Fraser Island Help

Submitted: Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 11:57
ThreadID: 40755 Views:3055 Replies:8 FollowUps:15
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Hi There,

Over the last few weeks I have been planning a fishing and camping trip up the coast from Sydney to the Daintree. Thanks to this excellent site I have bought a number of items which have been recommended in this forum, Waeco 80L, Evakool 80L, Northstar Lantern etc etc etc I have had a ball buying all this stuff!!!

I have a few questions that I would love someone to help me with and thank you in advance for any helpful replies.

One of my waypoints will definitely be Fraser Island, I am a new to this type of holiday and am not an experienced 4x4 person. The roads, or lack of them, sound daunting !~! I would much appreciate it if I could trouble someone for their time and ask you to lend me a hand, PLEASE!

1. Is it as hard to get around the island as everyone is making out?
2. I have just bought a 2005 Holden Adventura LX6 (4x4 station wagon). Will I be able to go to the island in this vehicle?
3. At this stage I am planning to be there in mid to late Feb, should I leave it till later, say around March? If so, why?
4. I have a small compressor but one of the Forum threads recommended a Snap Strap, my car doesn’t have a bull bar or winch is this worth buying one of these?
5. I also have notice in a lot of the Forum Threads a lot of guys get the underneath of their cars sprayed / jetted and I was wondering why? Should everyone who goes there get it done? (I have the address of the servo in my GPS)

Thanks heaps

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Reply By: Member - Royce- Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 13:15

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 13:15
1. Easy to get around. Deflate tyres and drive at a suitable speed. Keep on he firm sand and out of the water. Check before you enter water... walk it or ask others.

2. Any 4by with clearance will do the job.

3. Others will have to advise about weather at this time... shouldn't matter much though.

4. Best compressor you can afford.... even take a hand pump...

a SNATCH strap is essential for others to pull you out of a bog. Not expensive.

5. Don't worry about treatment underneath... just wash off the salt when you get back.... do it thoroughly!

Have fun. Lake McKenzie is magnificent.... but look out for the dingos!!
AnswerID: 212707

Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:33

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:33
Thanks Royce.

I think your rig would be great for Fraser but perhaps a little less comfortable on the open road. I will heed your advice, cheers!!

Charlie
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Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 13:53

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 13:53
5 Star, Fraser Island is an easy and fun place to visit if you have the right vehicle and a bit of knowledge.

I don't know the Adventura well, so forgive me if I'm wrong.

I though this was an AWD, not a 4WD vehicle. As an AWD, it delivers different amounts of power to front and back wheels and probably (many AWDs do) varies the amount of power based on traction at each wheel. As an AWD it has no low range and you are unable to control how the vehicle applies it's power.

It is based on the Commodore, but is about 80mm higher, but is lower than a 'real' 4WD.

If my facts are right, your Fraser experience will be largely a factor of conditions at the time. If it has been very dry for some time, the tracks to the barge at Inskip point can be very soft and deep. Similarly, the inland roads can be very churned up with soft, deep sand. Your lack of clearance and low range may present a challenge in these conditions. The road around and north of Indian Head may also present a challenge. Other than this, you will have no trouble with beach driving at low tide.

I've seen similar vehicles on Fraser though. Ford Territory for example.

Some tips:
If I am right in my description of the vehicle, I would not tow a trailer, particularly if you are travelling alone.

Ensure you have good recovery points front and back. I don't know if they come standard on these vehicles; perhaps not as it is not designed for off roading. As you are not an experienced 4WDer, get this checked out by a 4WD specialist.

Carry a snatch strap and rated shackles. These are dangerous things if you don't know how to use them, but they are essential recovery equipment.

Don't overload the vehicle with unnecessary stuff. Travel as light as you can to be comfortable.

Carry a good air compressor so you can adjust tyre pressure to meet the circumstances you encounter.

I don't wish to cause you unnecessary concerns. Fraser Island is a wonderful place. We go there at least twice a year. But if my undeerstanding of your vehicle is correct, it is at the low end of capability for this type of driving. Someone who knows the vehicle better may be able to clarify this for you.

Good luck with your trip.
AnswerID: 212717

Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:31

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:31
Hi Norm,

I just posted a reply to your response to my questions and had a quick look at your profile; perhaps I can drop in and borrow your rig for a couple of months. I think it would go pretty well at Fraser? LOL

Thanks for your help

Charlie
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Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 20:39

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 20:39
Sorry Charlie. Heading off fishing tomorrow for a few days.. Then off to Fraser myself over Australia Day week-end for the 'Fraser Cleanup', with 5 or 6 days either side for some more fishing. Then heading for Cape York and the Gulf in late April for some more touring and fishing. The rig is pretty much booked up.

Don't be surprised if when you get back from your trip you decide to get 'more serious' some time in the future. There is some wonderful country out there to see and experience. Some of it only accessable by 4WD.
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Reply By: Heefers - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 14:29

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 14:29
G'day 5 Star,

I'd seriously have a look into hiring a more capable 4wd just for Fraser leg of your trip. I have my doubts about the Adventura being suited to the conditions over there. A quick google search should turn up some Hire Company options for you, the beach over there is always chockers full of hire Troopies so you shouldn't have any trouble.

Cheers, Heefers
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Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:34

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:34
Thanks Heefers,

Charlie
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Reply By: Member - Jack - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 14:38

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 14:38
I just took a look at an Adventura parked across the road from me, and have serious doubts about how this will go on Fraser on any soft track once you get off the hard pack of the beach. Mind you, just getting to the barge at Inskip could stop you.

I regularly get onto Fraser, and think you will have problems with ground clearance. As a secondary issue you could also get some grief if you cross Eli Creek, which can get a bit deep from time to time.

I don't want to rain on your parade, but I think the best advice already offered is to rent one and take that over.

Unfortuantely, 4X4 does not mean "off road capable".

Hope I am being helpful for you.

Jack
The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll-Alice In Wonderland)

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Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:36

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:36
Thanks Jack,

I hope it isn’t going to rain to much even though it is wet season. Thanks for the advice.

Charlie
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Reply By: Bytemrk - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 16:24

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 16:24
Like many of the others have already said... I think you may be best to look at a hire 4x4 for the Fraser part of the trip.

I was there a few months ago - and you would certainly cope with most of the eastern beach but to get there you would struggle.

you have two choices:

1. Come on at Inskip (at the bottom) - and I seriously doubt you'd get an Adventura onto or off the barge.When I left the Island in September - the loose sand at Inskip was at least 10 inches deep.

2. The other option is to come onto the island at Kingfisher bay resort -all this area is paved - but the road from here to the east side is pretty churned up and was really rough. ( read pot holes and wheel ruts well over a foot deep in places).

The Other challenge you will face is that most inland roads, while 2 way... are only a bit over 1 car wide.... meaning there will be times you have to get off the side into the soft stuff...... I think you'd find that is where an Adventura would stay.

I don't mean to sound negative towards your car....I'm sure on many outback roads etc it will be great, but I do think it would really struggle on Fraser - and you would not enjoy the trip as you should.

Fraser is a magic place to visit.

Hope that helps...

Mark
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Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:39

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:39
Thanks Mark,

I think if I keep to the main tracks and check the condition of the beech at Inskip prior to my departure I should be ok for a couple of weeks and if the beech is to rutted out I can always come a little better prepared next time or hire a 4x4 for a couple of weeks.

Thanks for your opinion.

Charlie
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Follow Up By: Heefers - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 10:23

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 10:23
G'day Charlie,

All the best to you mate, hope you have an awesome trip. Fraser is certainly going to put the old Adventurer to the test, and I for one am going to be extremely interested to hear how she goes over there.

Cheers mate and safe trekkin,
Heefers
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Reply By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:25

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:25
Hello to Royce, Norm C (QLD), Heefers and Member - Jack,

A huge “Thank you very much” for your considered responses! I will be in QLD in a month or so and I would love to buy you all a beer, that’s if Queenslander drink beer!!! I was hoping to borrow a little of your time and you have all made a large effort in considering my predicament.

Norm, thanks for the weather tip, I will research the conditions prior to my departure and you are correct ---- travelling by my Pat Malone!!!

Mark, definitely not offended by your comments about the car, its only a car! The reason I got it was that it was cheap and I’ll be doing a lot of highway driving and I don’t like big 4x4’s just my personal preference.

At this stage I will venture across for a look and see and definitely keep to the beeches an hour or so from low time. If I feel the need to go a little deeper into the island I like the idea of hiring a 4x4 as you are all correct the Adventure is an AWD similar to the Ford Territory and a Subaru Forester. I think I will get a snap strap and if I do fall into a hole at least I have something to offer the poor guy who is trying to pull me out. I will drive carefully and try to avoid it.

Thank you
Charles
AnswerID: 212756

Reply By: CLC50 - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:36

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:36
I am a regularly visitor to Fraser,as I live on the Sunshine Coast,& getting onto the Barge, would be a worry before you get to the Island,only travel @ low Tide with your vehicle & watch out for wash outs,if you miss one they can be so deep they will take out your front end or roll you,as others have stated it is 4WD Country on the beach,even getting in to the 2 main resorts on the beach side ,would be a worry.
I will be on Fraser Australia Day Weekend with my 4WD Club with many other Clubs,doing the annual beach clean up.usual about 100 vichiles turn up.

Check Picture & a look @ the Pictures in Rainbow Beach Hotel
AnswerID: 212760

Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:49

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 18:49
Thanks for your advice CLC50,

I had a look at the picture you sent the link to and I definitely don’t want to end up like that!!!! I will check the conditions just prior to going and make a decision then. A this stage it all sounds a little hard to do, Fraser looked so good in the brochures and I have a couple of months to explore so I thought it would be fun, but you never know!!! I just might get there.

Thanks for your advice and thank you for volunteering in the clean up, I have done it a couple of time in Sydney. It would be a lot easier if everyone just did the right thing. Well done and have a great week!!

Charlie
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Follow Up By: CLC50 - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 19:14

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 19:14
Talk to some one @Inskip Point Who is going on to Fraser If he could keep a eye on you Getting on Off the Barge,Most 4WD will only to happy to help,make sure you have front & back hooks to fit a Snap Strap,Do not connect to a Tow ball ,remove & put a Tested Shackle though the Hole if rear pull ,Also purchase a Snap Strap which has a load Strength Three Times at Less you car Weight,The stronger the better.
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 20:36

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 20:36
CLC50 - just a comment on using a shackle with a snatch strap - not a good idea, in fact a deadly awful idea! Shackles, even properly rated ones, can become terrible missiles if there is breakage. During a snatch a snatch strap with a 3 tonne vehicle on each end and stretched 20% is storing a huge amount of energy, all of which can end up in a flying shackle if the shackle or its attachment breaks.

For a good rear anchorage, suggest remove the towing hook, slip the looped end of the snatch strap into the socket in place of the towing hook and secure it there using the pin which would normally secure the hook. That pin is now the weakest link, and tests have shown that these pins are up to the job.

In other respects, I agree with your suggestions - travellers to Frazer should carry a snatch strap and can rely on assistance from the 4WD folk.

Charlie - I join with others in being doubtful that your vehicle is suitable. As CLC50 suggests, if at all possible team up with someone with a serious 4WD to call on for early assistance. A final point, go onto the Island at Inskip Point, where you will have had to drive some distance on churned up sand to reach the ferry. Better to get some ide of what's ahead of you before leaving the mainland - the Island will be much more demanding than this, especially on the inland tracks and where you leave the ferry. Hope you get there and wish you a great time. It's a magic place.

John
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Follow Up By: CLC50 - Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 21:20

Monday, Jan 01, 2007 at 21:20
Hi John

Yes John I agree on your Comment.I always use Shackles,but I also use my Tree protector connected to two front Eye Bolts with Shackles,with Snap Strap threaded Through tree Protector ,with open ends shacked to one Eye Bolt ,the folded end fitted to other end with snap strap ,so if Eye Bolt breaks it is not a flying object.On front Pull only
,hooks on rear.no shackles
Also never join two snap straps with shackles,lock to getter with a small pieces of tree branch
Also John I am sure that your are well aware some people take off at a 100 MPH .
You increase your take off at a slow rate at first , & next time a little hard each time to save damage to vehicles,
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Follow Up By: Member - John and Val W (ACT) - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 08:50

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 08:50
Hi CLC50,

Clearly I misunderstood your reference to shackles in your earlier post. I agree totally with your recent comments re use in conjunction with a tree protector, never for joining straps, etc. We seem to have got a bit off topic, but I think it's valuable to point out such safety issues which aren't always so obvious to everyone.

Regards

John

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Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007 at 15:32

Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007 at 15:32
Hi Guys,

Thanks again for the advice, going to the island without the car sounds like the correct option. If I decide to actually go I will buy a Snap Strap and watch out for those flying shackles!!

Apologies for the late reply as I have been a the cricket for the last 2 days – Go those Aussies :-)

Cheers
Charlie
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Reply By: CLC50 - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 17:16

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 17:16
Hi John

It was good advise to all ,What me Posted.

HAPPY NEW YEAR & a Prosperous one

Regards

CLC50
AnswerID: 212875

Follow Up By: CLC50 - Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 17:30

Tuesday, Jan 02, 2007 at 17:30
Gee I wish we could edit these Post

WE not me
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Follow Up By: 5 Star Camper - Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007 at 15:39

Wednesday, Jan 03, 2007 at 15:39
Hi John,

I am not the best typist and these boards in TXT format make it very hard to proof and edit your written text. I was given a tip to open MS Word and copy and past between the two. Press the Ctrl and C buttons at the same time to copy then Press the Ctrl and V buttons at the same time to paste. Very easy and Very fast – and you’ll never makes an errrror agains!!!

Regards
Charlie

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