Best of the Fraser Island Great Walk Product Overview, 2021

Explore the wonders of the Fraser Island Great Walk.

FRASER ISLAND HIKING BEST OF THE GREAT WALK

PRODUCT OVERVIEW FRASER ISLAND

HIKING best of the great walk

(best of the great walk)

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Contents Page 4

Why hike Fraser Island with us?

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About the walk

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Our Philosophy

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The walk at a glance

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Itinerary & Map

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Daily itineraries

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Accommodation

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Catering & Meals

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What to bring

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Terms & Conditions

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Meet the team

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Why hike Fraser Island with us?

Fraser Island, known by its traditional name K’gari, located in Queensland on the East coast of Australia, provides visitors with unimaginable unique landscapes. Discover spectacular sand blows with incredible views, majestic ancient tall rainforests growing on sand and half of the world’s perched freshwater lakes. Fraser Island Hiking offers the most diverse hiking options on World Heritage Fraser Island, focusing on small packfree group walks (maximum six). This shows visitors the beautiful natural spaces and the unique, diverse, less travelled landscapes of Fraser Island. Fraser Island Hiking is a professional, well established company that provides high quality nature based tours that are environmentally sustainable, customer driven and run by an enthusiastic team of staff that have a wealth of knowledge and experience.

There are over 90km of stunning hiking trails available along the Fraser Island Great Walk, waiting to be enjoyed and experienced with one of our exclusive hiking packages.

Fraser Island is Butchulla land and Fraser Island Hiking would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of K’gari (Fraser Island) and pay respect to their Elders, past and present of the land and country we are privileged to visit.

Great walk start point 4

Experience, Explore & Discover 5

About the walk This one of a kind luxury walk is not offered elsewhere on Fraser Island, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walkers will experience the unimaginable beauty of diverse landscapes, from the coastal bush-land, through the heart of the rainforest, to pristine, white sand freshwater lakes.

Discover the ancient towering giant trees in the Valley of the Giants, experience teatree infused wilderness lakes and explore the sand flats and rust coloured creeks of Lake Boomanjin; the largest perched lake in the world. Witness the magnificent giant king ferns and meandering clear fresh-waters of Wanggoolba Creek in Pile Valley. Be immersed in the peace of Basin Lake, take a dip in the green water or transverse around the water’s edge. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the famous Lake McKenzie and relax on the pure white silica sand and reflect. As walkers wander through the serene bush of K’gari, they may discover a myriad of birds, shy echidnas, dingoes, goannas and an abundance of native flora. Walking is a truly rich experience, exploring and discovering the best natural wonders in a peaceful, calm environment with total tranquillity.

(Explore the wonders )

Lake benaroon

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Our Philosophy We believe that the only way to truly enjoy the amazing natural environment that Fraser Island has to offer is by walking. By walking it allows the hiker to see the small natural wonders at a deeper level, for those that want to see the side of Fraser Island that is missed when travelling by 4wd or on a bus tour. Slowing down and walking the bush tracks allows one to experience the microcosm of this unique landscape; the everchanging vegetation, the small native flora and fauna. We offer this truly unique luxury walking experience to allow our customers to walk immersed in total tranquillity!

Our team is knowledgeable and professional with years of experience in walking, ecotourism, luxury accommodation and the environment of Fraser Island.

The team is also committed to preserving the environment and reducing our ecological footprint and impact on the environment, in both the office and on the Island. We proudly hold an Eco Certification from Eco Tourism Australia, one of our first priorities when setting up this experience. We review and update our policies to be informed with the latest sustainable practices. Creating a sustainable walking experience, while minimising the impact on the Island environment and its precious ecosystems is our high priority.

[Eco footprint] 7

The walk at a glance 4 day, 3 night

Deluxe accommodation

40km total walking (approx.)

Carry day bag only

Average fitness, walking experience

March - October

Private 4WD transfers

COVID-19 safe plan

A mix of terrain, including bush, rainforest and beach tracks

Fraser Island’s best sites; lakes and rainforest (including Lake Mckenzie)

What is included Return transfers; barge and 4wd vehicle transfers from Hervey Bay accommodation to Waiuta Retreat (Fraser Island) on day 1 and day 4, then daily 4wd transfers to the walk meeting points on the Great Walk track.

Deluxe Accommodation; 3 Nights at Waiuta Retreat (private house) at Kingfisher Bay, with views of the Great Sandy Strait. Double, twin or single share available. Shared bathrooms.

All food and beverages; including track snacks, afternoon cheese platter and nibbles, complimentary beer, champagne, red or white wine with dinner. 4 lunches, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts.

National Park passes.

Two qualified guides during the walk: Interpretation guide; on the ground guide walking with the hikers providing information on the environment, flora and fauna. Support guide; operating the 4wd transfers from the accommodation to the meeting points on the track, preparation of lunch while hikers walk, organisation of food etc.

All linen at the accommodation, bath towels, face washers, hand towels. Personal sustainable toiletries provided (soap, shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser).

Hand sanitiser, first aid kit, emergency radio.

Note: Check the ‘what to bring’ list on page 18.

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[ walk in Total tranquillity]

Lake Boomanjin

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Itinerary at a glance Day

Walk Section

Terrain

Distance (km)

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McKenzie’s Jetty, Kingfisher Bay and surroundings

Bush and beach walking

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2

Valley of the Giants, Petrie’s Subtropical rainforest and Camp, Lake Garawongera mixed forest walking

10 - 12

3

Lake Boomanjin, Lake Benaroon

Hills, beach walking, mixed forest tracks

15

4

Pile Valley, Central Station, Basin Lake, Lake McKenzie

Subtropical rainforest, tall eucalypt with some boardwalks

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Itinerary, distances and times outlined are rough estimates and a guide only. These are subject to change and may depend on group, walking speed and track access. If in the unlikely event of an itinerary change, any alternate routes used will provide a similar itinerary utilising locations along the Great Walk track, where there is an abundance of stunning scenery to explore!

Lake McKenzie 10

Itinerary Map Petrie's Camp Historical Site

Dipuying Nursery Historical Site

Lake Garawongera

M12 Day 2

Valley of the Giants Kingfisher Bay Waiuta Retreat

Giant Satinay

Day 1

McKenzie’s Jetty

Lake McKenzie

Day 4

Basin Lake Central Station

Pile Valley

Lake Benaroon Day 3

Lake Boomanjin

Dilli Village

Existing walking tracks Accommodation Location Lunch Location N 4WD pick up (end) Departure point 1

2km

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McKenzie’s jetty

Itinerary

DAY 1 - Welcome day, Coastal Walk, McKenzie’s Jetty • Arrive at the Fraser Island Hiking Office, Hervey Bay, at 12pm for a meet and greet with guides and fellow walkers.

• Travel to the River Heads barge landing ready to board the 1pm ferry to Fraser Island.

Arrive at the accommodation at Kingfisher Bay and check into the rooms while lunch is served.

• Begin the afternoon with a gentle walk from the back of Kingfisher Bay to McKenzie’s Jetty through the dune forest.

• Walk back to Kingfisher Bay along Fraser Island’s western, sheltered beach. Admire the sunset and panoramic views.

• Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the Jetty Hut as the afternoon sun sets on the horizon, before being transferred back up to the accommodation.

• Relax with fellow walkers over drinks and canapes (this is an opportunity for down time before dinner is served).

• Indulge in a delicious gourmet dinner and dessert before retiring for the evening.

Kingfisher Bay Waiuta Retreat McKenzie’s Jetty

2-3 hours

Departure Point

6km walking 5km 4wd Easy

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DAY 2 - Valley of the Giants, Lake Garawongera • Awake early in the comfort and tranquillity of Waiuta Retreat and enjoy a continental breakfast on the veranda.

• At 7:30am take the private 4wd transfer (approx. 1hr drive) to the mysterious Valley of the Giants. Encounter some of the oldest and largest trees on the island, stands of brush box, satinay trees and lush rainforest.

• Complete a (4.2km return) walk to the Giant Satinay. The serenity interrupted only by the chatter of birds and the whispers of the treetops.

• After a morning tea snack, the 4wd will transfer you to M12, a meeting point on the track 7km before Lake Garawongera.

• Walk through rainforest along Bogimbah Creek, stop and see historical sites of Petrie’s Camp and Dipuying Nursery.

• Arrive at Lake Garawongera for a well deserved lunch (courtesy of your support guide).

• After lunch there’s the option for a refreshing swim in the tea-tree infused lake or some walkers may choose to walk another 3km from Lake Garawongera to the next meeting point on the track to Happy Valley.

• The 4wd transfer will take walkers back to Waiuta Retreat at Kingfisher Bay via Fraser Island’s famous 75-Mile beach.

• Once at the retreat settle in for a well-earned rest with gourmet evening meals and drinks.

6 hours 10-12km walking 35km 4wd

Petrie's Camp Historical Site

Giant Satinay 4WD pick up (end)

Dipuying Nursery Historical Site

M12

Lake Garawongera

Easy - Moderate Valley of the Giants

Giant Satinay

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Lake Boomanjin

DAY 3 - Dilli Village, Lake Boomanjin, Lake Benaroon • Wake up early to the serenity of the Great Sandy Strait bush sounds, before embarking on the next day of exciting hiking.

• After breakfast, the morning begins with a drive along the Eastern Beach to the Great Walk trail head at Dilli Village, via Stonetool Sandblow.

• Once at Dilli Village walkers will follow the boardwalk across the creek where swamp banksia, melaleucas, sedges and coral ferns thrive. Scribbly gum woodland and open forests will lead to the short ascent up a sand hill to spectacular views from the Wongi Sandblow (optional). Walkers will continue the walk through eucalypt forest to reach Lake Boomanjin.

• Enjoy another delicious lunch on the picnic tables, under the canopy of large trees overlooking Lake Boomanjin.

• After lunch stroll along Lake Boomanjin’s north-western beach foreshore up to a ridge that leads through ever changing landscapes of sand and rainforests, through open woodland, brush box and blackbutt forest descending to Lake Benaroon.

• Continue along the lake for a short walk through the forest admiring kauri pines, staghorn, and palm lilies, where your guide will be waiting.

• This afternoon provides another opportunity to relax by the lake and take a refreshing swim.

• Return to the accommodation and indulge with some wine and a cheese platter.

• Relax and enjoy a gourmet dinner followed by nightly spectacular of the star-filled skies.

Lake Benaroon 4WD pick up (end)

6 hours 15km walking 40km 4wd Moderate

Lake Boomanjin

Dilli Village Departure Point

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Lake McKenzie

4WD pick up (end)

3-4 hours

Basin Lake Central Station

Pile Valley Departure Point

10km walking 20km 4wd Moderate

DAY 4 - Pile Valley, Basin Lake, Lake McKenzie • Awake to a delectable breakfast before setting out for the last day of walking, a day of spectacular highlights. Leave the overnight bags packed ready to be transferred back by the guide.

• Take a short 4wd transfer to a meeting point along the Great Walk track near Pile Valley. Walk through mesmerising rainforest as you descend into Pile Valley, recently recognised as one of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopies (one of three in Australia).

• Walkers will cross the bridge over the crystal clear waters of Wanggoolba Creek, ascending through diverse forests before reaching Central Station.

• Meet the support guide for a quick lunch before embarking on the afternoon walk to Lake McKenzie, along the way walkers can stop off at Basin Lake to enjoy the tranquillity of this small perch lake.

• Continuing through blackbutt forests to reach Lake McKenzie, one of Fraser Island and Australia’s most popular and iconic destinations.

• Immerse in the white sand beach and crystal clear blue water, such beauty that needs to be seen to be believed.

• The day will conclude with a short walk to the M6 meeting point via Lake Mckenzie’s secluded hikers beach. From here the transfer will take walkers back to Kingfisher Bay and Waiuta Retreat to collect bags and head down to the jetty where the ferry transfer departs at 5pm.

• Walkers will return across the Great Sandy Strait to the mainland, providing time to enjoy and reflect on the Fraser Island Great Walk journey.

Basin Lake

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Accommodation We have chosen a private deluxe house, Waiuta Retreat, as the accommodation to complement The Best of the Great Walk experience. Waiuta Retreat is nestled in the natural landscape adjacent to the Great Sandy Strait National Park in Kingfisher Bay. Waiuta’s elevated position captures the gentle sea breezes and a spectacular vista over the canopy to water views of the Great Sandy Strait. Tranquil and private, with modern appliances, it features large comfortable rooms, open living areas, and an expansive deck to enjoy the perfect evening drink.

• Small group (6 walkers + 2 guides) • Twin/ double room share • Limited single room shares available for two solo travellers • Surcharge for solo travellers wanting own room

Waiuta Retreat

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Catering/ Meals Meals Healthy, delicious meals made from local produce where possible, will be prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is an enhanced continental style buffet; with gourmet muesli, cereals and breads, seasonal fruit and yogurt, along with a selection of teas, coffees and juices. We also provide daily high energy snacks, juice and water in walkers snack bag for access on the trail. Walkers are spoiled with a freshly prepared lunch in beautiful locations along the track. These could include: Turkish Cajun chicken burger, gourmet salad and cold meat sandwiches and Mediterranean wraps. In the evening back at Waiuta Retreat, sunset canapés and drinks precede a gourmet meal each evening. The evening meal will be based on seasonal produce from the land and sea. Creating sumptuous dishes from local seafood, i.e. scallops, prawns and locally caught fish, or poultry, i.e. free range chicken or duck, with a vegetarian option for all meals on request. All meals are accompanied by quality Australian organic red or white wine.

Produce The best quality fresh produce and ingredients are sourced locally in season. We take care to provide healthy meals for our walkers and we cater for most dietary needs upon request (vegetarian, vegan, gluten free etc). Delicious hearty meals and snacks provide walkers with all the energy required to sustain on the walking adventure.

lunch setup

sunset drinks

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Explore the wonders of the Fraser Island Great Walk.

valley of the giants

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What to bring • 2 Light weight walking pants

• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

• 2 Light weight walking shorts

• Personal toiletries

• 4 Light weight t-shirts

• Prescribed and general medicines, ie. aspirin, paracetamol.

• Fleece jumper/sweater or similar • Light weight rain jacket • 2 Evening clothes, for evenings/dinner.

• Hiking day pack (to carry as you walk) • Phone, camera etc. and the chargers

• 4 Hiking socks

• 1 litre water bottle (or Camelbak style if you prefer)

• Hiking boots - good quality, with ankle support

• Hiking poles (if required)

• Shoes (runners/trainers or comfortable shoes) • Thongs/ slippers/ flip-flops • Swimming wear

transfer vehicle

• Lightweight quick dry towel (for lake swimming) Please Note: Luggage limit; small/ medium travel bag, approx. 60L

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Frequently Asked Questions When does the 4 Day Walk Depart?

This walk departs twice a month and any time on demand during the hiking season.

Departures are subject to a minimum number of walker participation, 4 - 6 people are required to be able to run a walk. Please see our website booking calendar for departure dates.

Where is the meeting point for the walk (where does it depart)?

The walk departs from Hervey Bay, Queensland and a ferry transfer takes walkers over to Fraser Island. The closest airport is the Hervey Bay Airport (HVB) which has direct flights to and from Brisbane and Sydney. Other transport options are available, including bus, train and car hire. We offer a complimentary private pickup from the airport or accommodation in Hervey Bay on the morning of departure.

How many guests will be on the walk?

The walk has a maximum of 6 guests, we require a minimum of 4 confirmed guests to run the walk.

What level of fitness do I need to participate?

Fraser Island’s diversity means that walkers go through a variety of vegetation. Tracks are generally gentle gradients, but are quite steep in some sections, Grade 3 & 4 tracks.

These are bush tracks, expect normal leaf litter and unevenness of the surface. Walkers require a good level of fitness, balance and be steady on their feet. We recommend that walkers do some preparation by taking long day walks, in their local area, in and around natural spaces carrying a small day pack.

Are there age restrictions for the walk?

There is a minimum age limit of 12 years and over. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. There are no upper age restrictions for walkers with suitable ability, however walkers with medical conditions should check with the operator before booking.

What do I need to bring for each day’s walk?

Read our full list of travel items to pack before embarking on the walk. All walkers need good quality hiking boots, preferably with ankle support. TIP: make sure you wear them in prior to the walk to avoid blisters. Hiking poles are optional but we do recommend bringing one as it can be used to help you navigate up any steep sand dunes. A light rain jacket is a must for unexpected rain during the walk. A waterproof bag for swimmers is also important, so that walkers can store wet items while walking. Insect repellent is also recommended while walking.

Can we use the facilities at the Kingfisher Resort?

Yes, anyone staying at Waiuta Retreat is allowed to access the facilities at the resort.

These include the Sand Bar and pool, the Jetty Hut, Seabells Restaurant, Resort pool, Spa etc.

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observing micro-fauna

What will the weather conditions be like?

The climate of Fraser Island is subtropical, with warm daytime temperatures throughout the entire year. The winter months are from May to August, where the average temperatures are 14-25°C (57-77 degrees F). Winter is the drier season of the year and it is less likely that you will see much rainfall during walking season. If it does rain it’s generally short showers.

How long in advance do I need to book?

It is preferable to book a least 14 days in advance, however, last-minute bookings are taken subject to availability and minimum numbers being met. For bookings less than 7 days out, please call the office and we will check availability for you. We can take bookings 12 to 24 months in advance in order to plan and secure the limited places on this exclusive walk.

Can we book the walk as exclusive use and have it tailor made?

Yes, we offer an exclusive package for couples or groups who can book their own private walk. If there is a group of 4 - 6 then they can choose their own date subject to availability. This also allows for a tailor made itinerary according to the interest and fitness levels. For example: if all hikers were passionate photographers or bird watchers, then the hike can be tailored to these interests (please note that exclusive packages have a different pricing structure, as they are classed as a private charter).

Do you provide other hiking options?

Yes, we provide other hiking experiences that are not accommodated but camping.

Please see Fraser Island Hiking for our other pack-free and adventure hiking packages.

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Terms and Conditions Bookings • Deposit: 50% required to secure a booking, if less than 30 days full payment required.

• Full payment: due 30 days before walk departs.

• Minimum/ maximum numbers: min. 4 people (unless 2 have already booked, then a solo hiker may book on), max. 6 people.

• Private hike: Available for a group of 2 - 6 people on their day of choice. Prices may vary, extra charges apply for group of 2.

• Reconfirmation: The day prior to departure.

• Check in/ Departures: From the Fraser Island Hiking office in Urangan, Hervey Bay. • Block out dates: November - March

Cancellations • • • •

More than 30 days: full refund, less the cost of any credit card merchant fees.

30 - 14 days: subject to 50% loss of total booking price.

Less than 14 days: subject to 100% loss of total booking price.

If minimum numbers aren’t met to run the walk a full refund or change of date is available.

• In the event of unscheduled Island closure (such as, but not limited to, cyclone, fire or flood) all monies will be refunded.

• COVID-19 Cancellation Policy: same as our standard cancellation policy.

Experience quiet moments

Lake Boomanjin

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Pile Valley

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Meet the Team Jane - Co-owner and director of Fraser Island Hiking and Fraser Dingo 4wd Adventures.

A passionate nature lover and walker, Jane is excited to share this remarkable place, K’gari (Fraser Island) with others through the tranquillity of walking. Jane has travelled extensively over the world but is happy to call the Fraser Coast home. As the tour coordinator, Jane deals with all the bookings, plans the hiking itineraries and liaises with all staff to create a seamless experience for all agents and their customers.

Ashley - Co-owner of Fraser Island Hiking and Director of Fraser Dingo 4wd Adventures and walking guide.

Ashley brings his extensive experience of hiking throughout the Australian bush, as he has studied Wilderness Reserves and Wildlife gaining valued expertise in Queensland National Parks, specialising in interpretation. Therefore with his walking experience and interpretation knowledge he is the perfect fit for an interpretation guide, on the ground sharing his knowledge and understanding with the walkers as they traverse the tracks of the Great Walk.

Deborah - Accommodation Owner, Travel Expert Deborah is the owner of Waiuta Retreat, our deluxe accommodation and also a travel author with extensive travel experience. Deborah still calls Fraser Island home; attracted by its natural beauty, diversity and her love of the great outdoors. Walking, kayaking and photography are all passions Deborah enjoys in her travels and when home on her beloved Fraser Island.

Ayeisha - Media & Marketing Ayeisha runs the online media activities for Fraser Island Hiking and Fraser Dingo 4wd Adventures. Her passion for digital media and arts, combined with her long-standing knowledge of Fraser Island bring a unique perspective to the team.

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(best of the great walk) Contact us 6 Southern Cross Circuit, Urangan, QLD 4655

FRASER ISLAND

HIKING best of the great walk

+61 400 528 817 +61 7 4125 6386 fraserislandhiking.com greatwalkfraserisland.com.au bookings@fraserislandhiking.com

Proudly Eco Tourism Australia Certified and contributing to Sustainable Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals.

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