What are some fun facts about Fraser Island?
5 Facts to Know About Fraser Island
- It’s the Largest Sand Island in the World. That’s right.
- There are over 100 Freshwater Lakes on the Island.
- Its Largest Sand Dune Stands Tall at over 244 Metres.
- It’s Home to a Shipwreck.
- Fewer than 400 People Live on the Island.
Why is Fraser Island so special?
Fraser Island is a sand island located off the Fraser Coast of Queensland, Australia. Known for its unique landscape of sand dunes, rainforest, rivers and lakes, it is amongst the top tourist destinations in the country. It is 123 km long and 22 km wide at its widest point and is only accessible by boat.
Is Fraser Island made of sand?
QUEENSLAND: Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, stretching over 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres at its widest point. The highest dune is 244 metres, but most rise to between 100 and 200 metres above sea level. Drilling shows the sand extends to 100 metres below sea level in places.
What is Fraser Island made from?
Along with its large expanses of silica sand, Fraser Island is also made up of what’s colloquially referred to as coffee sand or coffee rock. Because of the organic colloids that are prominent on the island, the sand has been cemented together and compacted, resulting in brownish rocks.
Who was Fraser Island named after?
Eliza Fraser
The name Fraser Island is named after a Scottish woman, Eliza Fraser, who was shipwrecked on the island in 1836. Fraser lied about being mistreated by Butchulla people after being shipwrecked. Even in those days, her account of her time on K’gari was thrown into doubt.
What is important about Fraser Island?
Fraser Island was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992. It is the world’s largest sand island and is recognised for its outstanding universal values. The island is home to unique sites such as perched lakes, rainforests and complex sand dunes.
What landforms are on Fraser Island?
K’gari (Fraser Island) features complex dune systems that are still evolving, and an array of dune lakes that is exceptional in its number, diversity and age. The highest dunes on the island reach up to 240 metres above sea level.
Are there sharks on Fraser Island?
Fraser Island sharks include great whites and tiger sharks, which live in the waters just off shore. Despite their fearsome reputation, having a large number of sharks in the ocean is a good thing. Vital in fact. These apex predators help to keep the delicate balance of marine life in check.
Why is Fraser Island called Fraser?
The name Fraser comes from Eliza Fraser, a Scottish woman who was shipwrecked on the island in the 1800s and, after she was rescued, claimed the island’s native people mistreated her.
What animals live on Fraser Island?
Dolphins, dugongs, turtles, rays, and – from July to November – migrating humpback whales, frequent island waters. Rare frog species, such as the “acid” frogs which have adapted to survive in a difficult environment, can be seen and heard in the swamps.
How did Fraser Island get its name?
The name Fraser Island is named after a Scottish woman, Eliza Fraser, who was shipwrecked on the island in 1836. Fraser lied about being mistreated by Butchulla people after being shipwrecked. Even in those days, her account of her time on K’gari was thrown into doubt.
