I had never seen so many 4WDs with giant blow-up pink flamingos either strapped to the racks, or tied into the tray before. We counted six within five minutes of agreeing to see how many we could count.
If this was a drinking game, the type usually played in your early 20’s, it wouldn’t last very long and would probably end badly.
We were leisurely cruising the beach highway on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and home to many unique natural attractions, all of which can only be reached by 4WD.
The reason for the oversized blow-up flamingos? … Eli Creek!
Eli Creek
Located on the eastern beach of Fraser Island, Eli Creek pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour. Walk up the banksia and pandanus lined boardwalk that follows the creek, lower yourself into the cold water, jump on your giant flamingo and let the current take you all the way back down to the mouth of the creek.
Here you can park your 4WD, roll out the awning and set up your camp chairs in the creek itself.
Tip – Don’t attempt to drive across the creek at high-tide.
Here Are Some Other Great Places to Visit on Fraser Island by 4WD
75 Mile Beach
75 Mile Beach is 120km of pure white sand beach highway on the eastern side of Fraser Island. It is policed and has the same rules as a normal highway, but it’s a whole lot more fun!
It’s also more dangerous with creek crossings, people fishing and playing, and varying sand conditions. Watch out for light aircraft as it’s also serves as a landing strip!
There are some great attractions along the way such as Eli Creek, the Maheno Wreck and Champagne Pools.
Tip – The beach itself is not a safe place to swim due to dangerous currents and a large shark population.
Champagne Pools
No 4WD adventure to Fraser Island is complete without paying a visit to the Champagne Pools, located between Waddy Point and Indian Head at the Northern end of Fraser Island.
The Champagne Pools are a set of tranquil rock pools that serve as fish traps when the ocean retreats. As the tide comes back in, the waves crash violently over the rocks
Tip – Low tide is the best time to visit
Lake McKenzie
Blessed with blinding white sand and impossibly clear water that gradually fades into a deep blue, Lake McKenzie is simply stunning! As a result, it’s one of Fraser Island’s most visited natural attractions.
Located approximately halfway between Kingfisher Bay Resort and Eurong Beach Resort, driving the sandy inland tracks to get there is half the fun!
Lake McKenzie is a perched lake, containing only rainwater, held in place by sand and organic matter. It’s not fed by streams, has no groundwater and does not flow into the ocean.
Tip – Get in early to secure a park and a shady spot around the lake
Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby is one of the few lakes on the island that supports several varieties of fish. One side of the emerald green lake is blocked by a massive sandblow. Technically, you aren’t supposed to slide down it into the water, but it’s really part of the appeal for most people who visit.
The sandblow will eventually engulf Lake Wabby as it makes its gradual progress westward across the island
Getting to Lake Wabby is in itself a mini-adventure. It involves a drive along 75 Mile Beach and a hike of a few km. Both under the shade of trees and over the scorching sandblow.
Tip – Do not attempt to hike in without shoes, you will literally blister the soles of your feet on the hot sand.
Lake Birrabeen
Lake Birrabeen is my top pick of lakes to visit on Fraser Island. The reason? It’s just as beautiful as Lake McKenzie, is less crowded and the 4WD tracks to get there are a little wilder.
This lake is located inland from Eurong Beach Resort and like Lake McKenzie, is also a perched lake blessed with white sand and beautiful water.
Tip – Get in early to get a park
Lake Boomanjin
Lake Bomanjin is located inland and down towards the southern end of Fraser Island. Although not as beautiful as the other lakes, it’s the largest perched lake in the world!
The water has a very distinct red taint to it due to three small creeks that flow into it carrying water heavily stained by tannin.
When the sun hits Lake Boomanjin in just the right way, the shallow areas show a glorious shade of yellow that quickly turn orange and then a deep red. All of this in contrast to the white sand and blue sky.
Tip – There are limited facilities here, make sure you are self-sufficient
The Sandy Cape Lighthouse
The Sandy Cape Lighthouse is located at the northern point of Fraser Island. Getting here is really fun as it involves a drive up 75 Mile Beach. Over the treacherous Ngkala Rocks and along Fraser Island’s Sandy Tip. This end of the island is wild and rugged.
A steep, sweaty walk is required to reach the lighthouse. Also of interest here are the graves of the first lighthouse keeper and his daughter, as well as some WWII bunkers.
Not many people make it this far up the island, but I assure you, it’s worth your time and effort!
Tip – Watch the tides so you don’t get stuck there overnight unprepared
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