Where in the World is the Fraser Coast and why should you go there?

As I sit here looking out at the bright blue ocean surrounded with nothing but blue sky and almost empty beaches, I think that I have found my little piece of paradise. Recalling a song by the Eagles where they write… "call some place paradise, kiss it goodbye", I wonder if I should even be writing this article, however I am so in love with this place that I feel compelled to share my knowledge.

The Fraser Coast is situated 3 hours north of Brisbane in the State of Queensland, Australia. Home of heritage listed (listed by UNESCO in 1992) Fraser Island – the World's Largest Sand Island, Hervey Bay – one of the greatest places to go Whale Watching and it is the start of the Great Barrier Reef which is one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

Sitting here on the beach I can look across the stunningly calm bay and see Fraser Island in the distance.

Fraser Island is one of my favourite places to visit and is just a short ferry trip across the waters of Hervey Bay.

I recently took part in a two day tour on the Island with my young family. Although I have visited the Island on many occasions being part of a tour was a great way to learn about all the history, facts and figures whilst providing an easy relaxing way to see all the sites.

During our tour we went on a walk through the ancient rainforests of Central Station. (Central Station was a small forestry community that logged Satinay and other various pine trees) Looking up I could see the magnificent trees towering above bringing me to the realisation of how small one person actually is compared to the giants of nature.

My daughter competed against me in a game of ‘go fish’ and no not the popular card game but spot the fish in the uniquely clear Wanggoolba creek and watch them ‘go go go’!

After our walk we travelled to Lake McKenzie, (a perched lake that only contains rain water and is referred to as a giant puddle) whether you see it in rain, hail or shine is guaranteed to amaze you. As we splashed in the perfectly pure water, my daughter could not stop laughing with excitement.

Following lunch we trekked into Lake Wabby and although a bit of a challenge for my families little legs you can appreciate the effort as you wander across the sand blow and view out over the horizon. Lake Wabby is known as a barrage lake and is where the surrounding sand blow blocks the waters of a natural spring.

The next day we continued in our 4WD Coach up the Eastern side of the Island. Watching the waves crash over the Maheno Shipwreck we passed the pinnacles and coloured sands we made it to our destination of the champagne pools.

The Champaign Pools are a bubbling man made spa formed by the waves crashing over the rock pools. The pools provided a perfect place to swim and wash away the stress of daily life.

Travelling back along the Island shore we visited Indian Head for a picnic lunch and finished our day paddling and rafting down Eli Creek.

I believe that Hervey Bay is the perfect family holiday destination. With its calm clear stinger free waters it provides the perfect hub to explore that magical surrounds of the Fraser Coast.

Hervey Bay started off as a small coastal community with small fishing villages and has now grown to one of the most sort after destinations in Southern Queensland. Offering an array of activities for families, adventures seekers or those wanting a relaxing 'hustle and bustle' free holiday.

What I find most appealing about Hervey Bay is the quite safe swimming beaches where my young family can swim without the concern of large waves crashing down on them. As I write I can see a pod of dolphins hunting for their supper. This is quite a usual occurrence when I visit the area and just another reason why I keep coming back.

Located along the Hervey Bay Esplanade are alfresco cafes, unique shops, playgrounds and picnic areas, extensive walking tracks and 'almost' empty sandy beaches.

As much as I love the beach, I must admit that sometimes sand can be a little annoying so today we will be spending the afternoon at the Wetside Water Park - a splashtacular, award winning, eco-friendly water play park that much to my excitement is free! So on occasion, provides a great alternative to 'sand in the kids' hair'.

One of the great aspects of Hervey Bay is that it is renowned for being one of the best places in the World to experience Whale Watching. The reason behind this is that the humpback whales actually bring their calves into the safe waters of Hervey Bay to feed and play before migrating back down to Antarctica. Each year we take a trip out to see the whales play; in hindsight we actually think the whales come to watch us in what they refer to as 'people watching', due to their inquisitive nature and how they like to come up close to the whale watching vessels.

Many people do not realise that you can easily access the Great Barrier Reef from Hervey Bay and the Fraser Coast. However it is only a short direct trip from the region to discover fantastic diving, snorkelling and all the unique wonders of the reef.

The Barrier Reef is one of the World's most stunning natural wonders and although I have not yet been there, Lady Elliot Island - part of the reef - is on my 'must do' list.

So in conclusion, this is a short snippet of some of the reasons why I love the Fraser Coast. Each day I look around and think how lucky I am to be a part of this beautiful location and wonder why would you want to be anywhere else?