It was time for our escape from backwards bay to a desert island surrounded by seas that should not be swam in as they contain sharks and strong currents. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world covered with beautiful lakes, forested areas and immense sand dunes. Of the 11 people that were on our trip, 7 we had made friennds with before the trip and had all agreed to go together, the other 4 were unknown although by the end of the trip everyone was getting along great. The trip consists of 3 days and 2 nights camping on the island. The weather was great when we arrived and our first day took us on two treks to two different lakes after driving our way across the Island in our 4x4 jeep. Basin lake was our first stop after a 30minute walk to get there and we were mesmerized by the place from the start. We spent our time swimming in the lake and sunbathing on the sand shores in the baking heat. Some even braved the swim across the lake with much encouragement to get across quickly as we joked about crocodiles. Lunch on the beach was the next order of the day however time was soon pressing and we found we were well behind our intinenary, we had to be back to the beach to set up camp before dark. After another 30minute drive we reached the start of the track to the second lake to our dismay it was another 2.8km walk to the lake and the sun was going down however there was an observation platform halfway so we agreed to go to that then decide what to do. The view from the platform was amazing as massive sand dunes met with tree lines and a lake. We had to go and see it close up so the group set of on a jog along where the boys upon reaching the dunes ran upto the top of the tallest one to get a view just to find that there were more bigger dunes on the other side so gave up and instead ran manically diving into the lake to cool off after the exertion. The sun was close to setting so we decided to head back to the jeep, however halfway along the trail one of the girls realised they had left their shorts behind at which point castaway volunteered to run back and get them (even after all the trekking and running of the day). Ben, Simon and myself however decided to head to the observation deck to watch him run and shout abuse which he duly heard. It was dark by the time we set off back to the camping area which meant setting up the tents in the dark and cooking dinner in the dark which was done with suprising efficiency however the rotored steaks were moved to a later date repalced by hot dogs as they were quicker and easier to cook and we wanted to get on the goon. Dinner was followed by the mandatory drinking games, Ben being dragged into the sand by a drunk girl he was sitting next to and 3 of our neighbour camper sites coming over to join in the drinking and sing songs (Oasis was a firm favourite!) after hearing the noise from our site in particular the wee scottish lass's laugh. The second day I awkoe first just before 7 to awake the happy campers as we had to beat the tide as you cannot drive on the beaches 2hours either side of high tide. We arrived at the creek where we were supposed to have a walk and swim but first it was time for breakfast on the beach where beans & egg on toast was the order of the day. It took over an hour to get it all prepared as we could only toast one piece of bread at a time however the weather was excellent so no one cared about having to lie on the beach as it was cooked. Unfortunately the creek was too shallow to float down then we hit upon the novel idea of inlfating the empty goon bags and floating down with a couple of those however they were in the bin and covered in the mess from the previous days no one fancied blowing them up funnily enough instead we were just content with wandering upstream and ducking in the water where it was deep enough. It was next onto Indian Head and what I was looking forward to in particular. The view from here is awesome as you sit on the edge of a cliff with pristine beaches either side watching the sea life below. On our particular visit we spotted Manta Rays and a tiger shark (although at the right time of year you may also see whales). We then headed on to the champagne pools which is bascially some pools which have rocks protecting them right next to the sea and when the waves hit the rocks they break into the pools. This gave us time for a quick dip and harassing the local crabs as well as Castaway scaring all the girls by jumping in to the pool behind them as they all posed for a photo. The evening plan was to find a campsite where we cooked up steaks and spaghetti bolognaise (as we were already meant to have eaten one of them). The feast was exquisite before heading back to our beach camp and once again opening the goon. It was another night of drinking games and inevitable sing songs before everyone finally succumbed to the need for bed. The final day started near to sunrise and it was slightly more difficult to get everyone up on this occassion. However with everyone up we made our move towards lake McKenzie, the most famous lake on the island with a mandatory stop for pies at a bakery on the "dessert" island. Lake McKenzie was as stunning as the pictures we'd seen unfortunately our remaining food for lunch wasn't as all the original ice in the eskies had melted along with the introduction of sand and mud left our food in the murky waters. This however did not stop the hungry and hungover bunch from polishing off the remains. This was soon followed by the usual last minute dash across the island to make the ferry which of course we did with that it was back to civilisation.