Wed, 8th Nov, 2023 Geck Beach House, Woodgate to Central Station Campground, Fraser Island National Park, Qld

Heavy rain shower early in the morning.

Went for our last walk then breakfast. Packed up and headed to Maryborough. Unfortunately the intercooler hose blew off before we got there so we had to pull of the highway and Steve fixed it.

Picked up a few more groceries then on to Hervey Bay. Along the road the hose blew off again so we pulled over. Then a car pulled up and it was David with a co-worker, also David, checking we were ok. Lucky we had left plenty of time before we had to catch the barge across to Fraser Island.

Turned off before we reached Hervey Bay and headed to River Head where the barge departs from. Crested a hill - nice view across to Fraser Island.

Down the hill to the boat ramp and barge site. Is this our barge across to the island?

Walked down the other way to the boat ramp into the Mary River.

Another barge has arrived and anchored too. View from the barge area.

We had lunch in the picnic shelter. The first barge came in and we watched the vehicles who had been waiting in line board the 1pm barge to Kingfisher Bay which is a 10 minute longer ride than our 40 minute trip. They have to back on so they can drive off forward at the other end. Quite a few heading over.

Found some interesting information and a great map.

Interesting rock formation.

Steve let air out of the tyres ready for the sandy tracks on the island. We drove the camper down to the line-up area and waited chatting with some other travellers. It is quite breezy so hopefully we will have a good trip across. I spotted a sting ray leap out of the water twice beside the floating tyre the barges tie up too.

We watched the barge head across to the island. You can just see it left of the white sand cliff.

The Fraser Venture came in for us to board. Low tide was 10.20am (0.81m) and high is 4.30pm (1.64m). We depart at 1.30pm

There is only 3 of us going over to Wanggoolba Creek so they got Steve on first. I stayed on the ramp to take photos. Camper easier to back compared to when Steve backed the caravan onto the ferry to Kangaroo Island. All good.

Once the other vehicles were on I walked on board. We are right at the back.

We walked upstairs - good view from here over the mouth of the Mary River and down a bit.

Another chap backed on and they raised the ramp and off we went.

We headed across the Great Sandy Strait. Looking north at Woody Island. Then we could make out the jetty at Kingfisher Bay and North White Cliffs.

Scanned around from north to south of  part of the Great Sandy Strait and Fraser Island.

Our departure point comes into view - Wanggoolba Creek.

Looking back to the mouth of the Mary River and River Head.

There is only a narrow channel here. Slowly heading in.

Time to depart the barge and onto the island.

The other cars left but we stopped to watch the others load and the boat depart. Lots of mangroves on the other side of the parking area. Steve let some more air out of the tyres. The march flies have found us - they are huge suckers so easy to hit!

Lucky we waited as we heard a rumble and the truck came tearing over the road an around the shed - running late obviously. It was taking a while for them to depart so we decided to head off to find our camp spot for the next week. The welcome sign.

I put the Fraser Island map on the Hema and we headed off. Steve driving in high 4WD. Not too bad to start though we were very happy we weren’t driving along when that truck came hurtling along. Don’t think he was sticking to the 30kph limit!

Found the proper welcome sign further along.

Took photos as we drove along through the different trees etc.

We stopped to let a group of vehicles get around the corner which left it a bit chopped up for us but we got through ok. Some of the tracks are one way which is a relief. Not looking forward to having to pull off when we meet someone.

Continued along - we are amazed at the tall trees. There is a couple of signs indicating what tree is growing there - Cypress Pine, Red Tallowood. Lots of tree roots and in some spots boards have been laid to help with erosion and traction.

Onto a divided road then across to go up to the campground. Hope that’s a one way track as there is no room to meet someone. It is so pretty here and plenty of time for me to take in the views as we are just crawling along in the sand. Steve says it has a firm base so all good.

The campground is surrounded with a electrified wire fence with wires going across the grid we drive over too so dingoes can’t get in. There are two areas here with big toilets and showers in the middle and toilets at the other end where the walkers camp area is.

Chose a spot in the Satinay Campground and dropped off the camper. Plenty of room but with all the tall trees we don’t think we will get much solar support. Will just have to run the truck occasionally to boost the batteries instead.

Read through the brochure we picked up.

Went for a wander - how amazing is this tree.

This was a very big tree and the rest of it is laying here so it wasn’t the result of logging.

We walked through the ‘walkers’ camp area - there is 90km of walking tracks for those keen enough. A bit more sunshine coming through here. Through the gate so no dingo protection now.

We crossed the track, passed the sewerage system then onto the Central Station picnic area. Good warning sign as we just walked over a pile of cones. Would hurt if one fell on your head.

Fabulous stag horns too.

Nice picnic area - we reckon it would be good for us to get better solar power too.

An old info boards - must be more to find according to the legend in the corner.

Newer signs in the shelter shed.

Good information about the dingo.

Continued meandering. Amazing information about the forestry station here. Even an old telegraph pole.

More beautiful stag horns. Some trees have name plaques. Hard to photograph the trees are they are so tall.

Further along is the old garage with an old fuel pump and servicing platforms still in place.

Followed the path down to the creek. Looks all scummy from here then we realised that was the sandy bottom and the water is so clear you can’t see it. Nice boardwalk above the creek. The path divides for the longer walks.

We continued along. This is the Satinay tree (also called Turpentine) - very distinct bark.

Interesting sculpture - no words, just Braille.

Not sure if I have the right palm or fern that relates to the info board.

We came back out to where the warning sign was about the cones dropping. Headed back to our campground then wandered around checking out the other camp sites. Another big tree that came to the end of its life naturally.

Back to the camper for drinks. Lots of bird noise as evening approaches. Dinner and movie as sign said quiet after 9pm, which it was. Cool in here so might need the blanket.