Rapid Travel Chai

Two days between Ayers Rock and my flight to the Solomon Islands from Brisbane. Original plan was to fly up to Darwin, though cost concerns intervened and I went straight to Brisbane and scooped up two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Three hours up the Sunshine Coast, arriving 1 am, I reached Rainbow Beach, the southern and closer departure point for Fraser Island. Hervey Bay is the northern option and is the departure point for whale sighting tours. Accommodation at both is midrange down to hostels. I stated at Fraser’s on Rainbow in a private room. No sense being fussy for a stay of five hours.

Ferry to Fraser and 4WD bus

Layered sand mountain

4WD rodeo in spots

Fraser is the world’s largest sand island and somehow a rain forest has grown on top.

Giant ferns

Tranquil lake

Time for a dip

Several companies offer 1 and 2-day Fraser Island Tours, I went with the biggest Fraser Expeditions, which my hostel works with and took care of the booking. Prices and itineraries are virtually the same with each company. Other options include hiring a 4WD or joining self-drive tours. After seeing the driving conditions on Fraser I am happy to have picked a professional tour.

Wreck of the Maheno

Maheno

Back on the mainland by 16:30 and cruising back to Brisbane. An excellent outing.

Snake says mangrove is a bad idea

Snake says mangrove is a bad idea