On to Fraser Island

The pack up was slower than expected due to a very heavy overnight dew making everything damp. We arrived at the ferry around 10:30 rather than the planned 9:00 ferry ride. The Manta Ray ferry just goes back and forth to the island as vehicles turn up so there is no set time to be there. We let the tyres down to around 20 psi and headed out to the ferry, no dramas getting the trailer through the soft sand to the ferry, the ride to the island took around 20 mins. Off the ferry onto the beach, there is an inland track/road rather than driving around Hook Point and as high tide was at 12 noon I decided the inland road was the better option. 20 kms later we arrived at beach exit about 5 mins before the vehicles that were on the ferry with us.

On Fraser Island

From here the only option is along the beach and another 21 kms we arrived at Cornwells beach camping. We were able to find a very nice spot several dunes back from the beach with only one entrance and exit all to ourselves.

After setting up camp we drove further along the beach to Happy Valley resort where we had a coffee and once I assured Jacky that I could find my way back to camp in the dark she agreed to pay for dinner at their restaurant for tomorrow night.

Eli Creek

From Happy Valley we went up to Eli Creek, the water level was much lower than when we were here in April 2012, then I was able to swim / float down the creek, today it was just a paddle / walk. Some places were close to waist deep, it never fails to fascinate you the amount of absolute crystal clear fresh water that flows down this creek and out to the ocean.

The dingos were also more noticeable this time, we stopped on the beach and they walk up and sniff around your car looking for any handouts. They have had to close 4 camping areas because the dingos were becoming too much of a nuisance.

Dingos on Fraser Island