Freedom On 2 Wheels

Those of you who have been to Fraser Island will certainly agree with me when I say that it is one of the most beautiful places in Australia and in the world. It is a destination on the list of places to visit for every tourist coming to Australia.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and is very unique with its fauna and flora.

Rainbow Beach & Fraser Island 2011 Solo Trip

I went to Fraser Island for the first time in 2004 and kept revisiting ever since. It is nice to get there in a 4WD vehicle but when I spotted a couple of bikes during my first visit there I couldn’t stop thinking about getting there on 2 wheels. After 6 visits in 4WD that idea finally became a reality a week ago. Monday morning 31.10.2011 came and I rode 134km from Ashgrove to Tewantin (near Noosa) on the Sunshine coast and from there onto the barge across the Noosa river. Right there at Noosa North Shore starts Great Sandy National Park.

It is a truly beautiful place to visit regardless of an opportunity to drive/ride on the beach. From there it’s 55km of wide beach riding to Rainbow Beach. This route via beach makes the trip between Eumundi and Rainbow Beach 50km shorter comparing to having to drive through Gympie.

Please note that beach riding and driving (4WD only) in this area is only allowed 2-3 hours on either side of LOW TIDE. Check the times of low tide online or at one of the offices of QPWS. (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services) It is approximately 45km of wide compacted sand to Double Island with the lighthouse where you get inland to avoid impassable rocky area. From there back onto the beach and another 10km until you reach Rainbow Beach. The road rules apply and speed limit is 80km/hour unless signed otherwise. Police patrol these beaches and I have met police car there a few times.

Then from there it is just 12km to board the barge at Inskip Point. I was on my own and therefore it made me realise how important it was to stay safe and not having to rely on anyone else’s help in regards to lifting the bike from sand or on water and food supplies for 2 days. Well, you don’t need that much for 2 days, do you?

It was not too hot, neither too wet – just right. It has been a great 2 day adventure without any back up vehicle and any help whatsoever. Very fine soft silica sand and many sand blows were really tiring and very rewarding. I absolutely loved it. Being solo allowed me to make lots of video footage (video diary) and many photos. I’ve covered a distance of 310km on road and 250km in sand Off road. Three times I laid 200kg bike gently into the sand and 3 times lifted it up within 10 seconds to prevent fuel from leaking out of the tank. :o) No damage and no single scratch to me or the bike.

Follow through to what you want and desire. This has been on my “wish” list for quite some time. What is it specifically that you are going to do and reward yourself with in the near future?

Stay tuned for a video with “SAFE IN SAND” riding tips coming soon.