Re-posted Fraser Island at night

To answer your questions
1. Yes
Check with the Ranger
2. Maybe
The dingoes are much more of a worry now than they were 15 years ago. Keep your kids with you. Give them a strong bright torch each. Remind them sternly, that the dingo is a wild dog that is capable of bringing down a horse. They are not a hungry pet dog from next door. Don't run from them if they corner you - stare them out. They can smell fear so don't get scared (easy to say)
3. Cathedral Beach
Stay where you are camped. You don't want to be driving on the beach at night.

Wathumba is probably the one of the best Western spots, and the sand flies won't be there yet. But you can get all the fishing you will need in front of the Cathedrals.

We're going up in 2 weeks. The weather has been bad, but it should get better. Take some wet weather gear

Hope this helps

Noel

G'day Louie.

Fraser Island is a top spot, particularly at this time of the year when it's not too hot. I should imagine that trecking around in the dark with a torch is ok. The issue will be where you actually go, because your movements on the beach will be restricted by the tide times. Getting caught on the beach after dark with a rising tide and most other people sitting in their camps drinking beer is probably not fun. A rough guide for beach travel, particularly if this is your first trip, is two hours either side of low tide. I've been on night time walks at Central Station and in the forest country up behind Happy Valley - this leaves you with the matter of getting back to Cathedral Beach. Night time eco tours are also run out of Kingfisher Bay resort - send the kids out on a tour, while you stay in the restaurant:-)

If in doubt, check with the National Parks office on your way through Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. I think there is also a Ranger based just north of Cathedral Beach.

Keep an eye on the local dingos. Tourists still seem to be feeding them, and National Parks will shoot any dingo seen hovering around camp sites or other tourist accommodation. They are still a danger to small children.

The only place I've caught fish from the beach on the western side of the island is at Wathumba Creek. Remember, it's called "fishing" rather than "catching" - DO NOT try to drive below the high water mark here.

In summery, buy a good map; do a search of this site and the Qld National Parks EPA site for more detailed information, and talk to the local Rangers.

George

Hi Louie,
Night time is a great time if there is a full moon, If you are comfortable in the dark why not enjoy it. - there are few tourists only fishermen out then.

I take the kids walking on sand blows at full moon, We do the walks around central station at night. Wait till they see a glowing strip of light emerging from the rainforest wondering where the bright light is coming from - only to find out you have come to a creek with the full moon beaming down between the trees through the crystal clear water onto the brilliant white sand of the creek bed.
We Watch Turtles laying eggs etc Sheer Magic.

Many people miss the experience for fear of Dingos, the Tide, the Dark etc etc etc (I do assume that anybody who goes to Fraser is Dingo aware and so therefor EVERYBODY sticks together - no wandering off alone etc, Young children must be monitored at all times. Good Torches etc (Invest in a $35 or so 1-2 million candlepower rechargable torch)

Often a dingo will watch you even follow you at 100 yards but mostly they are not brave and will take off if advanced on. Its just a matter of being alert and if you feel unsafe move away from the dingos territory.) As mentioned by others pay attention to the tide.
Depends on your experience etc where you are camped and what is nearby and comfortable for you.
I suggest reality checks along the way to make sure you are acting according to your competencies and with the needs of your family firmly in mind..

In my previous life... I would often take groups of school kids on night walks on Fraser, sometimes on the beach, but my favourite was the walk to Basin Lake from Central Station, great walk, even better at night, on a clear night anyway.

In answer to your questions.

1. Yes
2. If done carefully
3. Around Central (so won't suit you staying at Cathedral).
The Beach
The Wabby Sandblow


I did watch the opening of the Sydney Olympics from the top of Indian Head... that was quite a night!

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't sure if it was something that was frowned upon, driving through some parts at night, but you guys have put that to rest. We can't wait, only a couple of weeks to go. The worst part is going to be the drive up from home but we're having a "rest day" in Tin Can Bay & Hervey Bay before getting on to the island.
I like the sound of the Turtles laying eggs part. If it's anything like touring the Coorong at night it will be awesome. You guys gotta try that.

Cheers

Louie TF

Hi Louie,
Simply read and understand the info pack that comes with your permits and you'll have a great time! We follow the info every time we go and also listen to what the rangers tell us, and to date have never had a problem with the dingoes.
I would think Central Station would be the place to do a night walk, although I personally haven't done it, it sounds like a great idea!! Beach driving at night isn't much fun, particularly if the tide is coming up.

Have a good trip and make sure you let us know how it went when you get back!!

Cheers

Brian

You asked what's the weather been like lately, well the sand should be nice and firm as we've had a meter of rain here over the last couple of weeks. Weather forcast is now fine although Fraser Island always catches the showers being blown up the east coast.