Fraser Island, is an island located along the southern coast of Queensland, Australia, approximately 300 kilometres (190 mi) north of Brisbane. Its length is about 120 kilometres (75 mi). It was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1992. The island is considered to be the largest sand island in the world at 1840 km². Its resident human population was 360 at the census of 2006, of whom 11 were Indigenous Australians. It is administered by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.
The island can be reached by ferry from Hervey Bay or Inskip Point north of Rainbow Beach, or by chartered flight via Maroochydore Airport. Four-wheel drive is required for some landings, and travel on the island. A RAM permit is required for vehicles. Several firms provide four-wheel drive vehicles for rent. Tour buses travel the island as well. The Fraser Island Great Walk offers an opportunity to explore the island on foot.
On April 18, 2009 two backpackers were killed and four others seriously injured when their rented four-wheel drive vehicle flipped while driving along the island (none of which were found to be wearing seat belts also vehicle driver at the time was advised when hiring the 4wd he was too young to drive and must be a passenger). From 2003 to 2009 there have been 120 serious accidents in similar circumstances.
The 120 km beach runs along most of the east coast of Fraser Island. It is noted for its beauty and has a number of highlights such as Champagne Pools, Indian Head, the Maheno Wreck and Eli Creek. Eli Creek has its own unique and varied wild life. Tiger Sharks are known to inhabit the sea in the area.
The beach also acts as both a highway and a runway. The hard packed sand below the high tide mark can make for quite smooth driving. Aircraft often land on the beach and the highway rules state that vehicles must give way to aircraft if they are oncoming.
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