Laurence and Henry's Big Adventure: Fraser Island

Map of Olsen Capricorn Caves

Capricorn Caves

So after our stay at the beach resort village of Airlie beach we embarked on our longest road trip day on our journey down the coast of Australia. What I had planned for an eight hour journey (that was me being optimistic) turned out to be a 12 hour day in the car as we headed for our destination of Harvey Bay, the gateway to Fraser Island.

Sarah and Gerda

This massive road day turned out to be a great bonding time as we played more road games and continued to search for that elusive living kangaroo (plenty of road kill along this stretch as well). But the journey down was broken up by a stop at the Capricorn Caves just north of Gladstone. These massive limestone caves are an endless labyrinth of large chambers and small passage ways. We made our way into the Cathedral Cave, where they actually have weddings and church services. Here they turned off the lights and we sat in absolute darkness listing to the incredible natural acoustics in the chamber.

Oh What a Feeling!!!

Chad and Sam

Chad, Sam and Cayley

The Family

But we finally did arrive safe and sound, in the quaint seaside city of Hervey Bay, built originally as five small villages along a most incredible coast line. In the morning we all strolled along the beach as the tide was out the sand seemed to go on forever. But it was from here that we caught the ferry to the massive island of Fraser Island.

On route to Fraser Island

Our ferry ride to Fraser Island

One of the four pools @ Kingfisher Bay Resort

Pool @ Sand Bar

Fraser Island is situated just off the coast of Queensland, is the world’s largest sand island and has been declared a World Heritage Site because of its uniqueness. The island is truly nothing more than sand, covered with rain forests, hills, lakes and impressive sand blows. This is one of my favourite places in the world and this was my third visit and it still captivates and impresses me each time.

Maheno Shipwreck

We stayed at the very unique resort complex of King Fisher Bay Resort, an award winning complex built into the side of hill totally in tune with the surrounding environment. Here we played by the pool, strolled along the mangrove forests, built animals on the beach and enjoyed a great family meal. It was at the meal that I learned that importance of cutting a grilled cheese sandwich a certain way to make it taste bigger, logic only relevant to a 15 year old girl.

I need to explain the Bigger Taste Theory

The Art of a Bigger Taste

Grilled cheese sandwiches are perhaps my favourite food to make and of course eat. Who doesn’t love the secular sensation of the plastic cheese melting among perfectly toasted bread? The deliciousness can only be better if it’s bigger. No one wants to be that kid who eats more than everyone else, so to achieve a bigger taste without verging into some unfriendly territory I have a suggestion. Cut it differently. I know! Rather than from corner to corner, go straight across! So simple, so strategic and of course... it works. The taste is much bigger. And there is always the added bonus of Less Exposed Cheese. If you’re planning on making Stacked Sandwich Art you have got to go with the straight across method. This way there is less cheese cooling down and re-plastifying while you’re not looking. You may be wondering about the Bigger Taste, how does it work? Let me explain. When you cut diagonally the first logical bite is that nice juicy one right in the middle, its easy to get to but once you’ve swallowed it you realize all that’s left is crust. I know we’re all adults here, and we eat our crust but who can honestly say its their favourite part? Not me. When you cut across the big bite is a little less approachable, you’ve got crust blocking you all over the place, and even if you go for the bate there is more cheesyness to go with the crusty bits left over. Trust me, this is the way to go. As displayed in the picture that I hope I can post, the straight across option is clearly preferable. It tastes bigger. Don’t believe me? Ask my family in Australia. They heard about this for HOURS one night.

By Cayley

The Water is beautiful

As the island is only accessible on foot or four wheel drive, we rented a 4WD and headed out on the mere sand tracks through the island. Sam had a lot of fun four wheel driving through this amazing landscape and then ultimately drove along the massive Seventy Five Mile Beach. We made our way to the wreck of the Maheno on the beach; we floated down Eli Creek, sped down the beach to beat the change in tides and ultimately dipped our toes in crystal clear Lake Birabeen. And we fulfilled a wish from Cayley to play on a large sand dune, when we climbed the impressive sand blow in the middle of this amazing island. The day was amazing and fun as we took turns in the rear seat that was not attached to the floor, so needless to say was a real body shocker when hitting those bumps.