Fraser Island

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). The sand of which the island consists, apart from a few volcanic formations and layers of sedimentary rock, was formed over many millions of years from detritus eroded from the Great Dividing Range, carried down to the sea by rivers and deposited and piled up in dunes up to 250m high by the prevailing southeasterly trade winds. The dunes have been stabilized by vegetation. The minerals (iron oxides) in the sand have given the sandstone cliffs on the east coast (Cathedral Sandcliffs) their variegated coloring. Access by ferry and boat services from Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay and River Heads.

The climate is maritime subtropical, with rain (up to 1800mm annually) falling mainly between December and May. July is the coldest month (14-21°C); in summer the temperature rarely rises above 30°C.

In the last few decades timber felling and the extraction of mineral sand have made important contributions to the island's economy. There has been some controversy over the working of sand.

Tourism is now of increasing importance. There are numerous resort complexes and motels, as well as campsites in Great Sandy National Park and in the state-owned forests.

There is a boating harbor in Wathumba Creek on the west side of island. Good fishing at can be found at Waddy Point on the east side.