Fraser island - Nowhere Else Like It: (Day 2- Story,Pics,Video)
THE WORLD'S LARGEST SAND ISLAND!
Hi again.So, hopefully you've already read Part 1 of my Fraser Island Guide. If for some strange reason you haven't yet indulged, then you may find it here.
https://steemit.com/travel/@bkkshadow/fraser-island-nowhere-else-like-it-day-1.
FRASER ISLAND DAY 2.
GETTING TO THE LAKES:
Our path from Eurong to Lake Mackenzie.
More Bush Tracks.
WE HAD SOME FUN IN THE CAR ON THE WAY (warning:cheesy music).
The weather report was grim and we were expecting the worst, however we woke up to a morning of beautiful blue skies. This lifted our spirits as we had about an hour and a half of rough sand tracks to traverse if we wanted to get to one of the highlights of our trip; Lake Mackenzie. Lake Mackenzie is situated almost in the middle of the island and a little north of where we were staying. From there we planned to see another lake to the south; Birrabeen, and then come out near the Southern tip of the island and drive back up the beach.
LAKE MACKENZIE:
THE AMAZING COLOURS OF LAKE MACKENZIE.
THIS WAS TAKEN IN ABOUT 0.5 METRES OF WATER.
THE WHITE SAND BEACH.
PEACE AND TRANQUILITY CAN BE FOUND.
PANORAMA OF LAKE MACKENZIE (CLICK IT).
AERIAL IMAGE OF LAKE MACKENZIE.
Lake Mackenzie is one of the highlights of any trip to Fraser. It is 1,200 metres long and up to 900 metres wide. It is approximately 150 hectares in area.The sand here is pure, white silica and is not only beautiful to look at but feels silky soft between your toes. The sand acts as a filter, giving the water its clarity and helping to make the water so pure that it actually can support very little life.
You will notice from the aerial image that Lake Mackenzie is what is called a "Perched Lake". This means it contains only rainwater, no groundwater, is not fed by any streams and does not flow to the ocean. All of these things make it quite unique.
People who have dived the lake have reported some fish and freshwater turtles living in the lake. The blues and greens of the lake are endlessly fascinating and it's well worth getting up early to look across it in the soft light of dawn. If you are used to freshwater lakes being dark and dirty then this one is like no other. Cool, freshwater and white sand make you want to splash around in it all day. It's like the ultimate resort lagoon swimming pool.
There are also great camping facilities here, each site having its own camp fire with wood provided. Toilets and cold showers are nearby. The popularity of Mackenzie means that it can get crowded during the day, so arriving early is a good idea.
THIS SHORT VIDEO GIVES SOME NICE AERIAL VIEWS OF THE LAKE (not our video)(no cheesy music)
LAKE BIRRABEEN:
EMPTY, WIDE, WHITE SAND BEACH.
PANORAMA OF LAKE BIRRABEEN (click it).
AERIAL SHOT OF LAKE BIRRABEEN (its the big one in the middle).
Somewhat the forgotten sister, Lake Birrabeen is often overlooked due to the beauty of Mackenzie about 10km up the track. However, don't be fooled, this place is only slightly less stunning and often completely deserted. The day we went, we had the entire lake to ourselves. Similar in size and appearance to Mackenzie, the water for swimming is slightly warmer as the lake remains shallow till a long way out. This made it prefect for swimming on this mild winter's morning. Without the maddening crowds the lake has a more serene and reflective feeling. This is also a perched lake, meaning it only fills with rainwater.
Fraser Island’s traditional name is K’gari and the Traditional Owners are the Butchulla tribe. They have a long and ongoing relationship with the area around the lakes and ask that-
‘Wanya nyin yangu, wanai djinang djaa.’ ‘Wherever you go, leave only footprints".
GOANNAS:
ONE OF THE LOCAL GOANNAS ON THE PROWL.
Fraser Island is home to many Goannas, and a lot of them live around the inland lakes such as Birrabeen. Although they can be quite large, they pose no real threat to humans, and if left alone they will do likewise. The Goanna is actually a Lace Monitor Lizard and can grow up to 2 metres long. Clever Goannas have learned to use the dingo fences to their advantage, as the dingo is their main predator.
75 MILE BEACH:
ENJOYING A COLD DRINK BESIDE ELI CREEK.
EARLY SIGNS OF A BREWING STORM.
INDIAN HEAD WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT TIME (not my pic).
We had planned to spend the rest of the day driving up 75 Mile Beach on the Eastern Side of the island to a place called Indian Head. It was so named in 1770 by Captain Cook when he sailed past and saw aborigines gathering on the rock. It is the most Easterly point on the island and a great place to do some shark spotting. However, the weather was setting in, so we decided not to chance it, and stopped for an afternoon drink and swim at Eli Creek, before heading back to our accommodation.
That's all for now.....Over the next few days I'll be publishing Day 3 of my trip, which includes some more inland tracks, a visit to a sandblow, and KingFisherBay Eco-Resort.
Click here to:
What an amazing looking place. I honestly can't think of another place like it. I just clicked your link for part 1 and read it. Cant wait for the final part. Hope to visit there one day in the future.