Fraser IslandArticle Free Pass Fraser Island, also called Great
Sandy Island, island off the southeastern coast of Queensland,
Australia, separated from the mainland and the port of
Maryborough by Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Strait. About 75 miles
(120 km) long and 15 miles (25 km) at its widest point, it is
the largest sand island in the world. Sand hills rise to nearly
800 feet (250 metres), and there are 40 perched dune lakes
(about half the world total). There are also rainforests and
extensive wildflower heaths on the island. Birdlife abounds on
Fraser Island, but there are few species of mammals (bats are
most common, and there are some dingoes). The southwestern part
of Fraser Island is a tourist resort. In 1860 Fraser Island was
designated an Aboriginal reserve (archaeological evidence
indicates that Aborigines inhabited the island for at least
5,000 years), a distinction revoked in 1906, after Aborigines
were removed from the island. Part of Fraser Island has been a
forest reserve since 1908, about on