Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and looks similar to certain scenes from Star Wars. Just a four wheel drive along the east coast beach, or through the inland forests is a mix of ancient rainforest’s and mystical sand dunes.
The large amounts of sand dunes makes it a popular destination for Sand Safaris. In order to enjoy this destination, however, you need a four wheel drive, as a regular car would become destroyed due to the lack of paved roads.
Self driving tours have also become more popular as they are more coast efficient. The tour consists of 9 individuals, friends and strangers mixed, a rented four wheel drive and instructions. They then head out in a convoy for three days and two nights. There are both advantages and disadvantages to this type of tour. Some advantages include the low coast, the choice to decide what to see and where to go, as well as the ability to make new friends. Some disadvantages include, having an inexperienced driver, the change of a fatal crash and the possibility that the group may not get along.
If you are not keen on the idea of sharing your safari with strangers you also have the choice to hire your own 4WD. These cars can be hired from Harvey Beach, Rainbow Beach and Fraser Island. You are then required to put down a large credit card deposit, that will not be returned should you drive through salt water, and you must watch a driving instructional video.
The Island is home to a fantastic array of wildlife including the purest strain of Dingo in Australia. Dingoes can appear quite tame at first especially around camp grounds but they are wild animals and their only interest in people is the food that they leave. This can be harmful to both campers and dingoes. In April 2001, Fraser Island was the setting for a controversial dingo cull following the killing of a nine year old boy. This is a sad tragedy as Dingoes are highly intelligent and sensitive animals and if they had not been fed and encouraged to visit the camp grounds by tourists, neither event would have happened.
When shopping for car hire Queensland, the one place relied on most often is www.budget.com.au. Be sure to look at them before making a final decision on any car hire. They have car hire Brisbane and many other destinations. You will not be disappointed!
