Cyclone be damned - Fraser Island Day 1

Against my better judgment (what fun is good judgment anyway) and warnings of impending storms, I spent the past several days on "The Great Sandy Island" (to Captain Cook) a.k.a. "K'gari" (to the indigenous island folk, the Butchulla) to "Fraser Island" (to the rest of us).

Some background: Fraser Island, a World Heritage Site, is one of the world's few sand islands. Formed hundreds of thousands of years ago, the island was occupied by the Butchulla people until the world's most famous mistake - our friend, colonization. (I should say colonisation, but I can't let go of my z's. I barely get to use them as is. Uze them. Hehe.)

We started our trip with a ferry over from Hervey Bay. I'd spend more time on it, but I don't think anyone really does...

We drive around on a monster truck (no, seriously) - because of Fraser Island's tracks, all vehicles need 4WD to get around. 

First trip of the day was to the stunning Lake Mackenzie, one of Fraser's most notable sights. A clear blue sky and a low pH (that's p-haych, not p-aych) makes for a 'soft water lake' - one that has very softening effects on your skin, and protects against the monstrous CANE TOAD INVASION! 

Lunch was interrupted by a goanna lizard - these little(ish) buggers just loooove to hunt around tourists' feet looking for munchies. Key word is "around" - thankfully, these lizards do not munch on humans. (Although they apparently claw at those wanting photos.)

Lake no. 2 was Basin Lake - no swimming here, as too much sunscreen increased the pH to neutral, which allowed some unfortunate toad settlements to occur. Fortunately, the lake has restored itself, but better safe than sorry!

Final excursion of the day was a trek through the rainforest (make jealous noises here), visiting the towering satinay trees in Pile Valley, and trying (but failing) to listen to Wanggoolba Creek - because it runs over a sand bed, it makes no noise. Just like stealthy snakes and spiders, only not deadly. Except there was an eel in there. But I digress. 

Fun fact: eucalyptus trees, or 'ghost gums', regularly shed their bark and become totally white - hence the 'ghostly' appearance.

Next post: more Fraser Island. Always more to see on this island!