THE EASTERN BEACH
Places to explore without travelling inland.
Chill on the beach
The beach straight down in front of the house is lovely, and a good option for families. While there are no patrolled beaches on K’gari, playing in the shallows is safe. There are also some fresh water streams and rock pools in front of Happy Valley which are great to keep children entertained.
A supply of beach toys are available at the house.
Eli Creek
About 7km north of the Valley is Eli Creek. This is the biggest freshwater creek on the island. It is spring fed, and the water pours out at 1 million litres an hour. The fast-flowing creek is a must to float down.
The volume of water also makes it a hazard to cars if you stop in the middle of the creek. The sand will be washed away from your tyres and make it very difficult to get out. So safely drive right through – DO NOT stop your car in the creek.
The Maheno
This old passenger / WWI hospital ship is beached on the Island another 3km or so further north of Eli Creek.
After being decommissioned, the Maheno was being towed to Japan for scrap metal in 1935 when it encountered a rare winter cyclone, broke the tow line, and ended up beached on K’gari (Fraser Island).
To commemorate the active service of the Maheno during WW1, a plaque celebrating its life and achievements is located in the dunes adjacent to the wreck. If you are lucky enough to be on the island for ANZAC Day, a moving service is held at the Maheno each year.
Cathedral Coloured Sands
Head further north along 75 mile beach and you will notice that many of the sand dunes are coloured orange and red.
The most impressive of these is the Cathedrals, so called because the formation looks like the spires of a cathedral.
EXPLORING THE TOP END
Wathumba Creek
From Orchid Beach follow the tracks to the western side of the Island to Wathumba Creek. It is a pristine Creek with white, white sand and blue, blue water on a clear day. There is often good fishing for whiting and flathead in the creek.
Sandy Cape
If the tides are favourable, and the beach is in good condition, a trip up to Sandy Cape is a wonderful experience. Speak to the locals before you attempt this trip, to ensure Ngkala Rocks, between Orchid Beach and Sandy Cape, are passable.
If you do get to the top, you will be rewarded with endless sand dunes, lots of bird life, good fishing, and not many people.
THE WILDLIFE
Loggerhead Turtles
Loggerhead turtles can be seen laying their eggs up the beach at various times of year. They are most likely seen closer to Sandy Cape, but this one was snapped making her way up the beach to nest about 200m north of Happy Valley.
Humpback Whales
Humpback whales travel up the East Coast of Australia each year, breeding in various safe locations like Hervey Bay. They can be seen from K’gari’s eastern beach from May to October each year.
Dingoes
The dingoes on K’gari (Fraser Island) roam all over the island. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has installed dingo-deterrent fencing around most townships, including Happy Valley. Follow the guidance provided by the QPWS in available brochures or on their web site.
Generally, dingoes go about their lives and stay clear of people. Unhabituated dingoes have a natural fear of people and shy away. From time to time, dingoes may come close and some encounters can turn to tragedy. Stay alert and stay calm.