Fraser Coast Aug 08

The first challenge was a trip to the supermarket, where we were given the task of purchasing group food with perfect strangers (all on a budget), to last three days.  We were very proud to get 2 x Breakfasts, 2 x lunches and 2 x dinners for the bargain price of $18 a head. 

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, with over 80 freshwater lakes and a number of attractions to see.  However there were enough warnings to scare even the most daring person off this island or at least out of the responsibility of driving!

There was the threat of attacking dingoes - so never walk alone at night and by day, the dangerous ocean - where sharks attack, stingrays sting and strong currents wash you out to sea, never to be seen again.  Then there were the high tides, hindering driving along the east coast of the island to a four hour window around low tide.  

Further to that, the inland roads were single lanes of traffic in both directions, with rules on how to give way - the bigger you are the better off you are - and very steep, sandy embankments.  The driver had to remember to change the tyre pressure between sand and bitchumen, know which gear to use on different terrains, know how much speed to apply when travelling through dry sand, deep sand, hard sand, water crossings, not to mention speed itself and the fear of rolling the 4WD!!! 

There is little wonder only two drivers were game enough to drive....meaning I did most of the driving over the three days....

Our favourite spot was Champagne Pools, where ocean water formed into rock pools that were refreshing in the heat.  We also enjoyed the beautiful lakes, especially the crystal clear waters of Lake MacKenzie, the largest on the island. 

The image is of Mark in front of the Moreno Wreck on Fraser Island.

Lady Elliot Island

After Fraser Island, we decided to splurge and do something honeymooney, as we had not yet had this opportunity.  We booked a package holiday to Lady Elliot Island, including return scenic flights on a small plane - the only access to and from the island, 2 nights in their eco-resort, snorkel gear, a wetsuit, a glass-bottom boat tour plus a full buffet breakfast and dinner daily.

This tiny island is on the southernmost point of the Great Barrier Reef and is truly stunning from the sky, on the island and underwater. We went on two dives, seeing some amazing wildlife including massive turtles that were almost as big as me, giant sting rays, manta rays, sharks, sea snakes as well as hundreds of colourful coral and fish varieties.