Fraser in June/july 2014 any tips?

[gphcald Member Find all posts View Profile Close gphcald]

I am booked in to go to Fraser between 28 june to 17 july, going up in my prado, a mates GQ LWB and possibly 60 series. looking at camping mainly wanting to go to Sandy Cape, do a bit of fishing and generally relax.
a couple of questions
Is it better to take the inskip ferry or the ones from hervey bay?
All vehicles have recovery points f+r, own air compressors, shovels and 9000kg snatch straps, deflaters of some kind.
We have all done the sand driving courses with various 4wd clubs
Camping what do people suggest a swag on a stretcher or taking the tent (oztrail tourer9)
Cooking will be with gas as i understand no fires allowed on fraser.
Is there anywhere we can shower? at least on the last day before we go home to the other halfs?

any feedback appreciated

regards

Gerry

[Corigator Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Corigator]

gphcald

I think you will find that the Inskip ferry is much cheaper than the Hervey Bay one

[castlemaine Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close castlemaine]

Hi Gerry

Sandy Cape is a long way, make sure you have enough fuel (fuel is also available at Cathedrals and Orchid Beach) if you are going for a day trip I'd suggest to stay overnight (IMO) even if it's in the vehicle. Nagala Rocks will be your biggest obstacle. Should Be OK with mates to travelling with you.

General rule is, travel on the beach either side of 3hrs of low tide. You'll see vehicles travelling at high tide but not much chance of recovery if you get stuck

16-18psi tyre pressure. Get a Hema map. 12V fridge is a good option rather than ice.

I've only used Inskip (Mantaray) Barge so can't help you with there.

My 150 averages 10l/100k but around 20L/100k in soft sand. $1.60/L in Brisbane but $2.50 at Eurong. I pay the extra rather than carry fuel, up to you.. Fill up as much as you can at Gympie or Harvey Bay before going on the island.

I would add, Maxtrax/Treds & long handle shovel to your recovery gear.

Tent or swag is up to you. Shouldn't rain too much that time of year but it'll be freezing at night.

Kingfisher Bay resort has a day time bar where you can also get a free shower. Might be an idea to get the barge to Kingfisher Bay Resort if you want a shower on the last day.

Great fishing! Great fresh water lakes! You'll have a great time and it's infectious, you'll be taking your better halfs next time.

Cheers, Ivan

[Mark from Brisbane Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Mark from Brisbane]

Hi Gerry

Sandy Cape is a long way, make sure you have enough fuel (fuel is also available at Cathedrals and Orchid Beach) if you are going for a day trip I'd suggest to stay overnight (IMO) even if it's in the vehicle. Nagala Rocks will be your biggest obstacle. Should Be OK with mates to travelling with you.

General rule is, travel on the beach either side of 3hrs of low tide. You'll see vehicles travelling at high tide but not much chance of recovery if you get stuck

16-18psi tyre pressure. Get a Hema map. 12V fridge is a good option rather than ice.

I've only used Inskip (Mantaray) Barge so can't help you with there.

My 150 averages 10l/100k but around 20L/100k in soft sand. $1.60/L in Brisbane but $2.50 at Eurong. I pay the extra rather than carry fuel, up to you.. Fill up as much as you can at Gympie or Harvey Bay before going on the island.

I would add, Maxtrax/Treds & long handle shovel to your recovery gear.

Tent or swag is up to you. Shouldn't rain too much that time of year but it'll be freezing at night.

Kingfisher Bay resort has a day time bar where you can also get a free shower. Might be an idea to get the barge to Kingfisher Bay Resort if you want a shower on the last day.

Great fishing! Great fresh water lakes! You'll have a great time and it's infectious, you'll be taking your better halfs next time.

Cheers, Ivan

I'd concur with all this, and especially the Maxtrax (although I have only ever used them for someone else's stuck truck not mine).

Don't worry about a Winch, waste of time.

I think Inskip (although have done both), one advantage is there's an excellent underbody wash facility there as you come off, which isn't that expensive..... not far up the road (plenty of signs), make sure you do that worth every cent!!

You'll have a ball, living where I live I have been there heaps but beware it's addictive

[JPH Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JPH]

Hi Gerry, it's certainly a great place, we went up in April last year and covered a fair bit of the island. We camped near Ocean Lakes campground when we headed to the cape, the nearest showers are at Waddy Point campground, from memory it was $1 for 5 mins hot water, there are other showers at K'Gari and Central Station. We stayed in swags but others on the trip had stretchers under a gazebo, either way there are some great campsites along the beaches. Enjoy your trip. http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread...il-2013/page15

Cheers

Josh