USC281_0004

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The magnificent sweep of Marloo Bay from Waddy Point.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Historical records date back to 1770 when Captain James Cook in the "En-
deavour
" sailed its eastern coastline along what is now popularly referred to as the
"Back Beach" - being the beach exposed to the full fury of the Pacific surf and
winds and the beach furthest from the mainland. Cook named Indian Head, Sandy
Cape
and Breaksea Spit and Cook describes the past of the coast as moderately high
and very barren, there being great patches of moveable sand many acres in extent
through which appeared in some places the green tops of tree half buried and in
others the naked trunks of such as the sand had destroyed.

Flinders was the next recorded white man to visit Fraser Island. In 1799 he sailed
the "Norfolk" into Hervey Bay and named some of the western features including
Triangle Cliffs, the coloured sands of Arch Cliffs and White Cliffs. In 1802 he re-
turned along the eastern coast in the "Investigator". Flinders too commented on the
fragility of Fraser Island's exposed coast and sandhills. He said, "our course at night
was directed by the fires on the shore". Flinders proceeded, landed three parties at
Sandy Cape near where Sandy Cape lighthouse stands. One party collected firewood,
another party of six naturalists under botanist Brown studied the flora whilst
Flinders befriended the aboriginals whom he considered extremely numerous and of
good physique.

Although Flinders suspected Fraser Island to be an island he marked it on his
maps as "The Great Sandy Peninsula". It was not until Andrew Petrie sailed his
risky craft through Sandy Strait in 1842 to camp on Fraser Island, and to subse-
quently discover the Mary River, that it was realised that Fraser Island was in fact,
an island. In 1847 Lt. Dayman, in the tiny "Asp", sailed right through Sandy Strait.

Petrie was searching for survivors of the ill-starred "Stirling Castle" which was
wrecked on the Swain Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef in 1836. Although some

The Fale Fono at Orchid Beach Tourist Resort.

A TOURIST PARADISE

The main attraction of Fraser Island is its unspoiled beauty. It is an island which
has barely felt the touch of civilised man and was never despoiled by primitive man.
It present a refuge from the pressures of civilisation. It satisfies a need for primitive
areas, for opne space recreation, fishing, relaxation and communing with nature.

The island has over forty freshwater lakes, some nearly 500 acres in area, and one
400 feet above sea level. The island absorbs the high rainfall like a huge sponge and
releases it in a constant flow into the creeks, lacks and countless seepages which run
across the wide beaches to the sea. Filtered by the sand and uncontaminated by clay,
the crystal clear fresh water is one of the most treasured resources of Fraser Island,
both for recreation and for drinking.

Coloured sands occur throughout the island along the eastern and western beaches
as well as in numerous "hidden valleys" where sand blows have exposed colourful
reds, oranges, whites, yellows and ochres. The most magnificent colours sands on
Fraser Island, if not the world, are the Cathedrals north of the "Moheno" wreck.

For the angler there are all the thrills of fishing from the rocky headlands at
Indian Head or Waddy Point, form the expansive surfing beaches (one stretches
unbroken for over 60 miles) or form the quieter inlets, estuaries and bay side beaches.
Regular tours are now arranged to the deep sea big game fishing grounds, and to Lady
Elliot Island
, a nearby Barrier Reef coral cay. Planes and charter lauches are avail-
able and there are enough fish to satisfy the most ardent angler, including Australia's
"most fighting" freshwater fish, the Australian Bass which is found in some of the
island's streams.

For the children, there is freshwater swimming in the creeks and lakes as well as
the surf. Eli Creek near Happy Valley is a constant attraction. Sand, surf and unspoilt
charm have drawn tourists to Fraser Island in an increading stream over the last
decade. Orchid Beach Island Village, a beautiful Samoan-style resort, with modern
appointments, impeccable service, and both reasonably priced, and luxury style
accommodation has achieved international renown. Cottages are available, at Happy
Valley
, Yidney and Eurong to accommodate fishing parties or families bent on en-
joying a restful holiday completely removed from the stress of everyday life.

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