With my mom staying with us for the week, M. and I were able to leave the kidlets with her for the day, and take a long anticipated day trip to Fraser Island. Fraser is the world's largest sand island. Somehow, rainforest has been able to grow upon the sand, and there are rich old growth forests amongst jungle vegetation. The island is also known for its crystal clear plateau lakes and a population of wild dingoes. And back in the day, it was home to an aboriginal population who named it K'gari, which means paradise. I wouldn't argue with that. Though the vegetation at the coastline was rugged and scraggy, if you could slap a couple palm trees down by the shore, you'd have a full on Robinson Cruesoe set up.
As per usual on our scheduled Aussie day trips, it poured rain for a good chunk of the time. But within the relative comfort of our badass 4x4 (crazy bumpy), it made for dramatic vistas. And truly, on this trip, the path was the way. After taking a small ferry over to the island, the major part of the journey was the drive along 40 Mile Beach (pictured below). The beach is actually considered a legitimate highway, with speedlimits and all. Getting up to speeds of 60 k on beach sand, with the surf lapping at our wheels was a definite highlight. And slightly reminiscent of a great Chevy commercial. Check out the vids below to get a sense of the experience.
The scenery was absolutely spectacular, and at the trip's half way point, the sun came out. We were able to see the gorgeous Lake MacKenzie and its turquoise water in the sun. And as we stopped for afternoon tea on the beach on the return trip, we were joined by a dingo. Paradise, indeed.
This hard core vehicle drives on the beach at speeds of up to 70 km/hr. On Fraser Island, the beach is actually the highway.
Canyons that are red from iron ore
The gorgeous Lake MacKenzie
After lunch, the sun came out so we could see the turquoise waters...
The view from our 4 x 4
A wild dingo, running along side our 4x4 on the beach
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