Fraser's turquoise lakes and tea-colored "perched" lakes in the dunes are among the island's biggest attractions. Brilliant blue Lake McKenzie is absolutely beautiful; a swim here may be the highlight of your visit. Lake Birrabeen is another popular swimming spot. Don't miss a refreshing swim in the fast-flowing clear shallows of Eli Creek. Wade up the creek for a mile or two and let the current carry you back down. You should also take the boardwalk through a verdant forest of palms and ferns along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek.
Don't swim at 75-Mile Beach, which hugs the eastern edge of the island -- it has dangerously strong currents and a healthy shark population. Instead, swim in the Champagne Pools (also called the Aquarium) -- pockets of soft sand protected from the worst of the waves by rocks. The bubbling seawater turns the pools into miniature spas. The pools are just north of Indian Head, a 60m (197-ft.) rocky outcrop at the northern end of the beach.
View the island's famous colored sand in its natural setting -- from the 70m (230-ft.) Cathedrals, cliffs that stretch for miles north of the settlement of Happy Valley on the eastern side of the island.
Some of Queensland's best fishing is on Fraser Island. Anglers can throw a line in the surf gutters off the beach. (Freshwater fishing is not allowed.) Bream, whiting, flathead, and swallowtail are the beach catches. Indian Head is good for rock species and tailor; the waters east off Waddy Point yield northern and southern reef fish. Kingfisher Bay Resort offers free fish clinics, rents tackle, and organizes half-day fishing jaunts.
From August through October, tour boats crowd the straits to see humpback whales returning to Antarctica with calves in tow. Kingfisher Bay Resort runs a whale-watching cruise from Urangan Harbour.
Don't Feed the Dingoes -- The dingoes that roam the island are emboldened by visitors who have -- sometimes deliberately, sometimes unwittingly -- fed them over the years. These dangerous wild animals have been responsible for one death and several serious attacks in recent years. Do not feed them, and keep your distance. If you don't, rangers can impose on-the-spot fines of A$225 (US$203/£101). And be warned: The laws are strictly enforced by the rangers, and the maximum penalty is A$3,000 (US$2,700/£1,350).
Another Great Walk -- The stunning Fraser Island World Heritage Area is the location for one of Queensland's six Great Walks. The Fraser Island Great Walk (tel. 13 13 04 in Australia; www.epa.qld.gov.au) follows a winding track from Dilli Village to Lake Garawongera. The main trail is 85km (53 miles) long and takes 6 to 8 days to complete, but offshoots provide short, full-day, overnight, and 2- to 3-day walks. Overnight walkers must book huts and need a permit, which costs A$4.50 (US$4.05/£2) per person or A$18 (US$16/£8.10) for families of four or more with children ages 17 or under. The walk takes you to many of the island's popular landmarks, such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station, Wangoolba Creek, Valley of the Giants, and Lake Wabby.
