FRASER ISLAND

• Latitude: -25.391
• Longitude: 153.026
• East Australia
• Marina in Australia

Location: Fraser Island Queensland Australia

Fraser Island, known by the indigenous Butchulla people as K'gari, is located off the eastern coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland. It is the largest sand island in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. However, Fraser Island is predominantly a natural reserve rather than a commercial or industrial marine port. It's renowned for its stunning natural beauty, pristine freshwater lakes, sand dunes, and diverse ecosystems.

Description and Specifications:

Location:

• Coordinates: Approx. 25.2590° S latitude and 153.1393° E longitude.
• Proximity: Located off the coast of Hervey Bay and near the city of Maryborough.

Accessibility:

• Entry Points:
  • From the mainland, the island is accessible via barge (ferry) services from River Heads (near Hervey Bay), Inskip Point (near Rainbow Beach), and Urangan Boat Harbour.
• Marinas and Anchorage:
  • While Fraser Island itself does not have major commercial port facilities, nearby Hervey Bay and Urangan Boat Harbour offer anchorage and marina services for smaller vessels.

Facilities:

• Barge/Ferry Landings: Primary access points for transporting vehicles and passengers.
• Marinas: Facilities are available on the nearby mainland, including maintenance services, refueling, and mooring.
• Amenities: Basic amenities for tourists including picnic areas, shelters, and signage are available on the island.
• Navigation Aids: Minimal, largely relying on local knowledge and navigational charts.

Environmental Considerations:

• Fraser Island is a protected area with strict environmental regulations to preserve its unique ecosystems, which include rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, mangrove forests, and dune systems.
• Vehicles are permitted, but driving is restricted to designated sand tracks and beach routes.

Tourism:

• Activities: Popular activities include four-wheel driving, camping, hiking, swimming in freshwater lakes like Lake McKenzie, and whale watching (during migration seasons).
• Accommodation: Various options ranging from campsites, eco-lodges, to resort accommodations like Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Commercial Use:

• Industry: There is no established commercial port infrastructure for shipping or industrial activities. The island's main economic activities are centered around tourism.
• Fishing: Recreational fishing is popular, but commercial fishing is limited due to conservation efforts.

Summary:

Fraser Island (K'gari) is not a conventional marine port but rather a highly protected natural destination with facilities primarily geared towards tourism and conservation. Access is mainly via ferries and barges from the mainland, with nearby Hervey Bay providing necessary maritime services for smaller vessels. Environmental preservation is a key focus, limiting commercial and industrial development on the island.