Australia 2004

Fraser Island

Two hours north of Noosa and we arrive at Hervey Bay our departure point for Fraser Island.  Once a centre for whale hunting, it is now one of the best places in Australia for whale watching (in the right months).

A slightly tongue-in-cheek combination of exhibits on the harbour front

Our 'fast-cat' to Fraser Island.

oooh...it's fast!

Fraser Island is the world's biggest sand island.  It looks too green and lush, but it's ecology is one of the many wonders of the place.  Rainforest and some 200 freshwater lakes dot the landscape, that considering it is 120km by 15km surface area and enormous depth it contains more sand than the Sahara Desert.

The Kingfisher Bay resort is hidden carefully in the forest of what is a World Heritage listed site.

The impressive foyer.

Swimming pool

The hotel is dotted with these 'window lakes' which are just the natural water table exposed.

The rooms are carefully blended into the rainforest to achive minimal impact.  The rules and regulations regarding waste and chemicals etc are very strict.

Our local explorer

Ranger Mel took us up to the lookout for an afternoon walk.

The view was worth the climb.

Scribble Gum tree

The scribbles are formed by a worm burrowing under the bark and causing the tree to excrete sweet sap. They zig-zag to ensure that they cut at least three veins of sap.

Sunset Cruise

We indulged and went on a champagne sunset cruise in Pete's brand new catamaran the Blue Dolphin

It's rough! ...but someone has to do it!!!

...there's something about being under sail and sipping champagne.

...even Kairen's enjoying the boat ride AND the champagne

(she got really pissed!)

Our select group (of six)

the sunset....

I'm chilled!

Dee and Andy

Pete and Cath 

(this was just after he had proposed to her on one knee as the sun went down)

Congratulations!

I think that we enjoyed this...