Day 9 Monday 2 July 2012 Noosa - Fraser Island / Central Station Fraser Island Central station (via Rainbow Beach)

Today we left Noosa and headed for a few days of camping the traditional way on Fraser Island. What we knew of Fraser prior to boarding the barge from Inskip Point at Rainbow Beach is that the area is remote and we were very concerned (mainly the girls) about the dingo population, as we were warned by the Rangers at the info centre in Noosa and there were plenty of warning notes in the brochures we obtained about Fraser Island. The 4x4 driving in the sand would test the vehicle as well as the drivers. After leaving Noosa we arrived at Rainbow Beach about 1pm. After calling into the Barge Information Centre we were ready to board. We deflated the tyres and with some reservations  continued on. Our first experience on the island was fantastic, driving on the beach is something that Victorians don’t have the opportunity to do every day of the week. After about 20 minutes of beach driving we headed inland on our way to Central Station. This was an experience!! We drove through numerous water holes, the deepest of which we had water up over the bonnet!, and sand ditches where the girls had a real buzz as did the driver. We had our eyes peeled for any Dingo’s yet none were to be seen. We arrived at Central Station about 4pm , and started the setup. Olivia complained during the day of an upset stomach however we thought nothing of this at the time.

During the night she threw up everywhere, on her blanket, her sleeping bag, Leanne’s toilet bag, in Jason’s shoe outside on the ground mat etc. After one can of deodorant had been sprayed in the tent and all had been cleaned we tried to get some sleep. The clean up was a real challenge during the night & next morning with no hot water except what could be boiled. Leanne took charge and coped extremely well considering. After the initial vomit she then threw up 4 more times, this time we had a vomit bowl!!