Where To Stay - Fraser Island members Trip

[Karen]

Hello Fellow Swaggers & Swagettes,

Tomorrow it will be 3 months until our gathering.  Not only does it mean 89 sleeps to go but we can officially start to book our camping sites and vehicle access permits.

There are a couple of options available for your stay depending on your requirements for facilities etc.  Firstly, as outlined in my original post there is the beach camping option where there are NO facilities available (other than getting up in the morning and walking straight onto the beach).  The plan is to arrive on the Saturday and together choose a spot along the eastern beach probably somewhere just north of The Maheno wreck.  For more info or to book sites/vehicle permits see  http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/index.html

Secondly, for those that may require/want a few more luxuries there is Frasers @ Cathedral Beach which is a Big 4 Holiday Park.  I have spoken to them today and currently they have plenty of powered or unpowered sites.  For further information their website is http://frasers-cathedral-beach.qld.big4.com.au/

Those of you who are coming along could you please indicate where you intend to stay so that it gives us an idea of where people are going to be.  No point in most people booking into the park and Nigel No-friends is left on the beach by himself!!

I'm sure you will check it out for yourself but to give you an idea the fees for beach camping are $5 per night per person over 5 years of age.  So for a family of 4 it will be $20 p/n.  To stay at the park on an unpowered site would be approximately $33 p/n.  A vehicle access permit is $38.25 which covers you for 1 month.  Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks
Karen 

[seqfisho]

We'll be happy to stick with the crowd but prefer the beach over the Big4 park, but not enough to be "Neville no friends" on the beach if the majority want to stay at the Big4

[Laith]

.

[Berg]

Kaz Jody has just booked us in at Cathedral Beach....I believe some other riff raff have as well 

[Laith]

We (should say I) would prefer to stay somewhere with amenities (basic is fine) but not that keen on a caravan park.

I'm not keen to drive 11 hours, cross an ocean  and drag my camper up a beach at one of Australia's most beautiful camping locations to stay at a BIG 4 Caravan Park.

Somewhere in between should surely keep my wife and daughter happy enough. 

[Karen]

We (should say I) would prefer to stay somewhere with amenities (basic is fine) but not that keen on a caravan park.

I'm not keen to drive 11 hours, cross an ocean  and drag my camper up a beach at one of Australia's most beautiful camping locations to stay at a BIG 4 Caravan Park.

Somewhere in between should surely keep my wife and daughter happy enough. 

Laith,

I wouldn't be thinking it's your usual Big 4 and definitely not a caravan park as such.  By the look of the info on their website it is probably a lot like the National Park camping grounds on the island but with a shop etc.  Have a look at the website if you haven't already and you can make up your mind.  Other than that, or the beachfront, you do have the choice of the NP campgrounds which have the basic toilet and shower facilities.  Info on these campgrounds can be found at http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/camping.html and check out Dundubara which is closest to Cathedral Beach and where we plan to beach camp.

Cheers
Karen

[seqfisho]

Karen,

How much notice do you think we will need to book accommodation and barges etc

Other than those who have posted here do you have an idea of where most people will be staying? We want to be social and stick with the group so I don't want to book somewhere and end up being on our own.

[Karen]

Karen,

How much notice do you think we will need to book accommodation and barges etc

Other than those who have posted here do you have an idea of where most people will be staying? We want to be social and stick with the group so I don't want to book somewhere and end up being on our own.

Glen,

I think with the time of year it is you could book a beach camp site the day before arriving.  Barges would be hard to say, especially since it is a long weekend that we arrive.  I have booked our barge trip today so I know we are on.    But we are coming from the north also and there are only 3 barges per day.  Whereas coming from Inskip the barges run continuously so you probably won't have any problems.  (Someone experienced with travelling from the southern end of the island will hopefully confirm this for us).

As for the accommodation, I am hoping that everyone coming along will give an indication of where they want to stay asap.  This is my reason for putting this thread on here a fair bit in advance.  There are some booked into Cathedral Beach already so it will be just a matter of seeing if there is enough happy to camp on the beachfront and maybe then we can have just 2 central groups.  But if the majority are happy to stay at Cathedral then we would go along so we didn't miss out on the PARTY! 

Karen

[seqfisho]

Karen,

How much notice do you think we will need to book accommodation and barges etc

Other than those who have posted here do you have an idea of where most people will be staying? We want to be social and stick with the group so I don't want to book somewhere and end up being on our own.

Glen,

I think with the time of year it is you could book a beach camp site the day before arriving.  Barges would be hard to say, especially since it is a long weekend that we arrive.  I have booked our barge trip today so I know we are on.    But we are coming from the north also and there are only 3 barges per day.  Whereas coming from Inskip the barges run continuously so you probably won't have any problems.  (Someone experienced with travelling from the southern end of the island will hopefully confirm this for us).

As for the accommodation, I am hoping that everyone coming along will give an indication of where they want to stay asap.  This is my reason for putting this thread on here a fair bit in advance.  There are some booked into Cathedral Beach already so it will be just a matter of seeing if there is enough happy to camp on the beachfront and maybe then we can have just 2 central groups.  But if the majority are happy to stay at Cathedral then we would go along so we didn't miss out on the PARTY! 

Karen

That is a big part of the reason for our trip, although we cant wait to experience Fraser itself, the social atmosphere of a group of great people make for a memorable trip.

[Laith]

Thanks for the info Karen.

Definently want to camp with the group.

[yogi]

Hi all,

Even though we're not coming Yogi and I generally camp not far from Dundubara where we still drop by the camp grounds for a hot shower, just usually have our shower gear in the cruiser ready to drop by the showers.  Just remember your $1.00 coins from memory, at least you can have the best of both worlds .... beach camping and facilities not that far away.

Hope this helps for those who would like the experience of beach camping and still can have a hot shower.

Amanda

[MnMs]

We have booked at Cathedral Beach. 

Given that we/I have done the beach camping for the past 25 years without facilities AND without children, I think we have experienced enough of what Fraser has to offer on the beach. Now that we have an 18mth old and a 4 yr old, I am only too happy to ensure that my wife and children have some extra comforts........there really is no "browny" points for doing a s#!t in the sand dunes in a potty without facilities. Been there done that. 

Karen is right in saying that Cathedral is more of a NP camp ground. You can do everything the same as on the beach, including running generators. At the end of the day, I am sure that we are all only going to be using our campers as a base to tour the island. So for the little time you are going to spend in your campers, it really isn't going to matter where you camp.

As I understand, there are 4 groups in at Cathedral thus far.......but to repeat Karen. Each to their own camp site.....beach, NP, Fenced, Cathedral, etc. Your call. What ever you decide, you will have a great time on Fraser Island. 

[MnMs]

Karen,

How much notice do you think we will need to book accommodation and barges etc

Whereas coming from Inskip the barges run continuously so you probably won't have any problems.  (Someone experienced with travelling from the southern end of the island will hopefully confirm this for us).

Karen is right AGAIN!!!!!  

Yeah Glen, no need to book if you're heading across from Inskip. Air down, drive across the sand to the barge, and drive onto the barge (Manta Ray Barge of course).

Hope this helps.  

[Brett]

I'm happy to stay at Cathedral Beach. Stayed there before.

[Ketsi]

Here is the revolt ! ! !

For those wanting the true beach camping experience (although the safety net of hot showers is always available close by as pointed out by Yogi) I would prefer to catch up to D4D's 25 years of beach camping experiences and stay along the beach somewhere (perhaps close to the cathedral camp grounds where others have elected to book into and be staying). I can appreciate those wanting the creature comforts etc for their better halves and young families, however, my preference for the beach derives from 2 important criteria of my own. 1 being a personal taste to enjoy the full benefits Fraser has to offer and IMHO none better than the beauty and serenity of camping on the beach. 2 being the financial benefits of beach camping as opposed to the fees of the Cathedral camp group (some $160 additional for the week we envisage being there). So if any would prefer the beach camping experience I would be looking to stay along the beach during this trip.

Cheers, 
Ketsi

[seqfisho]

Here is the revolt ! ! !

For those wanting the true beach camping experience (although the safety net of hot showers is always available close by as pointed out by Yogi) I would prefer to catch up to D4D's 25 years of beach camping experiences and stay along the beach somewhere (perhaps close to the cathedral camp grounds where others have elected to book into and be staying). I can appreciate those wanting the creature comforts etc for their better halves and young families, however, my preference for the beach derives from 2 important criteria of my own. 1 being a personal taste to enjoy the full benefits Fraser has to offer and IMHO none better than the beauty and serenity of camping on the beach. 2 being the financial benefits of beach camping as opposed to the fees of the Cathedral camp group (some $160 additional for the week we envisage being there). So if any would prefer the beach camping experience I would be looking to stay along the beach during this trip.

Cheers, 
Ketsi

Strength in numbers Ketsi

We were prefering the beach for all the reasons you mention, but wouldn't want to be "Neville no friends" if everyone else is staying at the Big 4.

[Ketsi]

Strength in numbers Ketsi

We were preferring the beach for all the reasons you mention, but wouldn't want to be "Neville no friends" if everyone else is staying at the Big 4.

See how the numbers stack up as it gets closer Glen and you can make a final decision from there. Keep in mind the booking opportunities may fade at the Big 4 if left too late in the piece. I am reasonably confident we will be doing the beach camp location regardless of numbers but will try and find a great spot handy to the Big 4 so we can still be a regular attendee on occasions for happy hours or the like. Just wanting to put it out there that the beach camping is there for those wanting to find a spot along the beach as we are intending to go that way. As much as I love to hang with a crowd and participate in such group gatherings I can't bring myself to go to such a beautiful spot as Fraser and park myself in a campground when there is so much more value for me to sit at camp overlooking the beach after a days exploring or just lazing at the campsite. Waking up in the morning to the same beach environment is what I wish to enjoy. Unfortunately that may see us miss the additional joys of the group gathering occasions and casual chit chats as you wander around the groups etc but that can still be achieved with a bit more travel at nominated or planned times etc.

Cheers, 
Ketsi

[seqfisho]

Ketsi,

We haven't been to Fraser before and are keen to experience the real Fraser so if you found a good beach spot and didn't mind sharing we would be happy campers.

We're not ones for crowds and CP's if we don't have to, but are also looking for a social experience with fellow swaggers which the happy hour get togethers etc would fill, but the thought of waking and looking out at the sunrise over the ocean really appeals

[Pipeliner]

Cathedral Beach is a good campsite, and certainly nothing like a mainland Big4.  Individual sites delineated by low wooden rails, good facilities including a communal kitchen area which will be great for group get-togethers..

If you are towing a camper in, then even coming from the north I would recommend driving down to Inskip and then coming up 70 Mile Beach rather than trying to come across from Kingfisher.  The cross-island tracks are narrow and soft sand, and if you meet a tourist bus coming the other way you could be in trouble, whereas 70 Mile is hard sand which (if the tide is right) you can drive up at 80kph.  Also as stated earlier the ferries from Inskip run continuously during the day.

[Karen]

If you are towing a camper in, then even coming from the north I would recommend driving down to Inskip and then coming up 70 Mile Beach rather than trying to come across from Kingfisher.  The cross-island tracks are narrow and soft sand, and if you meet a tourist bus coming the other way you could be in trouble, whereas 70 Mile is hard sand which (if the tide is right) you can drive up at 80kph.  Also as stated earlier the ferries from Inskip run continuously during the day.

What are others thoughts on this?  Brett, where are you planning on crossing from having been to Fraser before from the north?? 

The barge actually takes us to Wanggoolba Creek which is south of Kingfisher Bay.  It is an easy drive straight off the barge onto dirt road.  We did this crossing late last year and would be confident to take the trailer this way.  From memory there is some part of the track which is one way traffic only.

Thanks
Karen

[Brett]

If you are towing a camper in, then even coming from the north I would recommend driving down to Inskip and then coming up 70 Mile Beach rather than trying to come across from Kingfisher.  The cross-island tracks are narrow and soft sand, and if you meet a tourist bus coming the other way you could be in trouble, whereas 70 Mile is hard sand which (if the tide is right) you can drive up at 80kph.  Also as stated earlier the ferries from Inskip run continuously during the day.

What are others thoughts on this?  Brett, where are you planning on crossing from having been to Fraser before from the north?? 

The barge actually takes us to Wanggoolba Creek which is south of Kingfisher Bay.  It is an easy drive straight off the barge onto dirt road.  We did this crossing late last year and would be confident to take the trailer this way.  From memory there is some part of the track which is one way traffic only.

Thanks
Karen

Karen,

I hope to make it to River Heads and get the same barge as you guys. I dont think we will encounter much traffic on our way towards Central Station. And coming from Wanggoolga Creek we wont have the tourist buses that run from KingFisher. Just the odd 4wd and hope they pull off and let the ones towing a trailer past. (I know I do). Then its a one way track across to Eurong from Central Station.

You might have to dig me in the ribs to wake me when you get to River Heads. As I finish work at 8pm Friday night and was planning on driving through the night and getting to River Heads early in the morning. Then climbing into the swag for a few hours before departure.

Pipliner,

Yes coming from KingFisher Bay Resort may cause some challenging passing maneuvers as Cornwells Rd is two way from one side of the Island to the other. But coming from Wanggoolga Creek we only have 9km of two way then 8.5km of one way from Central Station to Eurong. As for driving down to Inskip and catching the barge is quicker if you miss or can not make it to River Heads on time, then waiting for the next one.

I have been across from River Heads once to KingFisher Bay, and twice from Inskip Point. I would prefer Inskip only because I use the Manta Ray with is locally owned and operated.

[Karen]

That's good news, thanks Brett.  Wasn't looking forward to the extra logistics of having to drive down to Rainbow Beach. 

We'll make sure you're awake when we arrive at River Heads.  Hopefully there will be a few other Myswaggers on the barge so I'm sure you will be well and truly awake once we get there. 

[Karen]

After reading Ketsi's Moreton Island trip report I think it's a certainty that we will need to be camping beachfront with the Karaoke King himself! 

Seriously, we had discussed the option of Cathedral but as we initiated this trip with dreams of watching the ocean from our doorstep I think we will stick with that plan.  Also the complaints from our kids over the weekend about not getting to bath in the plastic tub and having to use the showers in the caravan park have also swayed us.  And while our girls still love the novelty of sitting on the porta-potti out in the middle of nowhere I think we should seize the opportunity. 

The camping zone we hope to stay in is right beside Cathedral so not too far for regular visits with our fellow swaggers. 

Bring it on...............................................................


PS We're hoping Uncle Ketsi & Aunty Julie are up for some babysitting. 

[Laith]

My wife is keen to stay at Cathedral. Whats the go with camp fires there. Am I right in thinking none except in a communial fire pit? No fires on the beach either?

I like a fire when camping. I prefer it for cooking as well as well as to keep me amused.

No wood can be collected? Can fire wood be bought near by Cathedral?

[MnMs]

My wife is keen to stay at Cathedral. Whats the go with camp fires there. Am I right in thinking none except in a communial fire pit? No fires on the beach either?

I like a fire when camping. I prefer it for cooking as well as well as to keep me amused.

No wood can be collected? Can fire wood be bought near by Cathedral?

Sorry Laith, a total fire ban on the island at the moment. :'(

When the ban is dropped the only place for fires is Dundaburra. No beach nor Cathedral. I enjoy fires too.....a great gathering point and so relaxing to watch.