Camping with the dingos on Fraser Island

The group and Merv
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In the morning after putting our large rucksacks in storage and stocking up on pancakes for brekkie, we had to load up our 4wd.   We were given all the necessary stuff (tents, sleeping bags, eskies, stove, plates, food, etc) plus our BYO alcohol.  (Note - we were given food but that didn't stop the group from bringing a ridiculous - even my standards - amount of crisps and chocolate). We did a good job and were the first to get everything loaded up on the roof.  Merv then told us about do's and don'ts of driving and camping on Fraser Island and we were off.

On the way back to Rainbow Beach
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The ferry across to Fraser only took us 5 minutes.  Ursuala took the first turn in driving and we headed to Lake McKenzie.  The 4wd drive there was fun (well I thought so anyway but there were a few screams from other nervous passengers). It was lovely.  The water was so clear, that even though it was freezing it didn't seem to matter.

We had to leave by 3.30pm to get set up camp before sunset.  We, along with the other 4 groups, pitched our tents in Cornwells Camp area (which didn't have toilets, water, etc).   We got stuck in the sand getting in, but were able to push the 4wd out fairly easily. Again our group all pitched in and without too much trouble, we had our camp set up and our first meal cooked and eaten.  We mixed with other groups, did a few drinking games (as seems to be the ritual with any group trip) and sang.  The Irish songs got a bit too much for me and Fi towards the end, so we called it a night around 11.

The group and enough chocolate to feed all of Queensland
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We didn't have a great nights sleep. It was cold and the ground lumpy.  The worse thing was not having a toilet and having to find a tree to squat behind without exposing your arse to the rest of the group.

There were a few sore heads the next morning, but we went up to Indian Head (the furthest point we could go in the 4wd) via the Shipwreck.  The views were fantastic and because the water was so clear, we could make out a mantaray close to the shore.   Afterwards we called into Eli Creek on the way back to camp.  The sea was starting to come back in at that point, but a few of the girls started to go a bit hysterical and were convinced we were going to get stranded.  At absolutely no point were we in any danger.   Fi was good at trying to stop the backseat shreeks, but I just huffed and puffed in between biting my tongue.  I needed a stiff vodka when we got back to camp.

Walking (or crawling) back from Lake Wabby
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The second night was a bit more subdued.  We had our tea and a few social drinks, but all of the groups had a fairly early night.

It was good to pack up the camp the following morning, as everyone was covered in sand and in desperate need of a wash.  We had to be back to catch the ferry at 1.30pm so had time to call in at Lake Wabby.  The map said it was a 20 minute walk.  It lied.  It was at least 40 minutes and included a hike up a sand dune.  I nearly collapsed.  It was worth doing, it was just a shame we spent more time getting there than actually enjoying it.

Lake Wabby
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We offloaded the van without any problem and thankfully weren't hit with any damage charges.  Me and Fi upgraded to our own room.  The shower was bliss and after some dinner crashed.

(29th - 31st July 2007)