We try to do a tour wherever we meet for FIP, and the tour must include at least one UNESCO listed site. This year it was Fraser Island. So, we were up early to have coffee and breakfast before driving to River Heads to catch the ferry to Fraser Island (now K'gari) for the day. We left home about 7am, and didn't get back until about 8pm!
We arrived at River Heads with plenty of time to spare. I checked us all in for the ferry ride and then it was just a matter of waiting to be allowed onto the ferry and for it to leave; it left a little later than the scheduled departure time of 8:30am. I need another coffee, so bought one onboard and it was reasonably priced and good coffee. Prior to board the ferry, we had to make contact with with our guide/driver for the day so we knew which bus to board when on the island. Can't remember what his name was though.
We arrived on the island about an hour later (there was a rather strong head wind) and found our drive/guide and hopped on the correct bus - named Zircon. First stop was at Central Station that was originally established as a forestry camp when there was logging on the island. It now stands as a display centre explaining the development of the island and its various flora and fauna. More info here.
It was then time for lunch and we had that at K'gari Beach Resort. It was an all-you-can-eat, buffet style lunch. Some had room for an ice-cream before jumping back on the bus to continue the tour.
We drive along the 75 Mile Beach until we reached the Maheno Shipwreck where we were given 15-20 minutes to walk around and photograph the wreck. All that remains is a rusty shell of a ship, but the colours were fantastic, not that the humble iPhone 13 could capture it all.
We then back-tracked along 75 Mile Beach to The Pinnacles. I was a tad disappointed as there was not that much colour to them. Apparently, they are best viewed in the morning when the sun is shining on them. Never mind, been there, done that, now!
The next stop was a bit disappointing - Eli Creek. I believe the only reason the tours stop here is for a comfort break. However, one has to cross Eli Creek, that can be as high as knee to mid-thing on a short person such as me! Our group chose to not visit the amenities and wandered the beach being mindful of the 4WDs racing along the beach as if it were a race track.
Our last stop for the tour was at Lake McKenzie. The white 'sand' and blue waters were stunning. However, the ever relentless wind was present making it a tad fresh to enter the waters. There were many brave souls, including our own Arne.
I had had enough of the island by now. The roads were very lumpy and bumpy, and the tour is not something I would do again in a hurry. Perhaps if we were in our own vehicle (smaller than a 40-seater 4WD bus) it would have been better.
We were delivered back to the wharf to board the 5:15pm ferry back to the mainland. We arrived on the mainland about 5:45pm and we went directly to the Miners Arms (a pub) at Torbanlea, that is one of our local dining venues. We all had very good meals (the reason we chose this place) and were back at Hippo Farm about 8pm. A very long day day, but a most enjoyable day with the military pharmacy family.
Arne, Sylvain, Jane and Ulf
Wendy, Ann, Arne, Silke, Sylvain, Ulf, and Jane
About to arrive on K'gari
Our bus
Nice road
Not so nice roads
Traffic!
Hmmm.....
Our bus
Our driver/guide
Some very old trees/stumps
There is water in that stream
It was alleged, by the guide, that this is the tree that Australia got it's colours from for the camouflage uniforms
Curlew outside the K'gari Beach Resort restaurant
75 Mile Beach
Maheno Shipwreck
Obligatory selfie
The Pinnacles, not as colourful as described
Lake McKenzie
Waiting to board the ferry back to the mainland
Sunset from the ferry
Miners Arms Hotel, Torbanlea. L-R: Ulf, Arne, Wendy, Greg, Ann, Jane and Sylvain
