Day 10: Fraser Island to Bundaberg

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Day 10 (7/19/02): Fraser Island-Bundaberg

The four-wheel drive trip through the rain forest region of Fraser Island started around 8:15 a.m. The sandy roads were treacherous, but we got to our destinations slowly. 

Our first stop was at Lake McKenzie, which was beautiful with clear water. Some of us were brave enough to get in for a quick swim. The lake has an unusually high acidic count, and so some people took off their rings and jewelry to get clean. It really worked. 

After spending a few minutes at the lake, we had tea. Scones and cookies were had as well as tea, coffee, or juice. Then we got back on the four-wheel drive vehicle and took off.

Lauren Simpson testing out the waters at Lake McKenzie


We saw more scenery. The rain forest was at a lower level than the previous ones. There were more palms and ferns. The biggest difference between this and the ones I have seen in Africa is the humidity. 

At the bottom of the rain forest was a river that was completely quiet. There were no rocks for noise. It was completely clear. If you didn't look closely, you would think it was just a riverbed. We also saw where they burned some of the rain forest. The ranger said they try to do a controlled burn every five years or so.

We stopped at another spot and took a hike of approximately one half hour through the rain forest. When we got done, the truck took us back. We had a quick lunch and relaxed before the boat took us back to the mainland.

We got on the bus and headed to Bundaberg, a small town on the Sugar Coast. We saw small railroad tracks that took the sugar cane by rail car away from the fields. Jonathan also told about how islanders were tricked off of the islands to become slaves to the plantation owners to harvest sugarcane.

Jonno also had us do an activity on the bus. He had a prize for the person who could cut there candy wrapper (of the candy called Minty's) into the largest spiral. The prize was a pencil holder with a koala bear picture.

Adam Newell and Luke Simpson at the potluck


We arrived at the Coral Cove International Golf and Country Club Inc. The kids were geeked because of all the amenities that were to be had. There were large refrigerators, microwaves, some had laundry (free) and spas in their bedrooms. Unfortunately, the spas were not working because of the drought conditions that were occurring in Queensland. We even had a full kitchen.

Most of us got back on the bus and hour later to go to town to eat. Some students had an idea to have a potluck the next evening, which was received well by all. So a stop to Woolly's (Woolworth's) was arranged so that everyone could buy their supplies.


Afterwards, the bus dropped us off and we ate at different restaurants. When we arrived back, some people went into their apartments and took advantage of their kitchens and had a late supper.

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