Fraser Island is located in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean off the Australian coast. Its length is just over 110 km. Fraser is recognized as the largest sandy island in the world. Since 1992, it bears the status of a nature reserve and is included in the UNESCO list as a natural heritage.
The amazing symbiosis of the jungle and the desert got its name from the name of the Fraser, the captain of the ship James and his wife accompanying him. The ship Stirling Castle in 1836 wrecked near unfamiliar lands. The natives called the island in their own dialect "paradise" or "K'gari".
Lakes and dunes
The peculiarity of the amazing area is the many lakes with fresh water. This is unusual for a sandy island washed on all sides by the ocean. Since there is not a single spring here, only rain moisture provides food for the reservoirs. The largest body of water, Lake Boemingen, covers about 200 hectares. Blue and clear cool water helps to forget about the scorching sun of Australia.
The most famous lake is called Mackenzie. Against the backdrop of the green jungle, the reservoir stands out with bright turquoise. The water in the lake is crystal clear. Interestingly, no one ever swims in it.
The area is famous for its majestic dunes. Their height reaches almost 240 m. National Park Great Sandy National Park - in the north of the island, and in the west - mangroves and swamps. Ideal beaches are in the east.
Fauna and flora
Green jungle grows well on the sand. The forests here were once so dense that lumberjacks ruled here for a century. The synapia was harvested for the construction of the Suez Canal.
Several species of turtles live in freshwater lakes. Flying foxes can be found in the forests. In natural conditions, it is interesting to observe the life of animals. Boat trips are organized for tourists. From canoes you can admire dolphins, see sharks, take pictures of electric rays.
Humpback whales migrate here from late summer to October. Their way to South Antarctica passes through Fraser. Bird watchers are interested in the earthen parrot and the needle-footed owl. There are a total of 354 bird species on the island. Of these, 18 are predators.
Entertainment
For those who have chosen extreme sports, here you can try surfing or get acquainted with a new entertainment, bodyboarding on the dunes. Driving down, the daredevil finds himself in the lake, jumping in millions of splashes, exploding the sparkling surface of the water.
All efforts are directed to popularize green tourism. To preserve the ecosystem, almost "wild" conditions are offered here: tents in the jungle, washing in the lake. But lovers of comfort will not be disappointed either. Several comfortable hotels have been built on the territory.
Most of the travelers come here to challenge themselves. True, one rule strictly applies: to observe the nature of the most amazing and mysterious place on the planet, movement is allowed only in an off-road jeep.
