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30/12/2009
We arrived at Hervey Bay on 30th December a day before we were heading to Fraser Island so we could be put into groups and be ready to go at 7am the next morning. That evening we met up with a couple of people that we found out would be in our group and went to the bottle shop to get some important supplies for the trip ahead. On our way back the sky was swamped by literally hundreds of thousands of bats (flying foxes - these things were huge) flying out to feed for the night. They spread across the whole sky as far as the eye could see and blocked out the last view of sunlight. It was incredible.
That evening we packed our bags and had a few beers before getting some sleep.
We woke up at 6am the next morning to shower and check out before our briefing for the trip started at 7am. We were told all about Fraser island, what to look out for, what to avoid, what not to do etc.. And shown how to drive the huge 4x4 trucks we would be travelling in. Then we were taken to the shed where we were given all our camping equipment before being sent off in our groups to do some food shopping for the trip. We were lucky with our group, everyone seemed to be really sound. We had a couple from just down the road, Cranleigh - Tom and Rach, Kev (little) from Jersey who knew Steph's friend from uni (small world), Another couple from England Kev (big) and Kath and a dutch guy named Coen who seemed like he was ex-military and so knew what to buy to feed 8 people. It turned out you do need a lot of food for 8 people as the bill came to well over $300. At least we would be eating and drinking well.
With the van all packed up and Coen behind the wheel we drove up to the barge that would take us across the stretch of water to Fraser Island. On the crossing we caught a glimpse of a massive pod of dolphins which was an awesome start.
Once on the island the terrain changed almost immediately, engage 4WD and off we go. A bumpy 1 or so hours later we arrived at Central Station where we stopped for lunch and a quick walk. After that Kev got behind the wheel for a go and got us lost... we spent the next 2 or 3 hours driving around looking for the beach so we could camp for the night. Eventually we made it but the tide was coming in so we sped up the beach looking for a suitable camping spot. After a few nervous moments we found one and set up our tents quickly before it got dark and the rain set in, then got the BBQ going. It did start to rain but luckily we had put a sheet over our camp area so was sheltered and with a little ingenuis work by Big Kev on the headlights of the truck, we had light too.
With it being NYE and all, we got on the beers and started the drinking games.
After a while the rain stopped so we ventured out of our camp in search of other parties. It didnt take long for us to bump into a massive group of Aussies who were spending their NYE on Fraser Island so we tagged along and ended up getting very drunk. Diving down the sand dunes, watching the illegal fireworks they brought with them and the 4x4 show they put on on the beach showing off their cars. Was great fun!
The next morning we woke up early due to the tents being boiling hot so we had some breakfast and packed up our stuff. The first port of call this morning was Eli Creek, a fresh water creek running out into the sea that stays at a constant 19c - very refreshing. We had to wait until about 11am before we could make it up the beach safely due to the tide but went we got there it was worth the wait.
The water was cold and refreshing and a perfect cure for a hangover. After a good while spent relaxing in the water here we had some lunch then headed further up the beach to the Maheno ship wreck. This was really cool and a lot bigger than we thought. A few photos later and we were back in the truck with big Kev behind the wheel bombing it up the beach. Right at the northern end of the 75 mile beach was Indian Head where we stopped and hiked up to the top of the headland for breathetaking views. Searching for sharks and dolphins all we saw was a school of giant Mackrel which was still pretty cool. After here we went for a swim in the Champagne pools - sheltered rock pools that were safe for swimming in. There were so many fish, it was like swimmming in a mini aquarium.
Needing to get back down to the southern end of the beach for tonights campsite lanky Tom got behind the wheel and we flew like a rocket down the beach, meeting up with another truck along the way that wanted to spend the night with us. We found a good spot where both truck loads could fit comfortably and set up. A few people were tired from the night before so went to bed early and the rest of us stayed up chatting and playing drinking games to finish off the beers.
The next morning we were up early again packing up and heading to Lake Wabby. It was a good 30minute walk from the car park up and down a woodland track. Lake Wabby is where huge sand dunes meet a fresh water lake. So Alex and Kev, being mature, sausage rolled down the entire sand dune and splashed into the lake - dizzy! We hung around here for a good while before making our way to Lake Mckenzie. This place is amazing. The water is so clear and the sand is pure white. We could have spent days here it was that nice. We tried to look for turtles as we heard some are found swimming here but had no luck. After a good couple of hours and some lunch we made our way to the barge to take us back to the mainland. We pumped up the tyres and gave the truck a wash down to hide any saltwater we had driven through and headed home. Back at the hostel that night they were doing all you can eat pizza so all of us jumped on board and scoffed our faces. There was quite a bit of pizza left so we decided to bet Kev $50 that he couldn't finish it all... he did, but looked awful after. haha. He must have had at least 30 slices. But with the forfeight being a naked dip in the hostels not so desirable pool he was determined.
The next day we boarded the greyhound bus again to take us to the surfer town of Noosa, along with big Kev, Kath, Tom and Rach.
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