Great Walks spoke to Fraser Island Hiking about their self-guided walking options on the world’s largest sand island.
What are the advantages of taking a self-guided walk over a guided one?
Walking and exploring the outdoors brings relaxation and tranquillity to many. Self-guiding yourself, with a small group of other like minded people, through the bush provides an opportunity to connect with nature. As you walk the tracks of the Fraser Island Great Walk you are rewarded with stops at perched freshwater lakes and endless sand dunes. Walking self-guided in a small group allows you to full enjoy these mesmerising sites.
We provide all of our walkers with maps, itineraries and information to embark on a self-guided hike safety, we send hikers in groups of min two persons. As many of the walking tracks on Fraser Island are clearly marked and signed, walkers can easily guide themselves from location to location.
What support do people taking a self-guided walk get from you?
We offer two types of self-guided walks. The first is our adventure hikes which are fully self-guided and unsupported; hikers carry their own backpack with all equipment and just get dropped at the starting point of the walk. This experience is recommended for those who have hiked before and who have experience carrying their own packs.
Our second self-guided walk is our pack-free camping hike. This hike is fully supported meaning that hikers only have to carry a small day bag while hiking; our guide sets up and drops off all the tents and food at camp prior to your arrival. This pack-free hike is the best of both worlds as it provides a self-guided walking experience but also supports those who may not want to carry all of their own gear as they walk. This way hikers can experience the serenity of the bush by day and have a hot, fresh meal and drink at night!
What are some of the highlights of a self-guided Fraser Island walk?
The best thing about hiking on Fraser Island is that the island is so diverse. You can really see the ever changing landscapes as you transcend through different regions of the Great Walk track. From the beach to the heart of the rainforest, there is always something magical that catches your eye.
Walking self-guided allows you to stop and discover the natural wonders that Fraser Island has to offer and walk at your own pace. There is endless flora to discover with over 800 species and subspecies of trees; may it be the thousand year old ancient rainforest trees, growing on sand, a phenomena not found elsewhere. You may even spot the native flowers or bushland that ranges from spiky coastal flora to lush rainforest vegetation. As you stop and listen to the quiet sounds of nature, you might hear a rustle in the vegetation; there is abundant fauna of all types that can be discovered.