The annual trip for members and guests of the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club headed to our favourite campsite on the world's largest sand island, the Waddy Point campground, near Orchid Beach.
It was over two weeks in the holidays where we spent our days checking out the tourist spots with a bit of fishing and bait gathering thrown in to fill in the days.
For first-time trippers, catching a beach worm was high on the list of must do’s, especially after watching someone get one and make it look easy.
It’s something that entertains the crowd for hours.
Trips to the Sandy Cape Lighthouse always entertain, with the Ngkala Rocks bypass always a spot to gather with vehicles getting stuck in the soft sand.
Luckily for us a storm came through just before our planned trip to the top which dumped water over most of the island, packing the tracks to make for easier driving.
Unfortunately, along with the rain came high winds and hail, which caused some minor damage to vehicles and track blockages where we had to divert around the larger trees we couldn’t move.
The run up the beach to Sandy Cape was no challenge until we reached the lighthouse gate where the beach had washed away, leaving a meter high bank and nowhere to park once the tide came in.
Some work with the shovel made the bank driveable and we were able to move our vehicles to higher ground and wait out the tide.
Walks to the lighthouse, built in 1870, World War Two bunkers and grave sites gives you an idea of the hardships endured back when the lighthouse was built.
Wathumba Creek on the Western side of the island is one of the best sights to see, at high tide, the water is crystal clear and the sand is pristine.
Once the tide runs out the creek drains down to a narrow gutter and the water turns to a murky brown, so time your visit around high tide.
The creek is a highway for stingrays and turtles that cruise the waters in search of a meal.
Fraser Island changes every day
The Champagne Pools are a tourist hot spot and always a popular stop.
The bubble effect caused by the waves breaking over the rocks was in full swing with the backpackers unaware of the force that the water comes over the top, with some seeing the rocks a bit closer than they intended, being knocked of their feet and dragged across the barnacles.
Heavy seas and strong winds constantly change the amount of sand in the pools.
This is the beauty of the island; it changes from day to day, with massive amounts of sand being moved from spot to spot depending on the weather.
The climb to the top of Indian Head is also another favourite pastime when on the island, with views across the bay to Waddy Point and down the main beach to partake.
Visits to Eli Creek, Lake McKenzie and with the obligatory photo shoot at the Maheno to document the toll time and tide has on the ship.
Our traditional sunset viewing on our last day from Waddy Point always brings home how special the island is, and with whales sighted just off the point this year, added to the many reasons we keep coming back.
There are many more spots on Fraser to see and explore.
Our time was spent mainly at the top end, away from the masses.
Take in the beauty of the island, right on our doorstep, you won’t be disappointed.
To find out more on the Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club and activities we have on, contact us via email at info@bundaberg4wdclubcom, on the website www.bundaberg4wdclub.com or catch us on Facebook or Instagram.
Brad Praed, Bundaberg Four Wheel Drive Club
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