75 Mile Beach, Fraser Island, QLD
It's only fitting that the World's Largest Sand Island (™) should also play host
to one of Australia's best beaches, and 75 Mile Beach does a great job of
carrying the card while serving as the unofficial face of Queensland's Fraser
Island. As you might expect, the beach gets its name from its approximate
length, and the number '75' should tell you all you need to know about just how
expansive this huge stretch of coastline truly is.
75 Mile has much more going for it than simply its size
however, as its various stretches of mulch-colored sands form a vivid mosaic of
hues that range from the standard white to bright oranges to darker, ochre
tones. The waters of the beach themselves are less of an attraction than one
might think, with the relatively large number of Tiger Sharks that inhabit the
shallows leading many to instead look inland from the beach for their cooling
off and swimming experiences.
It's on this front that 75 Mile Beach truly shines, with a
myriad of crystal-clear freshwater lakes that lie within walking distance of the
shoreline. One section in particular - dubbed the "Champagne Pools" due to the
effect of the foam of the ocean crashing into the rocks bordering the pools - is
exceptionally popular with visitors, and adds a truly unique atmosphere to the
swimming experience.
Perhaps the easiest way to get to 75 Mile Beach and Fraser
Island in general is to depart from nearby Hervey Bay and - depending on if
you're planning to bring your vehicle or not - either take one of the barges
that make the trip from the 'Bay (takes around half an hour) or hop aboard a
light plane and fly in - for a direct landing on 75 Mile Beach itself (ideal for
those who like to make impressive entrances).
to one of Australia's best beaches, and 75 Mile Beach does a great job of
carrying the card while serving as the unofficial face of Queensland's Fraser
Island. As you might expect, the beach gets its name from its approximate
length, and the number '75' should tell you all you need to know about just how
expansive this huge stretch of coastline truly is.
75 Mile has much more going for it than simply its size
however, as its various stretches of mulch-colored sands form a vivid mosaic of
hues that range from the standard white to bright oranges to darker, ochre
tones. The waters of the beach themselves are less of an attraction than one
might think, with the relatively large number of Tiger Sharks that inhabit the
shallows leading many to instead look inland from the beach for their cooling
off and swimming experiences.
It's on this front that 75 Mile Beach truly shines, with a
myriad of crystal-clear freshwater lakes that lie within walking distance of the
shoreline. One section in particular - dubbed the "Champagne Pools" due to the
effect of the foam of the ocean crashing into the rocks bordering the pools - is
exceptionally popular with visitors, and adds a truly unique atmosphere to the
swimming experience.
Perhaps the easiest way to get to 75 Mile Beach and Fraser
Island in general is to depart from nearby Hervey Bay and - depending on if
you're planning to bring your vehicle or not - either take one of the barges
that make the trip from the 'Bay (takes around half an hour) or hop aboard a
light plane and fly in - for a direct landing on 75 Mile Beach itself (ideal for
those who like to make impressive entrances).