Need a digital detox? Here's the best places to switch off and kick back on Fraser Island

Summer is just weeks away and with it comes the end of another busy year. The weather warms up and deadlines start looming, kids finish school, Christmas decorations appear in shopping centres and car parks get more chaotic as we sprint to the end of the marathon. 

In an age were we can take our work home in our pocket, and we spend our down time tweeting, texting, emailing colleagues and joking with friends- a digital detox can be a great way to recharge your own batteries, not just those on your phone. 

If the idea of an idyllic island escape sounds enticing, check out some of the most sensational places on Fraser Island where you can switch off, kick back and relax.

1. Wanggoolba Creek, Central Station

Fraser Island's "silent creek"- Wanggoolba Creek

This crystal clear freshwater creek runs through the rugged heart of Fraser Island. Surrounded by the pristine rainforest at Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek is one of the most incredibly soothing sights to visit. 

Sitting back and listening to the calls of the thousands of bird species that call Fraser Island home, you'll notice the absence of a familiar sound- running water. 

While most rivers and creeks have a hard bed of rocks, water in Wanggoolba Creek runs over a base of sand creating an alluring silent creek. The absence of this familiar sound makes you appreciate the tranquil silence all the more. 

2. Lake Birrabeen 

Lake Birrabeen isn't as well known as Lake McKenzie- but just as beautiful

With its gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear water that falls from the sky, Lake Birrabeen is often confused for the better known sister- Lake McKenzie. 

As the undeniable jewel in the Fraser Island crown, Lake McKenzie is a must-visit destination but if you're looking for an equally picturesque spot to relax and unwind, and you've got access to a 4WD, Lake Birrabeen is the perfect spot for a gorgeous lake-side retreat. 

Breathtaking: Stonetool sandblow on Fraser Island

3. Stonetool sandblow

Perhaps one of the most powerful, and lesser known landscapes on Fraser Island, Stonetool sandblow is an active mobile blow which has covered a forest. 

Taking its name from the Aboriginal stone tools which were found in the area, visitors to the sandblow can now see the ancient forest being uncovered as the sand continues to move across the island. 


4. Champagne Pools 

Champagne Pools - Fraser Island 

While Fraser Island is well known for it's incredible fresh water lakes and creeks, for travellers who want to enjoy a great beach drive, there's a third, equally incredible spot to take a dip... Champagne Pools. 

These natural rock pools sit right on the beach near Indian Head at the northern end of Seventy-Five Mile Beach. As the waves break onto the surrounding rocks and fills the shallow pools, the water fizzes like a jacuzzi- or a glass of 
champagne, hence the unique 
name given to this iconic 
Fraser Island swimming spot. 

5. Indian Head

Indian Head- Fraser Island

With spectacular golden beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and an amazing array of marine life including whales, turtles, sharks and rays to be seen swimming in the turquoise waters below, there are few more breath-taking vantage points on Fraser Island than Indian Head.

The only rock on the World's largest sand island, Indian Head is credited as being the foundation point behind which Fraser Island formed, with winds and tides carrying sands from south east Australia building
up over millions of years to create
this World Heritage-listed wonder. 

If you haven't got access to a four-wheel drive, or you're not confident driving on Fraser, you can still indulge in a digital detox this summer, by taking a tour with Fraser Explorer Tours or Cool Dingo Tours. 

When you're ready to reconnect with the world and share your Insta-worthy shots of Fraser Island, you'll find all the comforts of home  (including air-con,phone signal and wifi) at Eurong Beach Resort and Kingfisher Bay Resort- don't forget to #FraserIsland. 

Your best bet for making the most of a trip to Fraser Island

Once you’ve decided to visit Fraser Island, you really can’t lose, but in the spirit of Melbourne Cup Day, we’ve taken a look at the fashion trends and handy tips that can ensure you make your trip to Fraser truly memorable and enjoyable.

Fashions on Fraser: The attire on Fraser Island is more casual and downright “laid-back”. You won’t find any three-piece suits, or ties of any description (unless you’re attending a fabulous Fraser Island wedding) which is a big part of its appeal. 

Fraser Island is the ultimate island destination where you don’t have to “keep up with the Jones’s”, there’s no need for high heels or business shirts, work boots or school uniforms- just relax in whatever feels comfortable and enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes.  

Hats: While Cup Day is traditionally a time for making “statements” when it comes to headgear, on Fraser Island we take a more practical approach. Hats still come in a range of shapes, sizes and colours- you may not see many hats adorned in feathers, but you can find Cool Dingo caps that come complete with dingo ears, and Akubras so cool they’ve gained their own fan base! 

Cool Dingo Tour Guide Davy rocks his Akubra
on Fraser Island

 Spring Carnival: In Victoria, sports fans fill    the month between  the footy Grand Final    and the first International Cricket Test with a  mix of motor sport and racing events- here  on Fraser Island, we host a Spring carnival  all of our own- which includes the annual    “Whale parade” where thousands of  Humpbacks arrive off our shores and put on  an incredible display frolicking in the calm  waters of Hervey Bay. Our famous Fraser Island dingoes are also usually in pup during the September/October months, meaning mums and their litters are taking their first big steps out of the den. Our native trees and flowers come into bloom, filling the island with fabulous colours and offering plenty of tasty treats for the island’s wildlife.

Horsepower: When you holiday on Fraser Island it doesn’t matter whether you know your sprinters from your stayers, but when it comes to getting around the world’s largest sand island horsepower matters. 

With 1500 kilometres of sand tracks, Fraser Island national park is only accessible by 4WD vehicles with a higher level of clearance to navigate around the island. If you don’t own a four-wheel drive, or aren’t comfortable driving around the rugged island tracks, the team at Fraser Explorer Tours and Cool Dingo Tours have got your covered, with their mega 4WD buses- you’ll see all the most amazing spots on Fraser Island and not have to worry about driving!

Champagne pools and lots of bubbles: While the punters on Cup Day sip on glasses of bubbles, Fraser Island has its own answer to the fountains of Moet that won't leave you with a crippling hangover! Located on the northern end of 75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island's natural rock pools at Indian Head bubble and fizz as the waves crash onto the shore. 

Known as Champagne Pools, these amazing natural spas are one of the best places to take a dip on Fraser. 

Fraser Island’s nightlife: No matter whether you’re camping on the sand dunes, enjoying the creature comforts of a resort hotel room, or nestled amongst the treetops in a self-contained villa or house on Fraser Island, you only have to step outside once the sun goes down to discover that the island has a pretty amazing nightlife full of nocturnal creatures. If you’ve ever wondered what the marine life get up to after dark, or you’re keen to find out where some of the island’s critters are lurking, you can join a ranger fora night walk at Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Of course, if you’re keen to know all the best spots to kick on and enjoy a drink on Fraser, Eurong Beach Resort’s Beach Bar and new-look McKenzie’s Bar are located on the Eastern surf side of Fraser. On the Western side, Kingfisher Bay Resort has four bars and restaurants to suit every age and taste from stunning bush tucker cocktails, sensational food  and an impressive wine list at SeabelleRestaurant, to bubbles at the aptly named Sunset Bar and poolside cocktails at the Sand Bar and Maheno Bar and Restaurant. There’s even a purpose-made bar- The Dingo Bar- for Cool Kids’ on a Cool Dingo Tour.

A month of new discoveries on Fraser Island

It’s been a month full of new discoveries here on Fraser Island. Earlier this month researchers discovered what is believed to be Australia’s longest living dingo right here on the world’s largest sand island.

Recent research has found that dingoes on Fraser are happy and healthy

The dingo, aged 13 years old, was discovered as part of a long-term study by researchers from the University of Southern Queensland. The same study found that there are approximately 100 to 200 dingoes living on Fraser at any given time, and despite their ‘skinny’ build, the population of Fraser Island’s most iconic species actually weigh more on average than their cousins on the mainland.

The same study looked at what dingoes typically ate, and the short answer is almost anything. From fish to bandicoots, to beached whales, even skinks and insects; the study found that dingoes will chew on just about anything- including one case that discovered an iPod, beer and soft drink cans.

This 'Oddish'-looking creature and his friends
have been discovered all over Fraser Island

One of the more surprising discoveries for researchers were evidence that  eastern grey kangaroos, feral pigs and even wild horses showed up on the menu which leads us to our next discovery; that brumbies that are also still believed to be living on the northern parts of the island.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service confirmed that brumbies had been filmed on motion activated cameras that were set up around the island to monitor dingo behaviour.

The species was reportedly introduced to the island during the 1800s and were targeted for removal by the Environmental Protection Agency in early the 2000s. For the last 10 years it was assumed there were no horses left on the island- until the footage was discovered by park rangers in 2014.

Another species being caught on camera by recent visitors to Fraser Island is seemingly easier to catch than the wild brumbies- and definitely easier to find! Yes, Pokemon have invaded Fraser Island - with the animated creatures popping up everywhere from Eurong Beach Resort, to Kingfisher Bay Resort, even emerging on the Fraser Island barge!

The whales are ready to play in the calm waters off Fraser Island

The final discovery was the welcome arrival of the first pods of southern right humpback whales that have come to enjoy their annual holiday in the calm waters off Fraser Island.

Mothers have been arriving into Hervey Bay to feed their calves and enjoy some “down time”, while juveniles are ready to party and socialise. 

Pods will stay and play in Hervey Bay before they start their southern migration back towards Antarctica in October.

There’s always something new to discover on the island, and with dingo pups on the way around September, tailor season running through to November and more than 1500 kilometres of sandy tracks to explore, you’ll make discover a million reasons all of your own to fall in love with Fraser.

Blue skies and beach fishing- Tailor season on Fraser Island

Fraser Island's 75 Mile Beach is the perfect
spot to wet a line during tailor season

Winter is coming and on 75-Mile Beach that means one thing: tailor season.

Each year massive schools of tailor head north to breed in the warmer waters off Fraser Island. From June to November keen anglers from all over Australia can be found dotted along the shoreline, taking advantage of some of Queensland’s best beach fishing conditions.

 The tales of tailor fishing on Fraser Island are the stuff of fishing legend, and this season promises to be no different with reports of locals reeling in 72cm catches near Eurong. While most keen fishermen will keep their cards pretty close to their chest, the most commonly used bait is pillies,

With the first few tailor of the season arriving in recent weeks, numbers will steadily build over the coming months reaching peak fishing season during September and October along the island’s northern regions.

Of course, we humans aren’t the only species looking to make a meal out of tailor season, a small fresh tailor can also be used as bait to attract larger fish, with good-sized mackerel often found in the area during tailor season.

Prize catch during tailor season on Fraser Island

As it is breeding season, bag and size limits do apply and there are restrictions between Indian Head north to Waddy Point in place from August 1 to 30 September each year to allow the fish stocks to naturally replenish.

While there’s nothing quite like the musty combination of salt air, fish guts and beer to make your fishing trip complete - even the most seasoned anglers will admit after a long day fishing there are few things better than a great feed and a hot shower.

If you’re searching for the ideal place to base yourself on Fraser, there are few better than Eurong Beach Resort. With hot buffet meals, two bars, a bakery, a general store full of supplies and great room rates, it offers all the comforts of home – and a chance to watch the footy- without the hassle of camping.

Eurong Beach Resort is the perfect base for a fishing trip on Fraser

Positioned right on the beachfront of 75-Mile Beach, Eurong is a great place to relax and swap a few stories and- if you’re lucky- pick up a couple of tips from the locals,  It’s also a perfect hub for any 4WD adventure, offering easy access to Fraser Island’s most popular spots (and few lesser known gems).

So if you’re gearing up for your annual pilgrimage to Queensland’s home of tailor fishing, grab your mates, your rods and some bait and make tracks to Eurong Beach Resort, on Fraser Island.

Fraser Island through a tour guide's eyes

It's a harsh reality of life that some workplaces are definitely better than others and tour guides on Fraser Island have one of the best "offices" in the world. Each year Cool Dingo tour guides meet people from all over the world, share stories over a beer and take travellers on an adventure on the world's largest sand island. 

Scotty enjoying a "tough day in the office" on Fraser Island 

If you've ever wondered what life is like when your job involves driving a four wheel drive bus around Fraser Island, we've decided to ask some of Fraser's top tour guid

es for their insights- starting with Scott Matheson (aka "Buzz Lightyear). 

During his two years as a tour guide on Fraser Island, Scott has also been known to answer to "Scotty the Hottie", Scotty T (a reference for all Geordie Shore fans out there) and "Mr Incredible" (we didn't ask what that was in reference to). 

Scotty is a local  guy who grew up in Hervey Bay and while some kids learned the tools of their dad's trade going on to be dentists, lawyers, sparkies and carpenters- Scott's followed in his dad (Warren's) footsteps and became a tour guide on Fraser Island. 

"When your father is a tour guide you can't not spend your school holidays here," he said. 

It's hard for travellers not to fall in love with Lake McKenzie

Aside from the incredible natural surroundings, Scotty says one of the things he loves most about his job is meeting people from every corner of the planet, "and tormenting them a little", he adds with a warm, cheeky smile.  

Being able to meet so many international visitors has also helped him pick up the odd phrase or two in a range of languages. "I'm slowly learning German from people I'm meeting on tours," he said. 

Making friends in every corner of the globe, also makes Scotty's bucket list a little longer than most. So where does this Fraser Island tour guide want to go when he eventually takes a holiday himself? "At the moment, Canada is on top of my list," he said. "If I won a million dollars, I'd be on the first plane to Canada as part of a world trip." 

Eli Creek is another favourite spot for visitors to Fraser Island

When it comes to a Fraser Island bucket list, tour guides like Scotty also have a unique perspective on what tops the list. While most people would struggle to go past crystal clear Lake McKenzie or Seventy Five Mile Beach as their "favourite spots" on Fraser, Scotty's pick is Lake Wabby. 

With a 40 minute walk and limited access even by foot, Scott says Lake Wabby makes it worth the effort. "I personally like that you really have to work for it," 

If you're keen to have Scotty show you around Fraser Island you can book your adventure here- if want to know more about Scotty before you book, check out is full profile here: 

Scott Matheson

Nicknames: Nicknames I get from other guides and guests include: Buzz Lightyear, Scotty the Hottie, Mr Incredible and Scotty T (Geordie Shore)

How long have you been a guide on Fraser Island?

Two years of fun on this beautiful island.

Where did you grow up?

Hervey Bay and Fraser Island, when your father is a tour guide you can’t not spend your school holidays here.

What's the best part about your job?

Getting to know people from every corner of the planet (and getting to torment them a little)

Do you have a favourite spot on Fraser Island?

Definitely Lake Wabby, I love the fact that you have to earn it!

Can you speak any languages other than English?

Slowly learning German from people I am meeting on tours.

How many push-ups can you do?

All of them!

If you had one-million dollars, what would you do with it first?

Half in the bank and the other half jumping on the first plane to Canada for a world trip.

Who would you love to meet and why?

Arnold Schwarzenegger because I have admired him since I first entered a gym.

What's at the top of your bucket-list?

Getting to that great big country we know as Canada!

If you could choose any superpower, which one would you choose and why?

Shapeshifting would be incredible, could live the life of a different person every week.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

An impossible question but narrowing things down to dessert, I could definitely eat dessert for every meal of the day!

Do you have any pets?

Most people are shocked to find out we have a Chihuahua named Stucky, but at 16 years old he’s definitely a loved part of the family!

What's your least favourite colour?
Hard and unusual question, but can anyone really enjoy the colour beige.

What time does your alarm go off when you are on a day off?

Alarm set or not the body clock opens the eyes at 5am every day, sleeping in is but a dream these days.

Who is your favourite sports team? 

Brisbane Broncos!

ANZAC Spirit is strong on Fraser Island

As the first glimmers of the sun rise over the ocean, waves lap onto the shore, a pre-dawn chill hangs in the air. Locals, visitors, rangers and emergency servicemen and women gather at Waddy Point to pay their respects to those that fought and sacrificed their lives in the line of duty at a special ANZAC service.

Dawn service at Waddy Point
Copyright: Eurong Beach Resort

The ANZAC spirit is strong on Fraser Island and each year people gather near the beachside campground for what has become an annual tradition officiated by members of the Orchid Beach RSL, a sub-branch of the Wide Bay Burnett District.

One of the local organisers John Quincy said the first service 25 years ago, attracted a crowd of about 20 people. Last year saw record numbers of approximately 600 people attend the beachside service.

“It’s a big logistical effort, when you take into account our remote location,” he said.

“There’s a lot of people that help out and a lot of work that goes into the day.

“We are seeing more young people each year, which is very encouraging.”

Following the dawn service at Waddy Point, organisers cook up a hot breakfast and hold traditional games of Two-Up throughout the day- a $20 donation covers costs of breakfast, local fish and chips and sandwiches  throughout the day.

 Fraser Island’s beaches are also one of the best vantage points to see the RAAF annual ANZAC Day fly-over.

While Fraser Island is most well-known for its incredible natural beauty, the World Heritage-listed Island also has a unique place in Australia’s military history.

Each year tourists flock from all over the world to visit the famous Maheno shipwreck, which ran aground on Fraser Island’s Seventy Five Mile Beach during a cyclone in 1935.

Built in Scotland in 1904, the 5323 tonne ship was initially used as a passenger ship which sailed between Australia and New Zealand.

Wreck of the SS Maheno on Fraser Island
Copyright: Eurong Beach Resort 

In 1915, the SS Maheno converted to a hospital ship was used for the next five years in treating and transporting Allied wounded from Gallipoli and the Western Front as part of the First World War effort.

The Maheno played a role in transporting Allied troops from Gallipoli to safer facilities and brought wounded soldiers back to Australia and New Zealand.

Marking its centenary last year, hundreds of people travelled from as far away as New Zealand to Fraser Island’s Eastern Beach to lay flowers and remember the fallen in a special service held at the site where the Maheno now sits.

For those looking to take advantage of the long weekend to explore Fraser Island and attend ANZAC Day services, Eurong Beach Resort is an excellent base with direct access on to Seventy-Five Mile Beach, as well as the island’s many freshwater lakes and walking tracks.

So if you’re looking for a truly unique, traditional ANZAC weekend experience, mark the date and make tracks to Fraser Island. 

10 romantic things to do on Fraser Island

If men are from Mars, and women are from Venus- there's no better place on Earth to spend Valentine's Day than Fraser Island. 

Whether your ideal escape involves rugged adventures or total relaxation, you can have the best of both worlds with a visit to this World Heritage-listed wonder. 

1. Take a dip in Champagne Pools 

Tucked in behind Indian Head on Fraser Island's eastern side, the Champagne Pools are a natural jacuzzi. Waves roll in and crash onto the cool, clear rock pools offering all the pop and fizz of champagne. 

Image: Gypsie Lust Photo- Visit Fraser Coast 

2. Share a picnic on 75 Mile Beach 

With plenty of sunshine, cool breezes and endless beaches Fraser Island is the ideal spot for a romantic picnic for two. Pop a bottle of bubbly, or simply pack up some cheese and crackers and make tracks down Australia's best beach highway. If you're looking for something extra fancy without the hassle, our good friends at Eurong Beach Resort can pre-pack hampers to take with you for the day. 

Image: Rob Annersley 

3. Take the tracks less travelled 

Take an exit off the beach highway and discover some of Fraser Island's most secluded spots. With a trusty map (and navigator), a sense of adventure and a four-wheel drive there's plenty of idyllic spots- like this one at Woody Point- to explore. 

Be sure to check the tide times and island conditions before heading out to discover your own piece of paradise. 

Image: Woody Point- Visit Fraser Coast

4. Take a walk on the wild side

There's no denying Fraser Island's beaches are some of the world's best, but if you're looking to discover another side to the island, take a trek through the World Heritage-listed rainforest. With crystal clear freshwater creeks running through tranquil, pristine rainforest, you'll fall in love with the breath-taking natural beauty that lies in the heart of Fraser Island.

Image: Kingfisher B

5. Discover  the magic of Sunset Beach 

As the sun starts to drop, there are few places more amazing to watch the sunset than on the western side of Fraser Island. Head down to the jetty at Kingfisher Bay Resort, relax with a cool drink and take in the show. If you want to add a little something extra, grab yourself a table down on the sand and share a  cheese and prawn platter as the sun dips below the horizon. 

6. Splash out in a resort villa with a private spa 

If you want to treat yourself and your partner, book yourselves into your own private villa complete with a spa deck.Nestled amongst the treetops at Kingfisher Bay Resort, these secluded villas are the ideal place to relax and unwind after a day out exploring Fraser Island. 

Image: Kingfisher Bay Resort 

8. Share a candle-lit dinner at Seabelle Restaurant 

Your taste buds will fall in love with this island-inspired menu that offers fine dining with a bush tucker twist. Using native ingredients, local seafood and island-grown herbs this award-winning restaurant will take your breath away. 

Image: KIngfisher Bay Resort 

9. Discover the beauty of Lake Birrabeen 

Lake Birrabeen is the Kourtney Kardashian of Fraser Island lakes- she's just as beautiful but, for some reason, not quite as famous or well known. Take the Southern Lakes drive and discover this and other incredible freshwater lakes dotted all over the island. 

10. Team up and take a canoe paddle together 

The western side of Fraser Island is more sheltered and protected so it will generally offer calm waters and perfect conditions for a canoe paddle or stand-up paddle board.  Even if you're not the "outdoorsy" type- it can be a great spot to just float around and watch the sunset. 

Image: Via Instagram Gypsea_Lust