Thread: Accessories for Fraser Island?

Having just returned from our first trip to Fraser I would be looking strongly at your tide times. Kingfisher is some way from some of the sights.

We stayed at Dundaburra and a day trip to Sandy Cape had us driving home on soft sand after spending a couple of hours at the lighthouse. We also got help up for 1/2 an hour at a bypass on the way back with a bogged Prado. We also stopped at Orchid Beach for 1/2 an hour for fuel/ice.

For example, Fingfisher is about an hour and a half to Dundaburra. The track from Kingfisher to the the east side is a 15km/h track, or faster without he wife instructing about the bumps. It is also narrow, so at your time of year you might be pulling over more to let others past.

As for what you need, WhiteD3 is the go on that, I just watched him and his learner driver son go all over the place with no hold ups.

Originally Posted by Mattt

Thanks, any recommendations for shackles and snatch strap (rating and length)?

I think they are mostly about the same length, about 9m, as for ratings others may have more accurate numbers, but I think you need at least 2x the weight of your vehicle.

Originally Posted by tonic

Having just returned from our first trip to Fraser I would be looking strongly at your tide times. Kingfisher is some way from some of the sights.

We stayed at Dundaburra and a day trip to Sandy Cape had us driving home on soft sand after spending a couple of hours at the lighthouse. We also got help up for 1/2 an hour at a bypass on the way back with a bogged Prado. We also stopped at Orchid Beach for 1/2 an hour for fuel/ice.

For example, Fingfisher is about an hour and a half to Dundaburra. The track from Kingfisher to the the east side is a 15km/h track, or faster without he wife instructing about the bumps. It is also narrow, so at your time of year you might be pulling over more to let others past.

As for what you need, WhiteD3 is the go on that, I just watched him and his learner driver son go all over the place with no hold ups.

I have used Kingfisher as a base before and it is true you need to plan your days carefully, if you do it right and the tide times are friendly you plan to be travelling the inland roads during the higher stages of the tide so that when you get to the beach you maximise your time there and then plan to be back at one of the inland access roads well before the end of the safe driving margin then ou can take your time back to Kingfisher. But you are right it can be pretty slow going but fun and beautiful. Also don't get too disheartened if the tides are not friendly every day because some of my favourite places are the inland lakes and creeks, on days when you might not get a lot of time on the beaches plan to spend them seeing the inland sights.

Also consider removing mudflaps if you have them fitted.

The rear ones can act like a plough in the soft sand and are prone to ripping off. Same goes for the tow bar.

I have maxtrax and they are a great option on sand and especially if you get caught out alone. To me they are always a safer option than the snatch strap.

Originally Posted by WhiteD3

Maxtrax, snatch strap and shovel, 2nd battery and traxide kit if you're camping.

Some deep floor mats. I find the Bushranger mats fit very well in the front. Amazing how much sand a D3 want to bring back from Fraser!

18 psi, DSC off, sand mode on..............and you're away.

The only thing i would add too the above list is a "Long" handled shovel.
I do a fair bit of travelling to Robe in S.A. & last year got burried in Very Soft moving sand, 3 hrs later we were out & cant say how much a long handled shovel makes things easier.
Have a good trip.

Not a vehicle accessory,but i hope you are taking a line.Good 13ft surf rod is the go,dig some pipis at low/mid tide and away you go.

Fantastic place,have a great trip.

Another thing is watch your fuel,as you will use a lot and the tank is not the largest around,that is unless you have an aftermarket one fitted.

As sneigy said a good shovel is very important.If you don't need it to dig yourself out,it may help to get someone else out of the way.

Air down,momentum is extremely important,and you will be OK.

Originally Posted by Mattt

car is a standard 2009 Disco 3 SE Petrol V6 (no locking rear diff).

Forgot an important point. From experience; in this car on Fraser you'll be doing ~ 28-30 L/100km which means a range of < 300km. Something to keep in ind.

Originally Posted by Mattt

Thanks, any recommendations for shackles and snatch strap (rating and length)?

We're at Kingfisher bay, so not camping (not sure the Mrs would like that in the heat!).

Matt, go to any reputable 4WD shop and tell them what you drive and they should point you in the right direction regards both straps and shackles.

George