Fraser Island Expeditions
Fraser Island 2005
James and I have been organising The Great Fraser Island Annual Spring Fishing Trip since 2005, although we had both been visitors and campers there for many years before that. It is essentially so that James and I can go fishing for a week, and justify this by having others come along and share the experience. Just like Antarctica, Fraser Island has an interesting effect on people who visit. They all become ambassadors for the place, and seem to want to return over and over.
Over the years, we have stayed in several places on the Island, mainly at Orchid Beach and Waddy Point, in varying degree of comfort. In 2005 and 2006, we stayed at Ngkala House, then had a break for a couple of years. 2009 saw us staying at Sailfish at Happy Valley, then in 2010, we had a long weekend at Mario’s Cottage at Orchid. The last three years, we were in luxury up at Orchid Beach House, overlooking Marloo Bay, with views to Sandy Cape and Waddy Lodge. This year, we have entered a new era with a change of venue down to Waddy Lodge, a cosy and convenient unit down by the beach and the ranger station.
The fishing has been variable over the years. This year probably ranks up there as one of, if not, the best catching year. (Remember, it’s called “fishing”, not “catching”!) It was gratifying see this year that the average size of the fish was bigger than in past years. We assume this means that the August-September closure is working to increase the tailor population. We have mainly fished off the beach, but have in the past fished off the front and back of Waddy Point, by day and by night, with all the risks and dangers inherent in that. Given the varying degrees of familiarity with the island and skill of our parties, it is safer and better to stick to the beach, as well as being more economical in terms of gear lost etc.
This collection of image folders represents the highlights of the various trips, as well as a record of the catches and attendances. If there are no fish photos, it means that the fishing was probably disappointing.
Hawkeye.