While it's believed the Portugese were the first to visit and map what became Fraser Island, Captain James Cook and Matthew Flinders are still credited with its European discovery. According to Fraser Island history, on Captain Cook's arrival in 1770 he believed the stretch of land was part of the mainland, naming it The Great Sandy Peninsula and the body of water behind, Hervey Bay.
Matthew Flinders first landed on the island in 1802, however, it wasn't until 1822 before another explorer, Edwarson, revealed it was an island. The island was later given its European name of Fraser Island in recognition of Eliza Fraser who was captured in 1830 by the local Aboriginals, along with her sea capital husband and a number of crew, and rescued in 1836.
The Fraser Island Aboriginal clan, the Butchulla people, aptly named the island K'gari – meaning Paradise. The indigenous population once fluctuated between 400 and 3,000 inhabitants depending on the seasons and availability of food, chiefly the regions rich abundance of seafood. From the evidence of campsites, stone tools and bora rings anthropologists believe Fraser Island was inhabited at least 5,000 years ago.
By 1904, due to introduced disease, enslavement, conflict and relocation, none of the original Aboriginal people were left on Fraser Island. Today, the importance of the rich Aboriginal heritage is acknowledged.
Use of Fraser Island by Europeans began as a major port for the disembarkation of new settlers heading to the Maryborough region. Logging of predominantly Satinay, Kauri Pine, Brush Box, Cypress, Blackbutt and Tallowood commenced in 1860. With the timber industry came bullocks, horses, sawmills, homes, a school and a jetty.
During the war the Maheno shipwreck, a popular island icon, and the Kingfisher Bay jetty were used as aerial bombing practice targets while the island was used for Commando training, bringing to the island a post office, hospital and picture theatre.
Tourism first emerged as a viable alternative industry in the 1950s when Wangoolba Creek was dredged and holiday houses erected. The Wildlife Preservation Society and local organisation, Fraser Island Defenders, began at this time to fight against sand mining and existing logging operations. Barges began operations in the 1960s and the rest is history with Fraser being World Heritage Listed in 1992 bringing about the cessation of sand mining and logging and the boom of eco tourism to truly enjoy the uniquely diverse and exceptionally beautiful eco-system.
Come with us and explore the fascinating history of Fraser Island, its unique flora and ancient rainforests, pure-bred dingoes, pristine lakes and magnificent stretches of beach on one of our single-day, two or three day luxury tours. We'll take you places and show you elements of Fraser Island history not everyone sees, and our experienced guides are pumped full of relevant Fraser Island facts and interesting trivia to enrich your visit.
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