Fraser Island Great Walk Day 6
Distance walked – 21.1km
Total Distance – 115.5km
We had decided to get an earlier start today as we had organised to be picked up at Happy Valley by Steve the taxi driver at 2pm. We knew that we had about 20km to cover which we thought would take us about 5 hours and we also wanted to have a swim at Lake Garrawongera as it was the last lake we would pass on the walk. Planning to leave at 6am would give us enough time to do the walk, have a swim and then have lunch at Happy Valley whilst not being too rushed for our transfer back to Hook Point and the return barge journey to Inskip Point where our car was waiting.
So it was at precisely 06:05 that our GPS watches were activated and we hit the track for the final day of The Fraser Island Great Walk. The night had been quiet and uneventful after the departure of the other campers and our breakfast and pack-up had run smoothly – we definitely have got into a routine now. What a pity it is the last day.
The initial 5km was through more of the beautiful rainforest on a well formed path that was an old logging tramway. It climbs gently and then descends to cross a road just before the 5km mark.
From here we entered some bushland that was clearly damaged in the recent bushfires. This is the first time on the walk that we have encountered fire damaged terrain (it is very evident on today’s satellite route picture). There is over-abundant new growth which all tends to be the same height and species.
At about 6km we reached a track junction with a side path signed for Petrie’s Camp historical site. It was marked as a 1km return trip on the map so we left our packs again and set off expecting to see some ruins of an old forestry camp.
Unfortunately we didn’t consult our guidebook which notes in brackets that all traces of the camp have been removed. We can attest that not all of the camp has been removed as there is a sad pile of broken bricks beneath the less than informative sign that is surrounded by impenetrable new growth bush. It certainly isn’t the highlight of the week. . .
We set off again, the path making some twists and turns and passing intermittently through fire damaged areas, before again traversing a lovely patch of rainforest on a gently sloping disused road.
After a few more kilometres we passed around the edge of a swampy wetland before climbing sharpy and crossing another road and then entering the Lake Garrawongera walkers camp. We passed through the camp and on through the day use area to the edge of the lake.
Last lake
Lake Garrawongera is certainly a beautiful lake and it must get quite busy as there is an enormous day use area. Once again however, we were the only people there. Despite it only being 09:40am, it was already the hottest it had been all week and we were definitely ready to cool off with a swim.
After our swim we shouldered our packs for the last time and took the path signposted to Happy Valley for the final 6km of the walk. The contours on the maps seemed to indicate that it would be all downhill but there seemed to be an awful lot of uphill as well. The last four km were along an old road which for some reason seemed to be poorly maintained. We have been very impressed with the signage and track maintenance of the walk as a whole, so it was surprising that this final section was so poor with the path blocked by many downed trees that seemed to have fallen quite some time ago.
The heat of the day combined with poor path led to some grumbling from one of our party members (not the eternally happy one), and it was with much relief that we climbed the final hill and looked down at the scattered buildings of Happy Valley. A short walk down and through a dingo fence brought us to end of the track marked by a large sign.
End of the Road
We walked along the road into Happy Valley and found the Fraser Island Retreat which has a large bar and restaurant. There was already quite a few people sat on the undercover deck waiting for lunch service to begin at 12:00. We ordered some cold drinks and joined them before going to the toilets for a quick face wash in the basin. Hopefully we can keep the windows open in the taxi as I think we are both a bit on the nose. We ordered some lunch when the restaurant opened and in no time were enjoying out first non-dehydrated meal in 6 days
Never eat anything bigger than your head
The food was excellent and we then settled in to wait until 2pm for our lift, eventually decamping to a patch of shady grass across from the bar to recline and read our books. Steve from Fraser Island Taxis arrived promptly at 2pm and we set off for Hook Point. Steve is very entertaining and informative having lived on the island for many years. He told us of the many changes on the island during that time. His service is highly recommended. He also updated us about the two ladies from the night before who he had safely dropped off at Kingfisher resort where they were able to find accommodation.
We arrived at Hook Point in about an hour and a half and drove straight to the front of the waiting queue. Steve dropped us here and departed with our thanks. The barge arrived shortly after and we were soon underway back to Inskip Point. It was the same bargeman as the previous Sunday when we had started the walk. We waited for him to come to us for payment but he ignored us as he collected the money from the full cargo of cars. He cheerily waved us goodbye at the end, so maybe you only have to pay one way as a foot passenger?
After the kilometre walk we were back at the car and the end of this adventure. We would highly recommend this walk. It showcases so much of what is great about K’gari. The route is well thought out, the walking is easy, and the terrain is spectacular. Swimming in the lakes is a highlight as are the well maintained and excellent campsites.
We drove back to Brisbane reminiscing about the week and planning our next adventures.
Today’s route
