Four Top Tips For A Tip Top Easter On Fraser Island

Hervey Bay’s Dave Darmody runs the Australian Offroad Academy and tackling Fraser Island’s sandy tracks or teaching others how to do it properly and safely is something he does very regularly.

This Easter, he’s back and he’s armed with plenty of tips for having a top Easter on Fraser Island (with pics by Eurong Beach's very own Zoe R).

A Great Sandy Happy Easter from all on Fraser Island.  Photo Origin: Unknown.

 So whether you’re staying on the sunset side of Fraser (at Kingfisher Bay Resort); tackling the surf side with a stay at Eurong Beach Resort or just heading across with Fraser Island Barges for a camping adventure with the family, you won’t want to miss these top tips from a Fraser Coast local.

1. It’s Easter, So Let’s Keep Good Friday, Well, Good!
Stunning 75 Mile Beach by Zoe R
Early afternoon low tides make for lazy mornings and afternoons of trouble-free, wide-open beaches… but the big high tide at around 7am on Friday might make for some frayed tempers and heated engines.

If you are heading up Fraser's famous 75-Mile Beach, you may just want to chill out and wait until low tide (you really should, it's better for you, your car and the island). Those coming across from Wanggoolba Creek or Kingfisher Bay will have a different set of challenges – fun challenges - if the weatherman is wrong and we don't get a little rain this week.

Download the latest Fraser Island Condition Report.

2. Head Off Piste
Lake Allom's famous turtles
Try the Southern Lakes Drive - it has some 'challenging' sections and takes you through 20+ kilometres of gorgeous and diverse ecosystems. On this route, you’ll get to enjoy Lake Birrabeen (our favourite) and Lake Boomanjin... they're as equally lovely as beautiful Lake McKenzie.

Further north of Eurong Beach there are a couple of lesser known lakes that are well worth a visit. Lake Garawongera, out behind Happy Valley, is a gem and the road from it to Poyungan Valley is worth a drive for the more adventurous. Likewise, finding your way to Lake Allom (and its famous Fraser Island Short-necked Turtles - pictured above) is a rewarding experience.

3.  Keep Cool And Keep Your Cool.
You can cool off in the Champagne Pools or Eli Creek... but when it comes to driving keep your cool!  We know that everyone should slow down on the highway when it’s busy… well the same applies for the beach!  It would also be great if drivers indicated their intentions and fishermen didn't park on the hard sand when there isn't much to be had.

But you know what? Some just don't, or won't. 

There is no driving environment more dynamic than the beach… so slow down, be aware, take a deep breath and drive to care for your precious cargo... despite what others are doing…. After all, you’re on holidays in one of the most beautiful spots in Queensland

4. Where Are Your Kids?
Leave only footprints. Photo: Zoe R
We love our Dingoes, but we hate it every time they make the news for the wrong reasons. Keep your food locked away; your kids close and check out QPWS' Dingo Safety tips for when you’re out and about in the Great Sandy National Park.

Kingfisher Bay's latest Ranger blog also talks about what behaviour to expect from Fraser's most famous locals in Autumn....


SWEET EATS

Dave reckons the Eurong Beach Resort Bakery’s Chocolate Croissants are in a class of their own… but at this time of year, you might want to add our freshly-baked hot crossed buns to your shopping list – it’s the best Easter treat you’ll get for 75 long miles.

Whatever you're up to this Easter, stay safe and stay happy.

This blog has been reproduced with the author’s permission. Click here to read the original story OR find out more about Dave’s training courses on Fraser Island.

Latest Fraser Island Update.

Fishing On Fraser With Zoe

FRASER ISLAND: If you're heading our way this week, we're chuffed to report that the inland tracks are great at the moment, with one soft patch just west of the resort.
That's Lindsay, the Fraser Island wormer! This man has skills!
Sand whiting are on the bite on the surf side of Fraser Island and those in the know are heading just south of Eurong Beach Resort (near the 80km speed sign) to fish the gutters there. Some eager staff members caught nice, plate-sized whiting using Fraser Island worms (we stock them at our General Store).

More and more fisherfolk are starting to stay at the resort and we're told a couple of guests caught plate-sized dart after lunch (just north of the Eurong police station) using pippies as bait.

All in all if you're headed our way, you'll do ok a couple of km either side of the resort. Happy Fishing!

You'll find Zoe R working in the Front Office at Eurong Beach Resort. We don't mind telling you that when it comes to fishing, she gives visiting fisherfolk a run for their money.
Latest Fraser Island Update.


Track Talk With Wilko

FRASER ISLAND: What a difference a week can make on Fraser. Our experts out and about on island tells us the tracks have dried out a lot and the usual trouble spots - between Creek Road and Lake McKenzie; the 4.1 out of Kingfisher Bay; and the jump up to The Champagne Pools are soft. It's a timely reminder to drive to conditions and let your tyre pressure down as necessary.



75-Mile Beach is still great at low tide, but tricky at as little as two hours off the low tide. And last, but not least, Eli Creek has some boggy water-logged sand along the edges towards ocean, stay off it after the high tide has gone out.

Happy four-wheel-driving if you're headed our way. And don't forget to tag your holiday snaps with ‪#‎fraserisland.‬

John 'Wilko' Wilkins is the Resort Manager at Eurong Beach Resort and a mad keen fisherman.
Latest Fraser Island Update.