Fraser Island, off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, is the world’s largest sand island, stretching over 120km. Panoramic viewpoints include Indian Head, a rocky outcrop on the island’s easternmost tip, and the Cathedrals, a cliff famous for sculpted ribbons of colored sand. It’s a camping and ecotourism destination, with popular beaches and swimming sites at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby and other freshwater pools.

During my four-month semester in Australia, I took a vacation up the eastern coast and experienced magnificent tropical scenery. For a part of the 12-day excursion we camped on Fraser Island. The nights were filled with an endless array of stars that dazzled the sky and the days were spent hiking the 76 miles of beaches that encircled the densely forested mainland. On one of highest hikes up the dark stone hills, we experienced an unobstructed view of the island’s dazzling white sands. I watched the waves crash into the beach and thought about how lucky I was to experience Fraser Island’s calming beauty. When studying or working in Australia, make sure to take a day or week and visit Fraser Island.

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Planning to travel to this location?  Need recommendations on what to see and do?  Ask the author by leaving a comment below!  Have a great trip!

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Kelsey Tharp recently graduated from Indiana University and received a B.A. in English. During her last semester at IU, she studied abroad in Adelaide, Australia and desperately wants to return some day. She has a passion for travel and encourages everyone to take the opportunity to live in another country! She has been previously published in Inside Indiana University Bloomington, IU’s Physical Plant Perspective newsletter and the Wine, Spirits and Beer Advocate blog. Outside of writing, she is an avid reader and chef.[/accordion_tab]