Fraser Island lays off the coast of Hervey Bay, just south of the last of the Great Barrier Reef’s coral cays. Being the world’s largest sand island, it stretches for 123km (76 miles) at its widest point and spans 166,000 hectares (640 square miles). James “Jimmy the Jet” Tod from JetSkishop.com took an intimate one week journey to Fraser Island In April 2015, showcasing his passion and the jet ski lifestyle. In his company was Col. Neil, a respected friend and fellow jet ski adventurist, with over 20 years experience with surf life saving.
“It doesn’t matter if you have a $10,000 jet ski or a $20,000 jet ski. It’s about getting out there and living the adventure Jetski lifestyle.” said Tod.
The adventure began at JetSkishop.com HQ, taking two four wheel drives with a Sea-Doo Spark and Kawasaki 300X. After driving to Noosa and staying overnight at North Shore, the crew drove approximately 80km (50 miles) on the beach to reach In Skip Point, catching the ferry across to 75 Mile Beach. The ferry is operated by Manta Ray Fraser Island Barge service, which is a small, locally-owned and independent Australian company, operating seven days a week. A vehicle with trailer/ski costs approximately $170 return.
After arriving on the Island the crew made their way up to their accommodation at Poyungan Rocks which is located approximately 1/3 of the way up on the Eastern side. There, the group enjoyed four-wheel driving to the western side of the island to the sheltered waters of Harvey Bay, and the awe-inspiring beauty of Lake McKenzie which is one of the most visited natural sites on the island with crystal clear water and white super fine sand.
They also journeyed to Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on the eastern coast of the island, offering a number of wooden walkways and the opportunity to swim in the lower reaches. Amazingly, the creek pours approximately four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour. Then, they visited the wreck of SS Maherno, which offers both beautiful backdrop and a sense of history. Built in 1905 as one of the first turbine-driven steamers, Maheno is the most famous of Fraser Island’s wrecks and has become a landmark attraction.
And of course, jet skiing on all sides of the Island. We managed to capture the highlights of our trip, but the remarkable beauty of Fraser Island can only truly be experienced in person. “It’s about adventure, it’s about jet skis, and it’s about getting out there and doing it,” said Tod.
Jetskishop.com Fraser Island from Jimmythejet on Vimeo.
