Fabulous Fraser...
a Perkins family favourite! |
The last time Kieren and Symantha Perkins visited Fraser Island, they were a carefree young couple on a romantic getaway. Fast forward 15 years and they’re back with three kids and a 4WD packed to the rafters! Words and family photos: Symantha Perkins |
Although our Fraser Island holiday doesn’t promise too many candlelit dinners, we quickly discover that Fraser is also a fantastic family destination where the action kickstarts before you even arrive. For the Perkins kids (and their dad!), reversing our 4WD onto the Fraser ferry is a huge novelty and spotting dolphins darting through the water on our ride across the Great Sandy Strait is an exciting holiday welcome. We drive off the barge onto a long jetty into Kingfisher Bay Resort. “This is so cool,” declares Georgia.
Many 4WD families camp on Fraser and while the beachfront locations are no doubt spectacular, if you’re like me and a sandy tent just isn’t your thing, then eco-friendly Kingfisher is the perfect base.
Kingfisher Bay Resort
After a full day of bush bashing around the island, hiking through eucalypt forests, swimming in exotic lakes or exploring the vast sand dunes, it’s lovely to come back to a comfy couch in our spacious Kingfisher villa. Outside on the treetop deck we enjoy
a glass of wine and take in the sunset vista while the kids soak in the spa tub. It’s a bit sad that I’m equally thrilled with the internal laundry but, as fellow mums can attest, being able to wash and dry dirty clothes makes life a whole lot easier.
Located on the sheltered west side of Fraser, Kingfisher offers
a great range of leisure activities. Ranger Bec takes us canoeing through Dundonga Creek and points out a turtle and colourful kingfishers as we paddle into nearby mangroves. She teaches the kids about island wildlife. Back at the resort, the kids play in the pool while we relax in lounge chairs.
Everything on Fraser reminds you that Mother Nature is almighty. The island is the ultimate living textbook for kids, showing them both the majesty and brutality of the wild. The Pinnacles’ coloured sand cliffs and Lake McKenzie’s crisp, white sand and blue water are stunning examples of nature’s pristine beauty. On the other hand, the Maheno shipwreck and Hammerstone Sandblow reflect her wrath. Hammerstone, an immense yellow sandblow, is slowly swallowing Lake Wabby.
The hike down is challenging but well worth it.
Each day on Fraser is a new adventure in our 4WD and the kids reckon it’s unreal fun watching something get so filthy without any complaints from their parents! Just remember to secure your gear firmly for 4WDing, as we found out the hard way when a mayonnaise jar shattered in the boot. Bumpy bush tracks (pack your sports bras ladies) rival a roller coaster. But we soon catch our breath cruising along stretches of smooth, open beach on the Eastern shore.
There be pirates
White-capped waves crash fiercely and flags flutter above golden sand dunes, identifying individual family campsites. “Look pirates live in that one Mummy!” squeals Charlie, pointing to a pink skull and crossbones. It’s all very Robinson Crusoe. We spot dingoes every day but do not feed or approach them. Ranger Bec carefully explains to the kids, despite the dingoes appearing tame, they are not pets but wild animals at heart.
Island watersports
Floating down Eli Creek and wallowing in the shimmering Champagne Pools is a family highlight. Fish swim right next to us in the rock pools and the boardwalk out from Middle Rocks car park offers us a magnificent view down Seventy-Five Mile Beach. Later we all laugh as Harry stacks it attempting to descend tricolour sand dunes Bear Grylls-commando-style. “Dad, it’s so awesome,” he pants. Another unforgettable moment is Charlie scaring off other tourists and the resident catfish when she plunges into the Lake Wabby nude. Oh to be six again!
Whether gazing over the ocean’s infinity horizon at Indian Head, panoramic Lake Birrabeen, or trekking through towering trees in ancient rainforest, Fraser’s coastal paradise makes me feel minute against the dazzling universe and confirms my belief in a divine power. The sublime sights are pure serenity until loud giggling from my kids dive-bombing into Lake Wabby bring me crashing back down to Earth. But then again the uninhibited laughter of children always brings a smile to my face. I’m one very happy and lucky mum. |
Report Card
Getting there
Fraser Island is a four-hour drive North of Brisbane. Ferries depart on demand from Inskip Point or from River Heads (check timetable www.fraserislandferry.com.au). Vehicle permits are available from River Heads mainland Jetty Hut or from Kingfisher reception. The resort is 2WD accessible but 4WD is required for island exploring.
Stay
Kingfisher Bay Resort www.kingfisherbay.com
Eat
Enjoy a romantic dinner for two (just Mum and Dad) at Seabelle while the kids join the Junior Eco Rangers ‘Bush Tucker Campfire’ 6-9pm.
Eurong Bake House is a must for homemade sausage rolls and hearty pies.
Thumbs up
Drive to Indian Head for a dip in the glistening Champagne Pools.
Hot tip
Stock up on tropical-strength insect repellent (midges = whining kids = cranky parents). Ranger Bec says splash salt water on bites or rub on mangrove mud from Dundonga Creek to soothe stinging.
Don’t miss
Hiking to the Hammerstone Sandblow and a refreshing swim in Lake Wabby.
On the cheap
Pack a hamper and picnic on the beach; follow lunch with a swim down
Eli Creek.
Don’t forget
Book ahead (due to Fraser’s remote location) for restaurants and leisure activities to avoid missing out. |
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