Fraser Island & the Fraser Coast Why Go? Nature lovers, rejoice! World Heritage–listed Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, a mystical, at times eerie, land of giant dunes, ancient rainforests, luminous lakes and wildlife including Australia’s purest strain of dingo. Across the calm waters of the Great Sandy Strait, the mellow coast- al community of Hervey Bay is the gateway to Fraser Island. From July to October, migrating humpback whales stream into the bay before continuing on to Antarctica. Further south, tiny Rainbow Beach is a laid-back seaside village and an alternative launching pad to Fraser. Fishing, swimming, boating and camping are hugely popular along this stretch of coastline. Inland, agricultural fields surround old-fashioned coun- try towns steeped in history. Bundaberg, the largest city in the region, overlooks the sea of waving cane fields that fuel its eponymous rum, a fiery, gut-churning spirit guaranteed to scramble a few brain cells. Best Places to Eat ¨ Waterview Bistro (p166) ¨ Muddy Waters Cafe (p168) ¨ Bayaroma Cafe (p163) ¨ Rosie Blu (p171) ¨ Mammino’s (p169) Best Places to Stay ¨ Kingfisher Bay Resort (p175) ¨ Debbie’s Place (p165) ¨ Beachfront Tourist Parks (p162) ¨ Flashpackers (p162) ¨ Colonial Village YHA (p162) When to Go Jun–Jul Bring your brolly to Maryborough’s Mary Poppins Festival. Jul–Nov Watch humpback whales; optimal sighting time is August to October. Nov–Mar Spy on turtles laying eggs in the sand at Mon Repos. F D N O S A J J M A M J Bundaberg °C/°F Temp 0/32 10/50 20/68 30/86 40/104 0 4/100 8/200 12/300 16/400 20/500 Rainfall inches/mm Fraser Coast ...............159 Hervey Bay .................159 Rainbow Beach.......... 164 Maryborough............. 166 Childers ..................... 168 Bundaberg..................169 Fraser Island ............... 172 ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd