Fraser Island

We had to be in town by 5.20am for our transfer coach to Noosa-Ville where we met out transport for the day - a 4WD Landcruiser. We were off to Fraser Island - the largest sand island in the World, which involved driving at high speeds for miles and miles along the beach, taking a short barge crossing, more driving along a beach and then lots off-road driving on more sand, but not on a beach!

I did the tour back in 2003, which is long enough ago to forget certain details but our route was slightly different, more to do with the tides but we also covered slightly different ground. it wasn't as exciting or as thrilling as before - maybe because I knew what to expect today; there was no driving in the sea like we did seven years ago and in our vehicle today was Jen and I and another couple (married and in their 40s - and a bit quiet!) whereas before it was me, Di & Dai and three fellas of a similar age, who were up for a laugh. I told myself before I left that I wouldn't compare it to before, but that's exactly what I did all day and it's what I'm doing now!

Having said all that, it was a great day, and it was worth going back to what I think is one of my favourite places in the world - Lake McKenzie. After a quick dip in the crystal clear water there and a similar splash around in Lake Birabeen, we sat and had a stonking lunch of cold meats, fresh shrimp, salad and breads, complete with cold beers (and wine) sitting just above the second lake. Both are freshwater perch lakes (set above sea level and formed out of hardened bark, leaves and other organic matter).

To the driver's credit, he got us to places well ahead of, or with very few other daytrippers, so that we could enjoy the peace and tranquility before the buses arrived. He was also very knowledgeable and took us on a short walk through the rain-forest to see the massively tall trees and the creek before he chucked us around his vehicle some more, as he expertly manouvered the sand trails back down to the beach. The island is renowned for dingoes but we didn't spot any - but what we did spot (I say we, but I mean Mr teacher (they were both teachers)) was a shark! Just minding its own business in the very shallow water - i.e the surf, as we motored back down 75-Mile Beach. We hadn't long passed a family who were having a paddle and sitting in the shallow water - so I'm hoping that the shark moved back out to deeper waters rather than following the channel of water that it was in.

This was taken on Rainbow Beach as we stopped for afternoon tea. I can't make out if they are two pairs of feet or not, but it got chosen for the blip, over several head shots of Jen and I at various intervals throughout the day. I wanted to do a lake shot, but the clouds spoiled it and do not do it the justice it deserves. I really wanted to do one of those collage things, with four to six shots from the day, but I can't figure out how to do them! I'm too tired anyway - I've been up since the middle of last night.