Walk along a portion of the safe beaches of Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island – and you get a wondrous taste of a tranquil lifestyle that’s too hard to resist. The island’s untamed wilderness and rugged, natural charm entices from first view.
This World Heritage-listed island is full of contradictions, contrasts and an abundance of beauty. This is where you will have a unique encounter with nature, offering a refreshing change from the hustle of mainland Australia and the resort islands of Queensland’s north.
Sitting on a huge reservoir of fresh water, the island at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, stretches 123km in length and covers an area of 166,038ha. The blue, freshwater lakes are perched in the dunes. Wander along crystal-clear streams as they meander through the leafy greenness of the forest.
Unwind at the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village: an oasis in an ever-changing, living museum.
Nestling among the tree-covered dunes on the edge of the calm blue waters of the Great Sandy Strait, the stunning Kingfisher is picture perfect, offering all the amenities of a modern resort while blending harmoniously with Fraser Island’s sensitive ecological system. It is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, bushwalking, four-wheel driving and just enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of this island.
Accommodation has been designed to minimise any effects on the natural environment, conserve energy and minimise waste. An on-site worm farm turns waste into compost for the resort’s gardens and recycling is a must.
Adding a touch of comfort to a wilderness holiday, there are 152 hotel rooms, over 100 self-contained villas, a 100-bed Wilderness Lodge for groups, four magnificent swimming pools, restaurants, bars, a shopping village and a beauty and massage salon.
No wonder the resort’s won numerous awards by setting benchmarks in environmental tourism! It was voted the Best Beach Resort in Australia by ‘Discovery’s Travel Channel’ and has won six Australian Tourism and nine Queensland Tourism Awards.
Having won the inaugural Steve Irwin award for eco-tourism, you too can live and breathe this philosophy enjoying the resort’s award-winning architecture, landscaping and serene surrounds.
Interpretive rangers are passionate about Fraser Island. One of them is Bec Whyte who was a mine of information and happily shared her knowledge. Take advantage of the resort’s action-packed activity schedule and relish the variety of restaurants.
You must partake of the Bush Tucker Talk and Taste where chef Cort Assenheim, assisted by a resort ranger, presents a variety of bush tucker in their natural state. You become enthusiastic, wanting to steer clear of an unhealthy diet and learn the benefits of nature’s abundant gifts such as lemon myrtle leaf, river peppermint, wild lime, mountain pepper and bush tomato. You also taste kangaroo meat, emu (which is low in fat) and learn of various ways to eat crocodile.
Indulge in Palatable Pairings (wine and food matching session) and learn about the best wines, how to savour them and the best accompaniments to tuna, duck, kangaroo and grain fed beef with resort analyst Saul Gordon. An entertaining way to become educated!
The resort is surrounded by a wealth of plant and animal species. Rare acid frogs, bats and sugar gliders can be seen at night.
There are 354 species of native birds on the island including migratory waders, sea eagles, large colourful parrots, honeyeaters and kingfishers. As well, wildlife can easily be spotted from the hotel room, verandas, the walkways and outdoor pools.
The bountiful plant life provides bush tucker (bush food) and natural medicines. A freshwater creek spills into the ocean close to the resort and is edged by five mangrove species.
The island can be accessed by ferry from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point north of Rainbow Beach or a chartered flight via Maroochydore Airport.
Discovery Group hosted our Fraser Day Tour providing adventure and excitement. A four-wheel drive on the white sandy beaches terminated at the popular tourist area of Lake McKenzie after a leisurely lunch and refreshing freshwater swim. This was where we saw a wild dingo. Located inland from the small town of Eurong, it is a ‘perched’ lake sitting on top of compact sand and vegetable matter 100 metres above sea level. Lake McKenzie has an area of 150 hectares and is just over five metres in depth.
Whether you seek a family-fun holiday, a romantic indulgence, a conference retreat or a wilderness adventure, a visit to Kingfisher Bay Resort and Fraser Island will provide a seamless package that’s not only relaxing, but lifestyle-changing as well.
Details Box
Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island
Toll-free in Australia: 1800 072 555
Email: [email protected]
kingfisherbay.com
