It has been a devastating start to the New Year for many Central and Western Queenslanders and Fraser Island's close knit community sends thoughts and prayers to those in flood-affected regions.
The closest major flooding to the Fraser Coast and Fraser Island is in Bundaberg, which is one-and-a-half hours drive north from Hervey Bay. Roads from Brisbane (in the south) to Hervey Bay and into Rainbow Beach are open; but travellers planning journeys north to Bundaberg, and beyond, are advised to check road condition reports prior to travel.
Kingfisher Bay Resort Group General Manager of Tours and Marine, David Hay, said guests and staff had steadfastly refused to let Queensland's unpredictable weather dampen spirits on the lee side of Fraser Island.
"The rain that we've had in region has firmed up the sand tracks on Fraser Island and they're promising some good four-wheel-driving for visitors," he said.
"There are a few spots on the eastern side of the island (Kingfisher Bay Resort is on the sheltered, western side) that have been eroded or water is over the tracks - but it's definitely business as usual for us and our tour buses are out as normal."
"Yesterday our resorts guests were poolside enjoying the sun - taking a dip in the water and exploring the World Heritage surrounds," he said. "And out on a self-drive or guided tours guests were taking full advantage of the four-wheel-drive conditions on compact sand tracks."
Mr Hay said that today, despite weather forecasts to the contrary, it was overcast, warm and perfect for outdoor activities.
GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK - FRASER ISLAND
Fraser Island's Great Sandy National park is open, with visitors able to access the island's western side, eastern beach and inland tracks.
For four-wheel-drivers the bypass from Indian Heads to Champagne Pools has some deep holes with water. The Queensland Parks Service is advising guests to avoid this particular area. For National Park access information and Fraser Island condition reports:
http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/fraser/index.html
EURONG BEACH RESORT (eastern side of Fraser Island)
It is business as normal on Fraser Island's beach side with reports of scattered showers and no wind on the eastern beach. Fisherfolk are out in force on the Eastern Beach enjoying conditions.
FRASER EXPLORER TOURS AND COOL DINGO TOURS
Fraser Explorer Ranger-guided tours from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach and Eurong Beach Resort and Cool Dingo Tours from Kingfisher Bay Resort are operating as normal and are visiting Eastern Beach sites as scheduled. Lake McKenzie is as popular as ever, as the spot to cool off on a warm day.
FRASER ISLAND FERRY AND BARGES
Barges to Wanggoolba Creek, Inskip, Kingfisher Bay Resort and Moon Point are operating as normal. http://www.fraserislandferry.com.au/
Ends.
