Sorry for the long delay in blog posts.. we have had little internet and had a mishap when the entry deleted itself!!
Firstly we hope Pappa Putter had a lovely birthday between the 28th and the 1st!!
28th February!
We started our Fraser Island trip early this morning and we were picked up in what seemed like a very over exaggerated bus/truck for an island trip but it wasn't until we arrived onto the island we realised actually how appropriate the monstrosity was. Fraser Island is made up of an impress 98% sand and only 2% Rock. As you can imagine it took a long time to get anywhere on the island as no roads have been re built it is all just original sand tracks that the 4 wheel drive trucks and busses had to use. To say we had a bumpy few days is an understatement!!! We firstly drove to a lovely lake called Lake McKenzie where we basked in the sun and swam in a feshwater lake which was produced purely by rainwater! The sand also has a high concentration of silica making it extremely fine and perfect for a nice exfoliation! We met a lovely girl from England and an English couple who we ended up spending most of our time with on the Island.
After the first lake we went for a nice yet unexpected walk in the rainforest. As we drove from the coast to the middle of the island we saw 7 different types of rainforest and they are all so different and absolutely beautiful. All the trees and plants you see grow in the sand which makes it all the more impressive. During our walk we saw some beautiful trees and our guide told us interesting facts about them. Some of these trees and how they survive in what can become a very hot and dry eco system. We walked to, what used to be back in the 1800s the Central station of a huge timber and logging industry on the island run by the local people and some Australian traders. Here we drank water from the fresh streams that form when water is soaked up into the island through rain but eventually filters out into purified water. They estimate that the water running down the streams is water that fell over 150 years ago. Not only has it been completed purified by the sand but it also fell before the industrial revolution and before damage caused by pollution.
We visited a few other lakes and walks on our way to where we stayed the night. There are a couple of resorts on the island and we stayed in some lodges with the English couple and a few other rooms. Fraser Island is a huge conservation and world heritage site so there is a lot of effort to preserve the island.
1st March
Today we had another early start and we drove along the 50km beach highway to a fantastic look out point of a cliff called Indian Head. Our tour guide explained that the beach highway on Fraser Island is one of the longest in the world and its called a highway because you have to abide by normal road rules including speed limits. If not the police will fine and or prosecute you! On the way we saw an old shipwreck which washed up after the transporters accidentally let go off the moorings and failed to retrieve it. We clambered to the top of indian Head where we saw some spectacular views!! While we were up there we tried to spot some sharks or dolphins but had no luck however we did see a turtle swimming along the waves! We then headed along the beach to a lovely natural fresh water creek where we swam in the cold but refreshing water! As we travelled along we saw an unfortunate 4x4 that misjudged the depth of the water and ended up submerged in the sand near the waters edge. Our tour guide found it hilarious and while we all piled out to have a look he got his own camera out for a few snaps. Luckily we felt much safer in out big bus! We then headed to the Champagne pools. This was by far our favourite stop on the trip. We relaxed in some beautiful sea pools formed by the rocks which gethered at the foot of the island. It was a beautiful day and the water was nice and warm and as we soaked up the atmosphere waves would crash over the rocks and bubbles would flow over the top into the pools which looked like champagne bubbles. The only thing missing was some drinkable bubbles!! After the pools we headed for lunch on the beach but as we tried to leave our bus wouldn't start! Although we were broken down it was definitely the best spot for a 2hour wait for recovery. We layed in the sea and on the beach chatting to put new friends and enjoying where we were. After not much time left of the day we headed back to the lodges and had a good night sleep - much needed after the sun filled day.
2nd March
Today was the last day on the Island (Booo!) We headed to a magnificent lookout point where we saw the amazing creations of the sand dunes and the way the wind blows the sand across the the island. We then went to a few more beautiful lakes before a very difficult trek up and across the sand to a lake called Barage lake which was formed by the wind blowing the sand to create a lake. This was another fresh water lake which had some fish in that ate your dead skin. The same fish used for those pedicures!! The walk to the lake was so difficult especially when there is only sand to walk through... it was a workout and a half but the views made it worth while. It was as though we walked through some dense rainforest and then we were hit by a vast open space of sand. It was as though we were in a dessert! After a trek back it was time to head of the Island and after a short ferry trip we headed to catch our 12 hour bus from Hervey Bay to Airlie beach!
It was possibly the worst bus journey we have had where there was very little sleep and a driver who insisted we stretched our legs every few hours at ridiculous times in the night. Not a pleasant journey at all. We arrived in Airlie Beach on the 3rd and had some planning to do before our sailing trip on the 5th which we are really looking forward to!!
Lots of love
Rob and Katrien xxx
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