Introduction file= FraserApr15.htm
We had not been to Fraser Island for a few
years, either in the Buggy or Pathy 4WD.
On previous occasions, we had run into some
problems with LOW clearance in the Buggy
(subsequently fixed) and not letting the tyres
down enough in the Pathy, trying to get away
with 20 psi instead of 15 psi in soft sand.
This time, as we were both getting old and
arthritic and not wanting to shovel/push out of
soft sand, so we used 15 psi in the new Jeep.
Eurong resort on the Eastern Coast, was
offering very good deals, at the end of the 
school holidays :- 2 nites + Ferry crossings 
from River Heads, for 2 people for $310.
Since the return ferry charges were normally
about $160, this meant $75/nite at Eurong
resort accommodation….very good deal.
It was no problem getting the Ferry from 
River Heads, near Hervey Bay, instead of 
Inskip Point, much nearer to home, as the
time to get to Eurong Resort ended up about
the same, avoiding some long beach drives.
We used the Ferry terminal to let the tyres
down to about 15 psi, which took 1 min. each.
Had to BACK into ferry, not drive in, drive out
Letting tyres down to 15 psi, 1 min per tyre. Must have been an old one. 40 min. crossing
Crossing from West Coast ferry terminal, to Eurong Beach Resort, about 20 km.
It was a pleasant surprise how good this track had become. Easy to pass oncoming traffic, with plenty
of passing/parking bays, which made life comfortable.
Easy West-East track, 20 km. Track was in good condition. Eurong resort Units, good value
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By beach to Dilli Village, then Inland, via Lake Birrabeen, Central Station and back to Eurong
WE got onto to beach with the tide rising, but got to Dilli Village OK. They suggest not to drive on the
Beach, 2 hours either side of high tide. We were OK within 1 hour, as there were no Points or outcrops
here, forcing vehicles into the seawater, on this route. The Jeep handled the soft wet sand very well.
The INLAND tracks were in good condition, but could have caused problems if traffic had been heavy,
such as XMAS or Easter. There were many LONG sections where it would have been very difficult to pass
oncoming vehicles, as there were few laybys or escape areas, to allow other cars to pass. Since it was
raining very heavily, we took no photos or got out of the car to view the many large inland lakes.
Meals at Eurong resort The meals at Eurong resort were good value and excellent. The
Buffet dinner was $25 per head, and breakfasts were about $17 per head. Eat what you can.
By Beach, heading North to Indian Head, Waddy Point and Champagne Rocks
This is what you come here for. Driving along the Beach and looking at various highlight on the way.
On the way North, the tide was still high, so we had to use most of the By-Pass tracks around some of
the headlands :- Poyungan Rocks and Yidney Rocks.
The Points and headlands restrict travel along There are 3-4 landing strips for light planes
the Beach at high tides. along the beach.
Cathedral Rocks, coloured sands
One of the high tide by-passes, Yidney rocks.
Maheno wreck, still a fair bit left Indian Head, from South side. Indian Head, from North side.
after rusting since 1935.
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Champagne Pools, looked, not swim ! Easy sand tracks near Waddy Point.
Yollie in Eli Creek, on way back. Parj tasting 4XXXX after good trip.
After the trip North to Waddy Point, the next day we had an easy leisurely time, as we only had to be on  
the West Coast to catch the Ferry at 3 pm. We had planned to go to Kingfisher Bay resort in the 
morning to look around this west coast resort. The tracks leading into Kingfisher Bay were very narrow
with long steep sections where it was very difficult to pass on-coming traffic. Met much traffic getting to
about 5km from Kingfisher Bay, so we decided to turn back before we got to this resort, as we were
worried about getting stuck for hours, getting past on-coming traffic, and missing our booked ferry.
I'd hate to do this track at Xmas or Easter. Got to the ferry in good time and saw some small dingoes.
Couldn't imagine them causing any trouble to humans ? They looked like small puppy dogs.
Track west to ferry Good section to Kingfisher Bay Ferry waiting on west coast
Friendly Dingo ? He came right up to car window.
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Conclusion When we got to River Heads, we had to make sure we were out of 4WD, fill up
with petrol, and pump the tyres back up to 35 psi, from 15 psi.
The trip home was miserable, lots of rain and driving in the dark.
We did not get stuck or bogged on the tracks or beach, as happened previously.
Nothing bad happens to you when you are well prepared and have all the good
gear, including :- Shovel, snatch strap, MaxTrax, 2 way radio, right attitude.
Never looked like getting bogged or stuck, and even getting off the tracks to
let oncoming traffic pass, caused no problems.
I would NOT, repeat NOT, be on Fraser Island during Xmas, Easter or any of the
school holidays. Some of the 2 way tracks would be a nightmare when cars had
to pass each other, where there was no room for two cars to pass.
Imagine trying to back up say 300 metres, with 4-5 cars behind you, with
some bad or inexperienced drivers. Some sections do not have passing bays for
very long stretches, up to 300 or even 400 metres. Imagine a convoy of say
4 -5 cars meeting another convoy of 4-5 cars, one lot having to back up long
distances to find a layby. Most laybys are only 1-2 car spaces, if found.
Anyway, Yollie was very happy with how the Jeep went, and will be quite
comfortable in doing some "difficult" outback tracks, in future, in the Jeep.
The air-conditioning and rain protection suited both of us, getting older and 
not too fit for shovel work or extracting cars bogged in sand or creeks.
One of the Beach by-pass tracks
Probably Yidney rocks exit.
Doing it tough on Fraser Island
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