Well, we have literally just returned from an amazing 2 day, one night trip to Fraser Island.
It ended up being a guided tour that we went on as had a few problems! Before we even left Emus we had a call to say that our first Fraser trip from Noosa wasn't running anymore. So the timetable was rearranged (by the lovely Mandy!) and we were meant to be going on a self-drive trip from Hervey Bay. This one wasn't running either so we chose the guided option as it was the only way to do a tour and not change the rest of our plans.

We started yesterday morning at 7.30 when we were picked up from Next Bckpackers. By the way if anyones looking for a place to stay in Hervey Bay -stay here. It's well layed out, has everything you need and is very very clean. The people are lovely too.
We were driven to Riverheads and boarded the ferry to Fraser Island. It was a windy day but the ride wasn't too choppy considering. When we arrived on the island we met Steve our tour guide and hopped on a huge bus which looked more like a truck. They are raised up above normal level and have huge wheels to deal with sand driving. We were in for a bumpy ride on sandy tracks through sub-tropical rainforest. I felt a little bumped around after 40 minutes of this. Bex somehow managed to read a book through the bumps!

On the first day we visited Lake Wabby, Lake Mackensie and took a walk through the rainforest. Lake Wabby was a bit of a trek along a sandy path but was definatly worth the walk. It was at the edge of a huge sandbank and a deep green colour. We were initially a bit nervous about going in but egged on by our new friend Sam, we ventured in. Bex needed a bit of reassurance about the large cat fish that inhabited the lake but they stayed well away. After this we headed for lunch at the Eurong walk where we were staying. Lunch was all you can eat and we tucked in.

Felt a bit sleepy after lunch but there was no napping on the bumpy ride to Lake Mackenzie! We were told that we would come out of Lake mackenzie looking 10 years younger. This wasn't quite true but I definatly had soft hair! The lake was breathtaking beautiful but surrounded by lots more people than Lake Wabby. We barved the cold and sat for a while swimming and exfoliating our skin with the sand. The lake is made entirely from rainwater and is amazingly clear.

After this headed for a brief rainforest walk and then back to the resort for dinner. We had a nice room, with a duvet (score!) and it was Mexican night which was lush! I ate far too quick and managed apple crumble for dessert- Yum. Me, Becky and Sam then went for a quick drink in the beach bar and early to bed.

The truck left again at 8.15 and we drove (a little smoother ride on this trip) down 75-mile beach. Highlights on the second day were Indian Head, Champagne Pools, Maheno Shipwreck, Coloured Sands and Eli Creek. After a steep rock climb, we saw dolphins and manta-ray from the top of Indian Head. Both the dolphins and ray were leaping out of the water and the views both sides of the head were incredible. My hightlight of the day was Eli Creek, which is a freshwater creek that runs down on to the beach. Me, Becky and Sam floated form top to bottom braving the chilly water.

We were the driven back along the beach and bumpy tracks to return to the ferry. Overall it was an amazing trip which felt much longer than 2 days. The island is unique and you can definatly see why so many visitors flock here. We would like to come back and see more, maybe doing some driving and camping next time.

I'll sign off for now, as am very hungry. I've gone from feeling like I was still on a boat a few days ago to feeling like i'm still on a bumpy bus!
Next stop Noosa and some canoeing!
Miss you all lots- bye for now
Kate and Becky xxxxx