On Sunday night, we were given an hour briefing before going to Fraser Island. We were put into our group of ten which consisted of 3 English, 2 Irish, 1 Danish, 3 French and a German. Dont know what it is about us but the girl ratio once again out numbered the boys.

Monday morning, we were dressed and packed by 7am. All we could take was our day sack so there was no room for makeup or any cosmetics (not many clothes either!). We were dropped at the 4x4 depot and given a briefing on our truck. All the 4x4 and locking the wheel stuff boggled us!! We then had to load the roof rack up with camping gear, food and all our bags before we all bundled in the back. We were on the 10.30am barge to Fraser Island and as soon as you leave the barge, you hit uneven sandy tracks.

We drove straight to Lake McKenzie which was stunning and looked more like a beach. The water was crystal clear. We then cooked lunch so out came the gas hobs which luckily someone else knew how to work. After lunch we headed across to the other side of the island which involved a very bumpy ride but it was all good fun. When we reached the other side it was then driving along the beach. The beach goes on for miles. We had another stop at the camping ground to use facilities before pitching up before dark. Luckily others there knew how to pitch tents aswell.

We saw another group from our hostel pitched up on the beach so we decided to join them. We set up camp and we were the lucky ones to get the waterproof cover that doesnt fit. The zip was also broken on our tent. And the sleeping bags we'd hired didnt do up. We were so lucky!! It decided to rain that night so we woke up a little damp unlike everyone else.

Tuesday morning, we drove to Indian Head which is a tall cliff face from which you can view dolphins, sharks, whales and stingrays. It is pretty high up so we did a little hike to get there but it was worth it. We saw everything but sharks. It was amazing. We didnt get too near the edge and lose our camera like another girl did. We then took the long walk along the beach to Champagne pools where the waves crash onto the rocks and leave pools behind them. It was from here that we could see a humpback whale not far out jumping and splashing. It did a wonderful display for us but all our pictures were of splashes (its very dificult).

On the walk back, we noticed everyone at the cars looking at something and taking pictures. It was only as we got closer, that we noticied a Dingo coming out of the trees straight towards us. It was a little daunting but we kept our cool and ignored it by walking forward. Once it was passed we turned around and took photos. In our briefing, we were told to stand still and cross our arms if they approached. People would have laughed if we'd done that!!

Marie then drove down to the shipwreck. It is so strange driving on sand in a truck. The shipwreck has been there since 1935 and all that remains now is a rusty skeleton. After spending time there, we drove to Eli Creek where Marie managed to get the car stuck in the sand. We had to dig and still couldnt shift it so a local helped us out and we managed to free the car. How embarassing. We then had to set up camp again and this time we got a tent that fitted. We once again pitched near group 1 and that night once again sat on the beach drinking. We left some of them up and headed to bed as it was cold. We didn't realise how cold it was and along with the hard floor, it wasnt the best night sleep. We also could hear the dingos sniffing around our tent!!

Wednesday morning, we got up and noticed the weather had changed. It was very nippy. It wasnt til we got back to the mainland that we found out it was the coldest day in Queensland since records began!! Krisha drove to Central Station where we had breakfast and then went to another lake. We stayed there for a while and then went back to Lake McKenzie - we loved it there. At 2.30pm we were back on the barge and heading back to Hervey Bay. We had a great three days in Fraser and had a good group of people. We were pleased to get back to the mainland for a very hot shower and warm bed. No more bush toilets woohoo.

We are now in the town of 1770 for a few days and really hope the weather warms up soon.