Fraser Island Stock Photography Opportunities
Published by Cher Brighouse on 2009-12-15 19:44:54
Fraser Island is one of Queensland's premier destinations. As well as being the world's largest sand island, it is photographer's paradise - sand drifts, wrecks, oceanscapes, coloured sand and so much more - all this and only about 300 kms north of Brisbane.
Fraser Island's spectacular natural features include long beaches, dramatic coloured-sand cliffs, forests, natural sandblows, rocky headlands and pristine freshwater lakes and streams.
The island itself is accessible only by barge - either from Inskip Point (via Rainbow Beach) or from Hervey Bay. Access involves beach crossing/driving and rough inland tracks, so a four wheel drive vehicle is essential. Make sure you have familiarised yourself with beach driving procedures. Before you go, your vehicle needs to be fully checked out and you must have necessary spares, water etc. Fees also apply - you must obtain a vehicle pass and camping permits. Check out the DRM (Qld Government) website for a wealth of information including tips, maps and local conditions.
You will also need to plan your visit - travel on the beach is much easier driving than the rough and rutted inland tracks (which are mostly single lane and require extreme caution), however, some sections of the beach are impassable at high tide.
The normal recommendations is not travel for the two hour either side of high tide - with special attention to passing some of the rocks (eg Yidney Rocks) and creeks (particularly Eli Creek) as the lower the tide at these spots, the better.
Now although this sounds like all doom and gloom, it is far from it! As long as common sense is used, the trip is safe and fun and you will be rewarded by some spectacular scenery and more importantly, some wonderful photographic opportunities.
Again, time your trips around the tides, but some must see spots include Ocean Lake and Orchid Beach - our base this trip (make sure you go to Ocean Lake early to capture the tranquility of the area). Wildlife includes dingoes and many bird varieties (if you aren't too relaxed).
Obviously this is only a very small part of the island with areas such as Central Station (lots of bush walks) Lake McKenzie, Kingfisher Bay to mention a few pencilled in for our next visit to Fraser Island.
There is also lots of potential around the coloured sands at Cathedral Beach and of course the wreck of the Maheno - lighting at both of these spots is crucial, so maybe plan to camp close by and start early!!!!
Reality is, with the right vehicle, if you can't find some wonderful opportunities, as well as have a fantastic relaxing break, you aren't really trying!! Enjoy and as it is a national park, remember to leave only your footprints!
Cher Brighouse is a freelance photographer with OzImages Stock Photography Library . You can view more of his stock images here.
