We were checking out our frequent flyer points with ANSETT and were very pleased to learn we had accumulated enough points for a "around Australia ticket". The decision was made to use the points to visit some of Heathers far flung siblings. Sister Rosey who lives in inland Queensland agreed to meet us in Hervey Bay which is near to Fraser Island, hence the following. 
   
Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island, yet it manages to support large stands of tall rain forest. The island also has abundant freshwater lakes (although the water is of poor quality and supports little fish life) and over 200 species of birds. The island was inhabited by aboriginals for over 1500 years however their tenure came to an end early this century when the island was declared a forestry reserve, and the aboriginals were removed.

The island also was the recipient of many shipwrecks (about 23 known) and with that numerous tales of shipwreck survivors, and stories of living with Aboriginals to survive. One of the less glamorous shipwreck stories is now the islands most iconic wreck, being very obvious grounded on the main sand beach. The 1905 built SS Maheno a turbine driven steamer lodged onto the beach in 1935. She had quite an interesting history with lugging cargo between Sydney and Auckland, and then heading over to Europe to act as a hospital ship during WW1, however was sold to the Japanese for scrap in 1935. She unfortunately met a inglorious end when being towed to Japan with her sister ship Oonah, they were hit with a cyclone and the SS Maheno broke her tow line and lodged on Fraser Island to remain to this day.

In more recent times Fraser Island has again become newsworthy with numerous serious dingo attacks on people, caused by the dingoes becoming too familiar from being fed by campers.

We took the ferry over to the island and then went on a guided tour of the island. Heather and her sister Rosey also took a scenic flight over the island with the plane taking off and landing on the beach. 

On our way to Bunderberg to catch our flight to Cairns we passed through Childers. On the 23/6/2000 the Palace Backpackers in Childers was the scene of a terrible, deliberately lit fire, apparently to punish a girl for rejecting his advances. The fire saw 15 backpackers killed, including twin girls from Australia and males and females from 6 other countries. The male perpetrator has been jailed for life.  

Footnote: Fraser Island is UNESCO World Heritage listed.