cockatoos, kingfishers, pied oyster catchers, crows and pelicans and others like the jabirus, ospreys and peregrine falcons which are less common.
Fraser Island is a protected area. The use of firearms is totally prohibited and all fauna is protected.
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