Arrived in Harvey bay late afternoon on Monday 22nd april. Everyone was collected from the bus terminal and taken in a shuttle to the hostel where we had our first briefing and group meeting. The evening was just spent food and drink shopping before getting to know a few people a bit better. Unfortunately in the excitement of finally having an oven the pizza and chips didnt cook so well but it was still a nice change!
An early start on Tuesday morning.... We had to check out at 6 - ew! We were on the road by 8 after going through a few safety bits and got the car ferry across to the Fraser Island in our 4x4's. Their policy is no under 21s can drive which initially I was very disappointed about, but after seeing the terrain on the island I was almost glad I wasn't driving.... Particularly as when driving you are responsible for the $500 vehicle bond!
Our first stop was lake birabeen in the morning. Had a nice refreshing swim there before heading to central station for a spot of lunch (minus ketchup, very sad) and we had a quick walk along a boardwalk through the rainforest there before reading up a bit on the history of Fraser. In the afternoon we made a fairly long trek across the hammerstone sandblow down to lake wabby. It was meant to be very good for your skin and was filled with the lil' fishies that eat at your feet. To be honest I spent most of the time there crashed out on the beach catching up in sleep....
Our camp wasn't exactly the ritz but better than expected and despite the toilets being a hole in the sand it wasn't too bad. Had a very enjoyable goon fueled night with everyone after a BBQ. Lots of laughs and the whole group seemed to get on really well. Unfortunately during the night we had a horrible storm which flooded tents and also saw the end of my camera.... Bit gutted!
Day twos early start and very bumpy journey wasn't exactly the best way to nurse the hangover but I was by far not the worst of all! We stopped off at the SS Maheno ship wreck, the most famous wreck on the island before heading to Indian heads where you get a gorgeous view of the coast lines being at the most easterly point of the island. This was followed by the champagne pools on the beach side, so called because the bubbles in the water make it look like champagne (very disappointed to discover I wasn't jumping in to pure champers)
After a cafe lunch we headed to Eli creek, a pretty freshwater stream where the current will carry you. Despite being freezing cold it was very refreshing and worth a visit :)
This morning we had a slow ish start not helped by suspected conjunctivitis (it's all fun and games) and headed on a fairly long trek to Lake Mackenzie. Had a good splash about with all sorts of water wrestling fights and then headed up to kingfisher bay resort for lunch and to catch the ferry back across to the mainland.
Had a brilliant few days and despite becoming accident prone it was a great experience. Had quite a chilled evening tonight as I think everyone is exhausted!! Got another day in Hervey Bay tomorrow so I'm planning to go and investigate the local town or maybe go back to Fraser Island for the day. Time for bed now though! Amy x