Fraser Island March Flies

Their real name is MARSH Fly. And they can be around any time but mainly in the summer months. Dont wear anything blue out bush as all flies love that colour

What are March flies like?
They are big, they bite, they hurt.
Watch our for the smaller ones with green eyes, they hurt more.

Don't wear blue, take some rid, other than that don't worry about them too much, at least they are easy to hit.

from Marty.

Its true, the colour blue attracts them. Especially blue tarps. dont know why.

I can confirm that in mid january the March flies were opressive at times, not sure about 6-8 weeks later, the money spent on a fly proof eating tent was well done, ended up cooking in there also. our campsite was the worst area, we were on the beach on the eastern side, maybe they were bad because of the blue esky or the blue landcruiser, maybe the smurfs used to live there???
NickR

Thanks guys. I've had plenty of experience with them in the Vic High Country, and agree they are easy to swat.
Didn't know they were called Marsh Flies though, which has helped me research them better. Also didn't know about their fondness for blue! Very useful information.

I guess I'm trying to get a feel for how many we can expect to have to deal with. The missus is threatening to can the trip, based on posts talking about plague propertions.

Research indicates that they are worse a couple weeks after rain, and also during the hot weather. I'm suspecting that if they breed on the beach, then the rain thing isn't going to make much of a difference.

Also are they mainly a prob during the heat of day, allowing a relatively fly free breakfast and dinner. We'll set up the annex, and also have a flyscreen tent, but it's nice to know it won't be a constant protracted battle.

I've struck them there at all times of the year and then not there the next year.
We've come to the conclusion that it's got more to do with from which direction the wind is blowing from than the season of the year.
Chugga

Well now.........

I'll just have to bleach the blue out of my favorite pair of jeans.

In my experience they seem to be worse in early summer, before Xmas. Last time up there was March/April couple of years ago and no problems.

Oh No. We are planning a trip to Fraser in July 2006 and we have a BLUE TENT!!!!! I hope the march flies are not around then!
Cant wear red in Victoria because of wasps, blue at Fraser due to march flies. smelly deodorant or perfume anywhere due to flies/mosquitos!!!
Are the insects taking over!!!???

Looking forward to our first trip to Fraser any hints on which areas/campsites are the best ?