The Best Things to do on Fraser Island
Heading to the Fraser Coast and wondering what the best things to do on Fraser Island are? Well, you’re in luck! Fraser island is the world’s largest sand island and is chock full of unique lakes, coloured sands, gigantic sand blows, rain forests and wildlife. There is no shortage of amazing things to do on Fraser Island.
Amazing Things to do on Fraser Island
Swim in Freshwater Lakes (TOP PICK for things to do on Fraser Island)
Taking a dip in one of the many fresh water lakes is my top pick of things to do on Fraser Island. Most people come to Fraser Island specifically for this and they are not disapointed! Don’t miss Lake McKenzie, Lake Birrabeen, Lake Wabby, Lake Boomanjin, and Lake Garawongera.
If you’re hoping for an Insta-worthy photograph, Lake McKenzie and Lake Birrabeen are by far, the most picturesque. Check out our post on Fraser Island Lakes for more details.
Discover the Sand Blows
This is one of the kid’s favourite things to do on Fraser Island! A bit of cardboard or an old boogie board is awesome fun for both kids and adults on the sand dunes here. Wungul Sandblow (pictured below) is only a short walk from the Dundubara Camp Grounds. Hammerstone Sand Blow is even more fun because the slide down deposits you into Lake Wabby. However, there are signs warning you not to do this at Lake Wabby.
Sliding down sand dunes (or rather, climbing back up them) is guaranteed to wear out the kids making bed time just that little bit easier.
Drive Along the Beach “Highway” (Bucket list item for things to do on Fraser Island)
Driving along 75 mile beach is on many bucket lists of things to do on Fraser Island. Driving anywhere else in Australia, the kids keep up a continuous monologue from the back seat that goes something like this:
“Are we there yet?”
“Ugghh, I’m so booored”
“When are we going to get there?”
“Mum, she just made a noise at me again!”
Driving along Fraser Island’s well known 75 mile beach, the conversations are much more enjoyable. They go something like this:
“Mum, look a pirate ship!” (It’s not a pirate ship, but more about that later).
“Can we swim there?”
“Look, those people are fishing!”
“MUM LOOK THERE’S A PLANE LANDING!”
“Does our car float? Can we drive through that creek?”
Yep, driving along Fraser Island’s beach is the best “road trip” ever!
Do Some Beach Fishing
Although beach fishing is more popular on Fraser Island’s northern beaches, you will pass many people trying out their luck all along 75-mile-beach. Who knows, you might catch some dinner!
Ps. Stick to the lakes for swimming as the conditions are not ideal for it along this stretch.
Float Down Eli Creek
If floating down Eli Creek on Fraser Island is not on your bucket list, it really should be. This one of my favourite things to do on Fraser Island! You can either wade up the creek through the cold water, or take a leisurely stroll along a boardwalk. (See my post on Eli Creek for more information). When you reach the “don’t go past this point” sign, stretch out on your chosen floaty, and let the current take you all the way back to where you started.
Eli Creek can get pretty crowded, so it’s worth getting there early to secure a great spot right beside the creek. Park your 4WD, roll out your awning and cancel all your plans for the rest of the day.
Visit the Sandy Cape Lighthouse
If you have the time, a trip to the northern point of Fraser Island is a memorable item to add to your list of things to do on Fraser Island. It’s wild, rugged, beautiful and more remote than the rest of the island.
Just past the tip is the Sandy Cape Lighthouse. There is a steep sweaty walk up but it’s worth the huffing and puffing. The lighthouse and grounds are interesting and includes a small museum at the entrance. There is also a short walk to the graves of the first lighthouse keeper and his daughter, as well as a shorter walk to WWII bunkers.
Head Out on a Hike
Fraser Island has some pretty great hiking opportunities. You will probably need a carrier for young kids but there is enough interesting features on the walks to keep older kids occupied.
Check out the Queensland Gov Park’s information on Fraser Island walks.
Visit Central Station and Wanggoolba Creek
Central Station is the starting point for several tourist drives and walks. It’s also a popular spot for picnics and camping.
Wanggoolba Creek at Central Station is a real highlight. A few steps will take you from open sunny picnic area to lush and wild rain forest. Moss and lichen covered logs, strangler figs, giant prehistoric ferns (the largest fern fronds in the world) and water so clear that it appears not to be there at all.
Swim in The Champagne Pools
The Champage Rock Pools are a set of tranquil swimming holes with clear ocean water. It serves as a fish trap when the ocean retreats and as the tide come back in, the waves foam over the rocks with each crash.
In the abscence of the tourist buses, I would list this as one of the best thing to do on Fraser Island. Check out our post on the Champagne Pools.
It’s worth bringing your snorkel!
Check out the Maheno Wreck and The Pinnacles
The Maheno was a trans-Tasman passenger liner which served as a hospital ship in World War 1. It was sold for scrap metal to Japan, and whilst being towed north in 1935, a cyclone washed it up to Fraser Island’s shores. It became a target practice for bombs in World War II and today, it’s rusting and crumbly shell is a popular tourist attraction.
The Pinnacles are an interesting coloured sand formation near the Maheno Wreck. These sand formations continue for quite a few km as you drive north along 75 Mile Beach.
Looking for more awesome Family Holiday Destinations?
For more information on visiting Fraser Island with kids, head on over to our Fraser Island / K’gari page. Alternatively, jump on back to the home page for other destinations around Australia and worldwide.
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