Fraser Island - Sand islands

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world of which 98% is national park and World Heritage listed. You need a 4WD to get around the island. There are camping and resort facilities or go whale watching in Hervey Bay. Fraser Island is the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand! Fraser Island is home to thousands of species of birds and its warm waters attract dugong, dolphins and turtles. The magnificent humpback whales, with their young, pass on the western side of the island between August and November.

Just one hour from downtown Brisbane, Bribie Island is an attractive and unspoilt 31-kilometre long island. It is Queensland's only offshore island linked by bridge and is separated from the mainland by Pumicestone Passage, a stunningly beautiful passage of water that is home to more than 350 species of birdlife, dugongs, turtles and dolphins. It also provides excellent fishing and boating.

Moreton Island is home to spectacular coastal scenery and the highest sand dune in the world. Located just 90 minutes from downtown Brisbane, Moreton Island is a sand mass measuring a little under 20 square kilometres in area. The large island, managed for recreation, is popular for its long sandy beaches, clear freshwater lagoons, wildflower heaths, and high sand dunes. Sightseeing comes naturally - wildlife, turtles, freshwater lakes, more than 200 species of birds, dolphins, the world's highest sand-dunes, 500 types of plant life, whales, coloured sands, rugged cliffs, white beaches and blue water. For the more adventurous, there is sandboarding, seakayaking, sailing, four wheel driving, windsurfing, diving amongst wrecks and reef and much, much more.

North Stradbroke Island, affectionately referred to as 'Straddie', the elongated sand island of North Stradbroke shields much of the southern part of Moreton Bay and the smaller islands from the ocean swells. There is whale watching from Point Lookout during winter and there is also good surfing throughout the year. The ideal way to see the Island is by four-wheel drive.

Catch a ferry to the eco-friendly South Stradbroke Island. The island has several resorts that offer facilities for day trippers, including water sports and environmental tours and is also great for beach fishing, swimming and surfing.