November 6th 2010 --- Fraser Island (Day 1)

This morning we departed Hervey Bay at 7:35am en route to Fraser Island.Here we booked on the two-day, one-night "Cool Dingo" tour.The adventure began with a 45-minute ferry ride from Urangan terminal.Upon arrival at the World Heritage listed island, we were escorted onto a 4-wheel drive bus holding 40 passengers!Our tour was at capacity!Our luggage was taken off the boat and secured in storage for us.We began exploring the sand island, and our first stop was at Basin Lake.This freshwater lake is entirely rain-filled.It was interesting how we had to hike Uphill to reach a freshwater lake surrounded by sand and ocean.A strange concept to wrap your mind around.

Our second stop was at Central Station.Here we did a rainforest boardwalk and spotted a goanna, a few skinks and the world's largest King Ferns.After a short and bumpy ride, we reached Lake McKenzie --- Fraser Island's most photographed spot.It is no wonder why it takes this title!The crystal clear water and pure white sand makes for quite the sight!We only stayed here for an hour and a half, but I reckon I could have stayed all day!After drying off at Lake McKenzie, we had a lovely afternoon tea and cookies in the picnicking area before heading to our accommodation for the evening---Kingfisher Bay Wilderness Lodge.We arrived at the lovely lodges around 5:30pm and settled in.Everyone has a quick shower and pounded back a drink before heading to the "Dingo Bar" which was where our all-you-can-eat buffet was.The girls who lodged with Al and I had planned to come back later in the evening after finishing off our beers.We all got chatting away back at the lodge and then next thing we knew it was 9:30pm and people were slowly dozing off.We all had an early morning the next day (not to mention a bumpy 4-wheel drive) so we all hit the sack!

Interesting facts:

-Fraser Island boasts the largest stretch of rainforest located on sandy soil in the world!

-98% of the island is covered in vegetation!