TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Get in touch with nature and discover the Fraser Coast, writes Chyna Hayden
HEAD three hours’ drive north of Brisbane and discover nature’s playground, the Fraser Coast.
From the world’s first Whale Heritage Site, Hervey Bay, to Fraser Island’s 90km Great Walk hiking trails, there’s a reason why the region’s tourism numbers are on the rise.
“Fraser Island is an amazing wilderness adventure on the world’s largest sand island and when you get home and find sand in your socks, shoes and in your backpack, you will be reminded about what you saw and how great it was,” Fraser Coast tourism and events manager Karen Broadhurst said.
Back in May, Environment and Great Barrier Reef Minister Meaghan Scanlon said families had already spent nearly 40,000 more nights on the island, when compared to the 2019-2020 financial year.
“Despite the impacts to international tourism from Covid-19 and bushfires late last year, families had in total spent 38,000 more nights on the island camping so far in 2020-21,” Ms Scanlon said.
With its reputation as a great hiking destination growing, families are flocking to the coast to embark on one of the many hikes on offer, with many of the trails under forest canopy, surrounded by sand dunes, rainforests, mangroves, crystal-clear freshwater lakes and stunning ocean views.
From freedom hiking to commercially-guided walks, there’s something for everyone whether they’re looking to embark on the Great Walk, which takes up to eight days to complete, or, a shorter, daytrip style adventure.
“Hiking on Fraser Island is another way to enjoy the natural beauty and really immerse yourself in flora and fauna of this unique place,” Jane Needham, owner and managing director of Fraser Island Hiking and Fraser Dingo 4WD Adventures, said.
“There are great walkers’ camps that offer basic facilities, with a pack-free hike the walker gets to enjoy walking approximately 14km per day without having to carry a heavy backpack as all the equipment and food is transported into the walkers’ camps by the support guide.”
Alongside her husband, Ashley, Mrs Needham’s relationship with K’gari Fraser Island began 30 years ago, with each day still bringing new experiences and new adventures.
“As young travellers ourselves many years ago, we did walks (here) even before the Great Walk track was opened,” she explained, having opened Fraser Island Hiking in 2014.
“The most special and magical area to hike on the island is in the Valley of the Giants, and the walk to the giant Satinay tree; this area is full of giant trees that are (over) 1000 years old and it’s a very special area that has been saved from over logging back when the island was claimed as World-Heritage listed.”
For those looking to explore the sea, rather than land, ready access to the Lady Elliot Island coral cay on the Southern Great Barrier Reef and some of the world’s best whale watching sites are also on offer.
As the only place on the Australian east coast where humpback whales break their annual migration as they travel 10,000km from the feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the breeding grounds in Australia’s far north, a fleet of 11 vessels provide intimate experiences for visitors to watch whales rest and play during their migration journey.
Whether looking for some fun in the sun or a holiday the whole family will love, the Fraser Coast is certainly stepping up its reputation when it comes to great local tourism.