We've been repeating it for the last few days, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. We already put the focus on its beaches (here and here) and its incredible wildlife. But where are the sand dunes? Actually there are several of them, mainly concentrated on the east coast of the island. The wind forms and move them very quickly, at a rate of one to two metres per year. Nothing seems to stop them. They cover everything in their path. A disaster? Not exactly. It helps the creation of breathtaking landscapes on Fraser Island. In the middle of the rainforest, the sandy surroundings give an impression similar to that of the Sahara desert (photo). At the foot of this dune stands Lake Wabby, one of the world's rarest dune lakes. Therefore walk the few hundred metres separating 75 Mile Beach from this oasis. Take a deep breath. Take pictures too. Otherwise, you will regret it. As outlined by UNESCO, it is "the combination of shifting sand dunes, tropical rainforests and lakes" that makes Fraser Island "an exceptional" Word Heritage site.

What do you think? Have you ever walked in the desert? What is the natural phenomenon that impresses you the most? Let us know in the comments below!

World Heritage listed Fraser Island hosts a unique flora which grows in contradiction with the laws of nature. Amazingly enough, its rainforest is the only one in the world to grow on sand (Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island). That's the way it has been off the coast of Hervey Bay for the past 800,000 years! The flora of the island includes rainforest plants dating from prehistoric times and gigantic trees (photo) whose wood was used for the construction of the Suez and Panama Canals. On a Fraser Island tour, we noticed that the landscape changes drastically from one place to another which can sometimes be very surprising. Wildlife encounters occur quite often on the island which provides protection to a rich fauna made of mammals (wallabies, possums, echidnas, dingoes, etc.), reptiles (snakes, goannas, frogs, etc.) and birds (there are over 350 different species of birds on the island). Never feed the wildlife though (heavy fines apply) and be dingo-aware. When we realize the richness and variety of Fraser Island flora and fauna, it is not surprising to learn that academics from all around the world land on the island each year to study it.

What do you think? Have you been to Fraser Island? Which plants of Australia do you find the most amazing? How did you feel when you came across a dingo? Let us know in the comments below!

We have noticed a few times already that Australian beaches are the backdrop for an amazing ritual. Some crabs (not sure if they are soldier crabs or sand bubbler crabs, sorry we do not know all about crabs), hardly visible to the eye, dig in the sand looking for microscopic food between each grain. They quickly gather the sand into a sphere and tosse it behind their legs. Eventually these small sand balls turn into spectacular sand sculptures. Nature is beautiful!

What do you think? Have you seen something similar done by any another animal? Which is the most surprising animal behaviour you have seen? Let us know in the comments below!

The ferry departing from Rainbow Beach, 3 hours drive north of Brisbane, dropped us on our second World Heritage site. Fraser Island: here we are! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world spanning more than 120 kilometres in length. The island has so many outstanding natural wonders to write about, including dune lakes and tall rainforests, that there is nothing better than experiencing it by yourself. Make sure you get a map of Fraser Island not to miss a thing! As the off-road 4WD are the only vehicles able to navigate the slopes and sandy beaches on the island, we highly recommend booking one of the numerous Fraser Island tours available. If you are experienced you can still hire a 4WD on the Fraser Coast, but joining a tour will allow you to focus on Fraser Island beautiful landscapes, unique fauna and rich flora (in addition to feeling like a Dakar competitor without worrying much about getting bogged down in the sand or worse, killing yourself). Camping and beach accommodation are available on Fraser Island and you must be insane not to spend at least a night on the island. Since being on Fraser Island, evolving in the wild and connecting with nature is our new definition of relaxing holidays.

What do you think? Have you been on Fraser Island? What are your best island vacations? Would you have any recommendations in the Fraser Coast area? Let us know in the comments below!