Fraser Island, situated adjacent to Hervey Bay, Queensland is the largest sand island in the world. In this fragile eco system the rainforest consists of huge satinay and brush box, kauri pines, piccabeen palms and the rare angiopteris fern which is one of the largest ferns in the world. All this growing in pure sand! There are some wonderful walking tracks through these areas to enable visitors to appreciate the unique beauty of the island. The Island is 125km long and over 160,000 hectares in area. It was formed during the ice age when the prevailing winds transported the vast quantities of sand from New South Wales and deposited it along the coast of Queensland forming the island as we know it today. Named after shipwreck victim Eliza Fraser this World Heritage listed sub tropical island has a truly amazing array of natural wonders including beautiful rainforests, pristine lakes, endless surf beaches, immense sand blows, cliffs of coloured sands, crystal clear streams and vast stretches of mangroves. Hervey Bay offers access to beautiful World Heritage Fraser Island, Whale Watching and Lady Elliot Island Resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Hervey Bay has gained international recognition as one of the best locations to view the majestic humpback whales as they migrate through the region's calm waters during August to October.   Lady Elliot Island Resort Hervey Bay is the departure point for a variety of tours on the Fraser Coast. Escorted to Fraser Island and The Great Barrier Reef depart daily. Hire a four wheel drive vehicle in Hervey Bay to experience Fraser Island or take your own 4WD there for a unique experience. Fishing, sailing, coral viewing and heritage tours depart regularly also. Recommended are a bicycle ride along the picturesque foreshore, a visit to the Botanical Gardens and the Urangan Boat Harbour.