Frazer Island Fun
It's pitch black and I'm squatting down in the sand with my pants and trousers round my ankles when suddenly I realise that i'm being watched. I strain my head as far round as I can only to discover two glowing eyes staring straight back at me. Suddenly I break into a nervous sweat as I realise my toilet companion is a dingo.
The next few minutes turn into something of a comedy sketch as I try to regain my dignity without encouraging the anorexic looking dog to come sniffing even closer. Eventually, once fully clothed again I start backing away down the sandy track I had only moments ago entered. Right now I really want to start screaming and running back towards our campsite, but, my extensive dingo training (one video at Dingoes backpackers at Rainbow Beach) tells me to remain calm, cross my arms across my chest and stay still. It also told me to take a toilet buddy with me.
I turn and run.
Panting slightly as I return to my goon of wine at the campsite I try to regain my composure and pretend the events of the last few minutes didn't happen. It wasn't so much about being scared of these feral dogs . . . or the fact that none of my camping companions knew where I was, but more to do with the fact that I am very private about my toilet habits and this dingo had just invaded my space.
IF you are thinking about travelling to Australia and have never heard of Fraser Island before, where have you been? This massive sand island (the largest in the world in fact) sits off the east coast with access points from Rainbow Beach in the south and Hervey Bay at the northern end. There are dozens of tours offered to this 4x4 lovers dream.
The biggest decision you are going to have to make is whether you want to do a self-drive tour - where you put your life in the hands of total strangers - or a guided tour. Either way you are going to end up having the same experiences . . . sand in every crevasse of your body. Being an adventurous type I opted for the self-drive where you are given a map, camping gear, 4x4 and a box of food and sent off with 9 others for 3 days and 2 nights to explore the delights of Fraser Island. One item the tour companies don't provide for you though is a crash helmet. Things can get pretty bumpy in the back of that 4x4 . . . especially when some of the drivers get a little over-enthusiastic approaching large bumps in the 'roads'. As for sights on the island there's a fair bit to see, but you have to take into account driving times between them. Tracks through the middle of the island can be slow and tedious - especially when you are loaded down with nine people in the back, your camping gear, food and most importantly your beer and wine. Once the tide is out though you can drive on the flat beaches making things a lot quicker.
Sights include many lakes, the Champagne Pools (which are supposed to bubble up as the waves enter them . . . didn't quite understand it myself though), Indian Heads where you can look out over the sea and out over the island and many bush walks. One place on the island that you must make sure you visit is Lake McKenzie. This beautiful freshwater lake is a welcome change from the salty seawater that you will have most likely been swimming in during your travels along the east coast. Although be careful if you visit on a windy day as the fine sand around the lake's edges can really whip against your body - so take something to protect your eyes. But, however you decide to visit this unique island you are going to have a good time . . . although ensure you have enough alcohol with you to make sleeping on the hard ground a little easier!
