Embarking on Fraser Island’s itinerary for the day, we anticipated visits to the breathtaking Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, the historic Maheno shipwreck, and the refreshing Eli Creek. The Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, in particular, were a highlight I was eager to experience. My day began at 8 am, and I kicked it off with breakfast at the campsite provided by Drop Bear Adventures. The breakfast featured bread with jam and baked bread with eggs, constituting a decent start to the day.
Eli Creek
Thirty minutes later, we departed from the camp, heading toward Eli Creek. The journey took us fifteen minutes, traveling north on the picturesque 75-Mile Beach. The weather was splendid, adding to my joy during this tour. Each member of the group took their turns at the wheel of our four-wheel-drive vehicle. Personally, I wasn’t too concerned about driving; since the beginning of this road trip, I had covered numerous kilometers in Australia. Now, I could finally unwind and enjoy the ride from the back seat.
Once again, the day was quite hot, making it refreshing to cool down in the creek. The water was cold, prompting me to take a refreshing swim in the creek. During the swim, I chatted with Romain, enjoying his entertaining stories, particularly those about his dating experiences. After my swim, I took some pictures, and 30 minutes later, we continued our journey. Eli Creek served as a brief but enjoyable stop.
Maheno Shipwreck
Our following destination was the Maheno shipwreck. The SS Maheno, a Scottish ship constructed in 1904, had served various roles throughout its history. During World War I, it operated as a hospital ship, and post-war, it traveled between Australia and New Zealand. During this period, the boat was quite substantial and had a resemblance to the Titanic. In 1935, the Maheno was sold to a shipbreaker’s yard in Osaka, leading to its tow to Osaka.
Regrettably, the ship encountered a cyclone during the towing journey. The towline snapped, and the Maheno ship drifted away with eight people on board. Several days later, the ship was discovered beached on Fraser Island. Efforts to tow it back into the sea proved unsuccessful. The decision was made to sell the ship, but no buyers came forward. Eventually, they opted to abandon the ship there, allowing oxidation and the passage of time to take their toll.
The Pinnacles
Following our exploration of the Maheno shipwreck, we proceeded to the Pinnacles. Fraser Island’s Pinnacles were unique sand formations containing some exceptionally rare minerals. Simen served as our guide, offering explanations and insights as we toured the area. After approximately ten minutes, we continued our journey.
The Pinnacles consist of towering sand dunes exhibiting a spectrum of colors, including yellow, red, orange, and brown, attributed to the presence of iron compounds. These rock formations are estimated to be at least 700,000 years old.
Indian Head
One hour later, we reached Indian Head, a cliff rock offering breathtaking views of the beaches on either side. After parking the cars, we climbed the rocks.
Atop the rocks, Simen shared the history of Indian Head. This site held sacred significance for the Aboriginals who once inhabited the island. The name “Indian Head” was given by Thomas Cook, who observed numerous Aboriginals standing atop the cliff. Additionally, Simen mentioned a tragic incident where a tourist lost their life attempting to climb the rocks toward the end. He cautioned us against venturing to that particular area.
Following our visit to Indian Head, we headed to the northern part of the beach. From there, we enjoyed a view of Indian Head. Our lunch on the beach consisted of another round of delicious wraps, adding to the overall enjoyment of the day. I couldn’t wait for lunch to finish, since we would visit the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island afterwards.
A Palette of Blue Colors
After our meal, we set off for the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island, driving for another 15 minutes. Upon arrival, a brief stroll along a small track awaited us, nothing too demanding. I knew exactly what awaited me next, something I had eagerly anticipated in the past days: A naturally beautiful pool that exhibits various colors ranging from green to azure, surrounded by rocks and the ocean. Periodically, sizable waves cascade, introducing fresh ocean water and creating a natural wave bath. My interest in the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island had sparked a few days ago when I noticed them on the postcards I had purchased.
I asked Romain to capture some pictures of me while I lay in the largest Champagne Pool. He agreed, and I descended the lookout before him. Eventually, we all immersed ourselves in the expansive pool, where waves from the ocean created a natural wave pool. It was an incredible experience, with everyone thoroughly enjoying it, especially when the occasional massive waves crashed in. Unfortunately, some individuals in the group sustained injuries on the rocks – quite intense. After an hour, we bid farewell to the Champagne Pools on Fraser Island as today’s itinerary concluded. The next leg involved a two-hour drive back to the camp.
At the midpoint of our journey, Simen signaled for us to halt (as he was driving the lead car). He informed us about the moonrise and encouraged us to capture some photographs. I took advantage of the opportunity, and the sunset was truly breathtaking. Traveling on 75-Mile Beach during the moonrise was remarkably calming. Finally, I managed to capture an incredible picture of a wild dingo. Over the past few days, we had encountered approximately six dingoes, a sight I thoroughly enjoyed, but unfortunately, I never had my camera with me during those moments.
Dinner at the Campsite
In the evening, we enjoyed a meal of rice, chicken, and vegetables. I loaded my plate with plenty of food; I wasn’t going to bed with an empty stomach that night. Engaging in delightful conversations with Romain, Jeong, and Toshi added to the pleasant atmosphere. It was wonderful to connect with new people.
Romain shared his perspective on the French and his general dissatisfaction with his compatriots, citing their perceived arrogance. As this journey marked my first encounter with a French person, my opinion of the French people remained open. Romain humorously claimed to be the exception to the rule. Following dinner, Toshi, Romain, and I took a stroll along the beach. Jeong, the South Korean guy, opted for rest and headed to bed, feeling tired.
During our evening stroll, we engaged in conversation, covering a substantial distance of about 6 kilometers. It’s one of those nights when you partake in a bit too much alcohol, engaging in profound life conversations and forming strong connections with new people. It brings back memories of the time I shared drinks with Liam in Malaysia.
Spotting a friendly couple, we approached them and asked for a photo together. The full moon illuminated our path, adding a delightful touch to the experience. Despite the limitations of my camera, which isn’t designed for unexposed pictures, the moon resembled a tiny lamp in the photos.
We wrapped up our enjoyable walk around 11 pm and returned to the camp. Simen had plans to wake us early at 6 am, as is his routine, but due to the high tide, we couldn’t leave the camp before 9 am the next day.
