Nestled close to the Queensland coast and just 190km north of Brisbane is one of Australia's unique wilderness areas, Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world.

Stretching over 123km and rising to a height of 244metres, Fraser Island stands as a testimony to the all-powerful forces of nature. Wind and sea have carried its sands from Australia's east coast and formed a touch of paradise Down Under.

The island was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 1992 for its outstanding natural features.

Management

The Queensland Government has recognised the importance of providing sensible management of the recreational use of Fraser Island. This has resulted in the declaration of the Fraser Island Recreation Area. Recreation management is now coordinated under the authority of Recreation Areas Management Act 1988. The day-to-day management of this area is being undertaken by the Department of Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Service (QNPWS).

Permits

All vehicles entering the island (except landholders' vehicles and other specially exempt vehicles) must have a Vehicle Access Permit and be registered under the Main Roads Act (1920-1984). The permit must be fixed to your windscreen before entry. Please don't attach the Vehicle Access Permit until you reach the barge. This will allow the entry date to be altered by an authorised officer (at permit issuing offices) if you are unavoidably delayed.

Permits are also required in advance for camping in the Fraser Island Recreational Area, covering almost the whole of the Island. These permits are not valid for private camping areas (Dilli Village and Cathedral Beach Resort). Please refer to the Department of Environment's Fraser Island visitor information sheet for details of fees. An information kit is also available with the purchase of your permit.

Permit Issuing offices are located at:

• Brisbane Level 3/400 George Street Brisbane  1300 130372
• Gympie Q.NPWS Bruce Highway (07) 5482 4189
• Maryborough Q.NPWS Cnr Lennox & Alice Sts (07) 4123 7100
• Bundaberg Q.NPWS Quay St (07) 4153 8620
• Hervey Bay City Council, 77 Tavistock St, Torquay (07) 4125 0222
• Marina Kiosk Buccaneer Dve., Urangan Boat Harbour (07) 4128 9800
• River Heads General Store Ariadne St (07) 4125 7133
• Rainbow Beach Q.NPWS Rainbow Beach Rd (07) 5486 3160

Bookings can be made on 137468

Access

Access to Fraser Island is by vehicular barges, aircraft, passenger launches, commercial tours and private boats. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are the only practical means of travelling on the island. Please refer to the section above on Permits for information on entry requirements.

Barge services

A number of vehicular ferries run to Fraser Island on a daily basis. Some operate from Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach across the southern end of the island. Barges also operate daily from the Urangan Boat Harbour and River Heads at Hervey Bay to destinations at Moon Point, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village and Wanggoolba Creek on the mainland side of the island.

4WD Hire Vehicles

Most of the roads and tracks are sand. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed both inland and on the beaches. 4WD Rentals hire are in Brisbane. It is advisable to book early for peak holiday periods.

Air Services

You can fly to the island from Brisbane, Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach, Maryborough and Noosa. Airstrips are located at Toby's Gap (managed by Dept of Environment QNPWS), one near the Wanggoolba Creek barge landing (managed by Eurong Beach Resort) and another at Orchid Beach (managed by Orchid Beach ALA). Pilots must obtain permission from the relevant manager to use these strips. Various air charter services operate to the eastern beach at Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedral Beach and Orchid Beach. Helicopter transfers may be arranged from Hervey Bay to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village, Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedral Beach Tourist Resort and Orchid Beach.

Launch Services

A regular fast cat ferry service operates from Urangan Boat Harbour to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village seven days a week. A variety of charter boats and cruise boats operate from Hervey Bay Boat Harbour. You can choose either a trip combining boat and island transport or 41boat cruise along the mainland side of the island. Houseboats and sailing yachts are also available for charter from Maryborough and Tin Can Bay.

Island Tours

The many daily tours of Fraser, departing from Noosa, Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay, will give you a taste of the island's best known features. Other tours operate from accommodation centres at Eurong Beach Resort, Happy Valley Resort and Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village. See the Queensland Government Travel Centre or your local tourist agent for bookings.

Accommodation

Fraser Island offers a variety of accommodation options - from the comfort of modern resorts to the simple pleasures of camping.  

Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village is on the western side of the island facing Great Sandy Strait. It has modern luxury hotel accommodation and private villas for rental. Resort facilities include tennis courts, swimming pools, a range of restaurants, TV, reference library, tours and water sport activities. Day-trippers are welcomed and catered for at various amenities on the resort complex. Happy Valley, on the ocean side, is the largest settlement on the island. Here, there are luxury lodges fully serviced as well as self-contained flats which accommodate up to six people. The store at Happy Valley sells food, liquor, petrol and gas. A licensed restaurant is available.

Eurong, some 34km north of the Hook Point barge landing, also offers a range of accommodation. Motel-style twin units either with or without private facilities, self-contained A- frame houses and holiday flats can make your stay very comfortable. The amenities include hot showers, septic toilets and a laundry. The township has a well-equipped store and a restaurant.

Cathedral Beach Tourist Resort, just north of the Maheno wreck, offers a camping ground and general store with take-away foods. Unit accommodation is available.

Dilli Village is situated 24kms from the southern tip of the island. The camp has accommodation with or without private facilities. Camp sites are available. Reservations are essential and must be made direct with Dilli Village by phoning 07 4127 9130.

Orchid Beach, just north of Waddy Point, has a number of houses available for holiday rental. The township has a general store and service station.

Accommodation can be booked through 4WD Reantals any travel agent or the Queensland Government Travel Centres.

Camping

Camping on Fraser Island is a memorable experience. You will enjoy discovering the true beauty of this unspoilt wilderness.

There are 8 main camping areas - six managed by the Department of Environment (QNPWS), and two operated privately.

Developed camping areas are provided by the Dept of Environment (QNPWS) at Central Station, Lake Boomanjin, Lake McKenzie, Dundubara, Waddy Point and Wathumba. Facilities include toilets, showers, picnic tables, barbecues and limited supplies of wood are provided. Campers need to bring non-wood stoves as firewood is not always available. Beach camping is permitted along sections of the east and west coasts. Some areas will be periodically closed to camping to allow revegetation and to prevent excessive erosion. These areas will be clearly signposted. Camping permits are required, please refer to Permits for information. Camping is not permitted within 50 metres of a lake, watercourse or stream.

All domestic animals are prohibited from the Recreation Area except for guide dogs" for the disabled - a permit is required.

Private camping areas are located at Dilli Village and Cathedral Beach. Facilities include toilets, showers and barbeques. Queensland Recreation and Management Board (QRAMB) permit to camp are not required for these privately operated camping areas.

Wherever you stay on Fraser, live in harmony with the natural environment. The 'Environmental Code 'in this publication will help you to do the right thing at all times.

Walking Tracks

Walking is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of Fraser Island. An extensive system of short walks is described in the Fraser Island walkingtrack guide (available with your permit). Also, a recommended investment is the Fraser Island Forest Lakes Walking Track brochure which describes in more detail what to look for along the walking trail around the southern lakes and forests. In its entirety, the Trail represents a 3-5 day hike, or may be taken in sections as a series of short walks.

The Lakes

Fraser Island is renowned for its freshwater lakes, some crystal clear and others stained dark brown by organic matter. Two basic types of lakes occur on the island - "Window Lakes", which occur when the surface of the ground falls below the water table, and "Perched Lakes" which are held by impermeable sandrock in depressions between sand dunes well above the level of the water table. Watertable window lakes are less common landscape features than Perched lakes on Fraser Island and include Lake Wabby, Ocean Lake and possibly Yankee Jack Lake. All the other major lakes are thought to be perched lakes.

One of the more beautiful is Lake Boomanjin. It covers some 200ha and is the largest perched lake in the world. The combination of tea-coloured water washing onto sandy shores lined with melaleucas makes this lake one of the most picturesque on the island. A camping area is situated near the lake and is the starting point for two walking trails which twist their way through unusual and interesting vegetation.

Lake McKenzie, in the midst of a rich blackbutt forest, is one of the most popular lakes on Fraser. Its crystal-blue water makes it an inviting and refreshing swimming spot. Good camping and picnic facilities are provided near this lake.

Lake Birrabeen is another clear water lake that appears crystal blue in certain conditions and is ideal for swimming. Day use picnic facilities only are available.

Lake Wabby is the deepest of the lakes on the island. The serene beauty of this deep-blue lake surrounded by tall trees is being encroached by a massive sand blow which may eventually engulf it. The grandeur of this scene is best appreciated from the Lake Wabby Lookout. Warning: Water depth is deceptive and is often shallower than it appears. Serious injury could result from running or diving into the lake.

Lake Allom is an attractive small lake with natural Hoop Pine forests as a backdrop. Home to many tortoises - feel free to look, but do not feed them.

Lake Bowarrady is not as accessible as many of the other lakes, but its scenic delights are well worth the effort involved in getting there. One of the highest perched lakes in the world, Bowarrady is a naturalist's paradise. Access by foot only.

Hidden Lake, in the centre of the island, is so named because it is concealed in a deep depression veiled by giant trees. A variety of wildflowers lines the shores, providing spectacular scenes from July to September. Access by foot only. Boomerang Lakes are the highest perched lakes in the world, nestled high up in the inland dune systems and are well worth a passing visit.

The Wrecks

The sandy shores of Fraser Island have become a graveyard for many ships over the centuries.

In 1864, an American barque the Panama was driven ashore near Rooney's Point. The Chang Chow, a steamer carrying Chinese back from the goldfields, was wrecked on Breaksea Spit in 1884. Two famous wrecks still in existence today are the Marloo and the Maheno. The Marloo was an ex Italian luxury vessel beached in 1914 behind Waddy Point. If you are a keen scuba diver, you will find her remains off Orchid Beach.

The Maheno, the most famous of the Fraser Island wrecks, was driven ashore just north of Happy Valley during a cyclone in 1935. Once a well known trans-Tasman liner, the Maheno was bound for a Japanese wrecking yard when she met her stormy end. Today, the deteriorating hull rests helplessly on the beach about 10km north of Happy Valley. It is not safe to climb over this wreck.

Coloured Sands

Fraser Island has many outstanding natural features but few are as spectacular as its rich coloured sands which stretch for some 35 km north from Happy Valley.

The Cathedrals, towering cliffs of multi-coloured sands sculptured by the wind, are composed of over 70 differently coloured sands ranging from brilliant white through ochre to jet black.

Another- -impressive coloured-sand formation is Rainbow Gorge near Happy Valley. A trail leads from the beach to the top of the gorge through the splendour of one of the island's most colourful treasures.

Indian Head

One of only four rocky outcrops, Indian Head is Fraser's most prominent landmark. The cliffs of this massive whale-like volcanic formation tower some 60 metres above the sea, giving excellent views.

Indian Head is also one of the best fishing spots. During the tailor season in winter, the rocks are popular with fishermen chasing the "big catch". Beware of waves breaking over rocks.

The Aquarium

"The Aquarium" or "Champagne Pools" are the names given to the bubbling seawater rock pools at the base of Middle Rocks. The pools are ideal for swimming. Beware of waves breaking over rocks.

Central Station

Central Station was originally established as a forestry camp back in 1920. Today, the site is an information centre as well as a picturesque camping and picnic area. Here, you can become a part of nature, pitching your tent amidst tall hoop and kauri pines fringed with large staghorns. Central Station is the best area for viewing Wanggoolba Creek's rare ferns, however please use the boardwalk and do not walk in the creek.

Pile Valley

Situated between Central Station and Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley is home to some of the tallest timber on the island. A forest of giant satinay trees towers up to 70 metres high. Logs from areas near Pile Valley were used in the construction of the Suez Canal in Egypt in the 1920's.

Eli Creek

This is the largest freshwater creek along the east coast. Over four million litres of water flow from its mouth into the ocean every hour. The swift current makes swimming in the creek, which is surrounded by banksia and pandanus trees, a refreshing and invigorating experience - Only swim in the stream adjacent to the boardwalk. Please comply with the closure of the creek upstream from the bridge. This area has been set aside for revegetation. The swift current also makes 4WD crossings at the mouth, dangerous at high tide.

Wanggoolba Creek

The fresh cool waters of Wanggoolba Creek flow silently over a bed of green coloured sand among some of the most luxuriant forest on the island. Walking along the constructed boardwalk is an ideal way to gain full value of the newly signed descriptions of the creek ecosystem. Central Station is the best area from which to view the creek. The forest gradually closes in, allowing only filtered sunlight to highlight the broad leaves of lush tropical palms and ferns which line the banks. One of these ferns, botanically known as the Angiopteris fern, dates back to prehistoric times.

These and many other beauty spots can only be preserved if you follow the 'Environmental Code'detailed further on.

Fishing

Fraser Island is one of Queensland's most prolific fishing areas. Although most renowned for its beach fishing, especially during the winter months, Fraser also offers good estuarine and offshore fishing. Fishing is prohibited in all freshwater lakes and streams.

The surf gutters along the ocean beaches provide "all-season angling". During the warmer months, the beach gutters generally abound in whiting, swallowtail, flathead and tarwhine. The cooler winter months bring on tailor and bream with swallowtail providing a good stand-by all year round.

Off the rocky headlands from Indian Head to Waddy Point, all the normal rock species can be taken along with tailor. Schools of mulloway frequent these headlands in the tailor season. Beware of waves breaking over rocks.

The waters of Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait through to Inskip Point provide excellent opportunities for the estuarine angler both from the shore and by boat. From Sandy Cape to Hook Point, the whiting fishing is probably the best anywhere in Queensland with &. season lasting from July to March. Flathead, swallowtail, bream and tarwhine are resident nearly all year round and can readily be caught from the bank in 'any of the estuarine areas. For the boating enthusiast, the calm estuary waters of Great Sandy Strait boast many species ranging from cod to mackerel. The succulent Queensland mud crab can be trapped in any of the mangrove areas or creeks.

The fishing grounds offshore from Waddy Point are unique as they are inhabited by the northern coral species as well as the southern reef species. Calm launching areas can be found behind Indian Head and Waddy Point for small trailerable boats. The offshore reefs are exceptionally good for reef fish and have the added attraction of mackerel during the summer months.

Protect our future fish resource and only take what you really need.

Please check with Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (071) 23 7722 for information on possible fishing restrictions and limitations.

Fishing camps can quickly become an eyesore unless care is taken with litter Please recycle glass and aluminium and ensure that rubbish is disposed of correctly.

Flora

The Island's transition forest is the most interesting feature of the flora. These develop as tall stands of satinay and brushbox and mass together with piccabean palms and kauri pine to harbor a lush understorey. Satinays, the most magnificent trees on the island, are easily recognised with their rough bark, dark fleshy leaves and straight trunk reaching some 70 metres or more towards the sky. They are almost exclusively found in the centre of the island with the most impressive areas being at Pile Valley, between Central Station and Lake McKenzie.

Blackbutt is a common species which formed a major component of the timber industry in the past. It is usually found on the tops of ridges surrounding the transition forest areas. The best areas of blackbutt forests are around Lake McKenzie and Central Station.

Another of the more common species on Fraser is the scribbly gum. It is characterised by distinctive scribbles left in its white mottled bark by burrowing insects. These trees can grow up to 20 metres high and are particularly common on the northern areas of the island.

Cypress forests edge parts of the mainland side of Fraser. These trees are unmistakable with their dark fern-like foliage, dark grooved bark and straight cylindrical trunks, some of which are over a metre in diameter. The low-lying coastal and swampy areas support paperbark forests. Paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) has adapted to the sandy environment better than most, although many of the trees have been contorted into weird and wonderful shapes by their struggle in windy conditions.

In the wildflower season (July to September), Fraser's face again changes as the heaths abound in shades of pink, mauve, blue and yellow wildflowers.

Fauna

Fraser Island's fauna may not be as varied as its flora, but it is just as interesting. There are about 25 species of mammals including dingoes, possums, echidnas and occasional wallabies. Many of the large land-dwelling animals common to the mainland are not found on the island. There are no emus or kangaroos.

The dingoes of Fraser are said to be the purest strand of dingo remaining in eastern Australia. This is attributed to their isolation from domestic dogs. They have become familiar with people and their vehicles, and venture into campsites and other places used by visitors. An unnatural situation created by the behaviour of people can result in aggressive behaviour by dingoes towards visitors to the island. Be wary of dingoes. Always stay with your children, and it is best not to walk on beaches alone. NEVER feed dingoes or try to attract their attention. Keep your food in lockable containers, or in your vehicle. Put rubbish directly in bins or in your vehicle. Obey the advice in brochures obtained with your permit from the Dept of Environment (QNPWS).

The freshwater lakes not only add to Fraser's scenic beauty but also provide a habitat for some rather unusual animals. A previously undiscovered species of sunfish has been found in Lake Boomanjin, Lake Wabby and Red Lagoon. The carpgudgeon, found usually only in the Murray-Darling River systems, has been found in the lakes. There are also the "acid frogs', - a range of freshwater animals which have adapted to the acidic waters of the lakes. Reptiles include a variety of snakes and lizards and the large sand goanna.

The most abundant and beautiful of Fraser's animal community is its bird population. There are more than 240 varieties. The list includes some well known varieties such as the cockatoos, kingfishers, pied oyster catchers, crows and pelicans and others like the jabirus, ospreys and peregrine falcons which are less common.

Fraser Island is a protected area. The use of firearms is totally prohibited and all fauna is protected.

History

Long before the appearance of Europeans on the east coast of Australia, Fraser Island was inhabited by numerous Aboriginal clans known collectively as the Butchulla people. The Butchulla had an elaborate system of social ties and developed a complex pattern of land-use focused on the island's rich sea-foods. Government Protector of Aborigines in the mid 1850's, Archibald Meston, estimated the Aboriginal population of the island to be between 2000 and 3000. The late 1800's saw many of the remaining Butchullas already hard hit by European diseases brought to Bogimbah Mission, then located on the island's west coast. Following closure of the mission in 1904, many of its residents continued living in the district, forming the basis of today's Butchulla people. Evidence of early Aboriginal life on the island can be seen in the form of shell middens, stone tools and scarred trees.

Captain Cook is credited with being the first European to sight Fraser Island. He skirted its eastern shore in 1770 and supposed it to be a long headland. Cook named Indian Head (after the number of Aborigines assembled on this huge rock formation), Sandy Cape and Breaksea Spit.

It was not until 1822 that Captain William Edwardson, while searching for a river location suitable for a penal settlement, overturned previous European notions by discovering that the "Great Sandy Peninsula" was an island.

The most colourful episode in Fraser Island's history began in 1836 with the wreck of the Stirling Castle east of Mackay. The captain of the ship was James Fraser. He, his wife Eliza and surviving crew members drifted for several weeks at sea before sighting the shores of Fraser Island and were then taken by the Aborigines. Five of the survivors, including Captain Fraser, perished before rescue parties arrived from Brisbane. Mrs. Fraser won worldwide notoriety with her dramatic account of her time in captivity.

In 1842, Andrew Petrie discovered good land on the island and recognised the commercial potential of its timber. However it was 1863 before logging operations began near Wanggoolba Creek. The timber was first harvested by John 'Yankee Jack" Piggott who cut kauri pine and rafted the logs to Dundathu Mill on the mainland.

The increasing number of wrecks- -in the vicinity of Fraser Island led to the construction of a lighthouse near Sandy Cape in 1870. A quarantine station was established on the west coast of the island during the immigration programmes of the 1880's, but was later abandoned.

Fraser's tourist worth was first realised at the turn of the century and its popularity grew steadily from the 1930's through to the 1970's. The spotlight really fell on the island in 1971 when the mining of large deposits of black mineral sands began. After much public controversy, mining was stopped in 1976 following the recommendation of a Commission of Inquiry established by the Federal Government.

Until January 1992, a substantial part of the island was State Forest. This area was managed for environmental protection, recreation and timber production. The long history of the timber industry on the island was stopped in December 1991 by the Queensland Government after considering recommendations from its Commission of Inquiry into the Conservation, Management and use of Fraser Island and the Great Sandy Region.

Comprising almost totally National Park, Fraser Island today is a haven for thousands of Australians and many overseas visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

With your co-operation, Fraser Island's unspoilt beauty can be preserved for all times.

Medical

Fraser Island does not have a resident doctor. Visitors are advised to carry a well equipped first-aid kit at all times. Emergency medical assistance can be obtained from Ranger Stations at Eurong, Central Station, Waddy Point and Dundubara. Kingfisher Bay has first aid facilities and resident nursing staff MECHANICAL REPAIRS Limited mechanical repairs can be carried out at Eurong and Orchard Beach on the island, or at Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay on the mainland. A towing service also operates from Eurong, Yidney Rocks and Happy Valley.

Supplies

There are general stores at Happy Valley, Eurong and Cathedral Beach Resort which are well stocked with everything from groceries and liquor to camping and fishing equipment, fuel, bait and ice. Small shops are also located at Orchid Beach and kingfisher Bay Resort and Village.

Telephones

Public telephones have been installed at Happy Valley, Kingfisher Bay, Dundubara, Indian Head, Orchid Beach, Eurong, Waddy Point, Central Station, Cathedral Beach Tourist Resort and Yidney Rocks Cabins (bypass road).

Postal Services

Post boxes and stamps can be obtained at Eurong, Happy Valley, Cathedral Beach, Orchid Beach and Kingfisher Bay and there is a post box at Dundubara.

Restaurants

Eurong has a pleasant restaurant and bar-lounge overlooking the resort's swimming pool. A barbecue or evening bistro in the tropical garden setting is available. Happy Valley Resort has a modern licensed restaurant. It's construction features Fraser Island's beautiful hardwoods. Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village has a pizzeria, bakery and several restaurants ranging from casual, relaxed family eating to a la carte dining.

Fire Brigades

Fires should be reported to the Department of Environment, National Parks and Wildlife Service at:
Eurong Phone 27 9128
Dundubara Phone 27 9138
Central Station Phone 27 9191
Waddy Point Phone 27 9190
Bush Fire Brigades are also located at:
Happy Valley Phone 27 9144
Orchid Beach Phone 27 9129
Kingfisher Bay Phone 20 3333
Eurong Phone 27 9120

ENVIRONMENTAL CODE - Do's and Don'ts

 

Environmental Code

Show care for the natural environment, particularly native animals and plants.

Camping

Avoid digging trenches around tents. Be considerate of others by maintaining the quiet peaceful environment. Spare a thought for those who will next use your campsite. Pay special attention to hygiene and leave the site clean. Camping on the beach is permitted anywhere except near streams and where signs prohibit camping. Inland camping is only permitted at constructed campgrounds.

Lakes and Streams

Don't use soaps, toothpastes and detergents in lakes and streams. These promote the growth of algae and can contaminate drinking water. Sunscreens can also affect the quality of lakes. Wear a shirt and apply sunscreens after your swim. Camp at least 50 metres from a watercourse or lake. Power boats and vehicles are not permitted on or in the lakes. They cause pollution and bank erosion.

Fire

Preferably use a fuel stove. It is illegal to collect firewood in the Fraser Island Recreation Area, including road verges. A limited amount of firewood is usually available in the developed campgrounds and from near the ONPWS Eurong Information Office. Use one armful per camp per night. Remember, the coastal vegetation plays an important role in dune stabilisap6n and provides a valuable resource for campers and wildlife giving shade and protection from the sun, wind and sand. Conserve wood - do not build large camp and cooking fires. Observe fire bans. A campfire can easily become a wildfire. Use fireplaces provided and light fires only in areas clear of natural vegetation. Do not light fires on beaches surrounding lakes. Extinguish all fires with water before leaving the area. Coals retain heat when covered with sand. Sand can then be blown off, posing a risk to people in bare feet. Never leave fires unattended.

Refuse

Place your rubbish in the bins provided or take it back to a mainland rubbish dump. Separate recyclable glass, aluminium cans and plastic from rubbish and deposit in appropriate bins. Don't put bulky items in bins on the beach, put them in the large Bulk Bins at old refuse sites at Eurong, Yidney Rocks, Waddy Point and south of Dundubara. Do not bury rubbish, other than fish offal which should be buried well below the high tide mark and have at least 15cm of sand cover to avoid being dug up by animals or exposed by wind and water erosion. When camping without toilet facilities, dig a deep pit toilet at least 50metres away from creeks. Don't forget to cover the pit when leaving.

Sand Driving

Drive carefully, beware of gutters and ledges from creek and tide washouts and beware of ledges on the beach. Do not travel at night and travel as close as possible to low tide times.

Reduce tyre pressure for soft-sand driving.
Normal road rules apply on the beach. Keep to the left of on-coming vehicles and do not speed. A maximum speed of 80km/h on the beach and 35km/h on the inland roads is permitted, though lower speeds are advised.
Use indicators when approaching on-coming vehicles to show direction of passing.
Drive safely at all times. Do not do tight turns or donuts on the beach. Never carry passengers standing up in the back, riding outside the cabin or riding on car bonnets or bullbars as it is dangerous. Fines will be imposed for these practices.
Slow down when passing parked vehicles or people on 'the beach. Pedestrians often cannot hear approaching vehicles above the sound of the surf.
Help prevent erosion. Keep to the roads and formed tracks. Use only four wheel drive vehicles and keep 4WD engaged at all times on island tracks to prevent damage.

Avoid sharp cornering as deflated tyres may roll off the rims.
Walk through unfamiliar creeks to check the depth and softness of the sand before crossing.

Load the vehicle evenly. Do not overload. Remember to leave easy access to the jack, spare tyre, tow rope, shovel and "wet start" spray. Pack only light items on the roof rack.

Use low gear and low range when crossing rock outcrops on the eastern beach.
Show caution in crossing Eli Creek, as it carries a high volume of water and often has steep banks.

Exercise caution on the western beach as sand may obscure peat bogs and buried seaweed.

Never attempt to cross Wathumba Creek estuary or Moon Creek inlet on the western side of the island.

Ensure that your vehicle is mechanically sound. Carry essential spares, water, extra fuel and a first-aid kit.