Photos from Fraser

G'day ShnogDog, you're the reason we went to Ungowa, it was the only place we visited and saw no one (not even on the tracks, going or coming) we had the whole lot to ourselves, beautiful place, but that's what you start to expect everywhere on Fraser and so far we haven't been disapointed. Didn't take the scanoe this time, maybe next trip.
I use two cameras(one at a time ;~), if I want panaramas or 10 power optical zoom I use the Olympus C-750, if I don't want to carry too much I use the tiny Konica/Minolta Dimage Xg, which clips onto my belt like mobile phone. On a trip like this I tend to use the Olympus attached to a tripod most of the time. Very happy with both of them.

Thanks Brian,
I can understand why people keep going back, we certainly will be.
January will be a hot time of year for the Clean Up, plenty of "refreshments" and swimming afterwards I imagine.

We were there for the cleanup in Jnuary 2004, it was hot and we almost got blown away by one of Qld's typical storms, but it was still worth it. The party at the cleanup is a great event.

Well worth the trip.
Next time we'll spend at least two weeks there and do more fishing and less exploring.

G'day Darren,
Only threw the line in a couple of times, didn't realy give it a fare go, no keepers. We did see some good fish being pulled in on the East Beach, so they're there if you're keen.
Next trip I'll allow more time for fishing, probably North of Orchid Beach toward Sandy Cape.

Ungowa is nice, specially if you have a boat but wouldn't suit the way we like to camp with the truck backed up under the tarp, like alot of over regulated camp sites you have to park your vehicle on the other side of a boundery stumps. It's a pretty spot but the sand flies could be problem.

This was our first visit to Fraser so I'm no expert. If you haven't been before the first thing I would do is buy a book called "Discover Fraser Island" by Hema, fantastic guide, it's got the Hema map in the back so there's no need to buy the paper map (that seems to tear every time you look at it), cost about $24.00 on Fraser at Happy Valley, available everywhere, you can buy it on this site but you wouldn't receive it in time.

As far as must see places, I think you have to see as much as you can fit in.

But a short list would be:
Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, Lake McKenzie, Lake Boomanjin, Lake Birrabeen, Eastern Beach, Rainbw Gorge, Eli Creek, Maheno Wreck, Indian Head, Waddy Point, Campagne Pools, Wathumba Creek.

Hope this helps
Keith

Hi Sully,
We did have a great time and we're already planning a trip for next year.

Central Station camping area was nice, great amenities and 6 minute shower for $1. A little bit pokey for my liking but a good experience, every night you could hear nearly every noise in the valley.
Camping under tall trees is not something I'm too keen on, one night a branch fell through a neighbours tarp, don't think we will camping there again but glad we had a look at it.

The Bravo is my sixth 4x4 in the last 30 years(2 Patrols, troopy, Cruiser Wagon, Pathfinder) and I can't fault it.

Being able to separate the stinky stuff (outboard, gennie,stove, etc) from the cabin is great and the extra load carrying capacity is a bonus. Obviously you get these things with any twin cab.

I drove through a washed out section of the track to Ungowa and found out later that other vehicles had turned around,(reckless more capable truck or more experienced driver?)

Amazing amount of torque, I had cruise control fitted and haven't had to drop out of fifth on any hills between Port Macquarie and Townsville, and was able to idle around the inland tracks at Fraser in 1st, 2nd and 3rd at around 1000rpm.

Good ride, better than any other twin cab I've been in, although I haven't tried any of the new ones.
No air bags so the bull bar can be mounted securely and will take hit without collapsing.

I think the Bravos are under rated, mine has done 96,000kms and the only thing I've done is replace the glow plugs

So far very happy