Fraser Island Fires
November 2020
There's always a sense of excitement and anticipation leading up to a trip to Fraser Island - it never fails to move my spirit in incredible ways!
I recently returned from 5 nights on Fraser island. The experience was extraordinary, but nothing like I had imagined. I arrived to find extended areas off limits due to a fire which had started towards the Northern tip of the island some weeks prior. This restricted my movements considerably.
They were days of drama, devastation and as always, stunning beauty. These images reveal a little of each.
My first view of the smoke as I headed North along the East coast
Looking back as I headed North, wondering what I would find on my return?
Next day I travelled back to the fire zone, hoping not to see smoke. Plenty of destruction to witness sadly.
The fire was still burning furiously.
On the third day I headed towards Wathumba from Orchid Beach. The fire had passed this way many weeks earlier.
I struggled to take in the vast expanse that had already succumbed to the flames
I know that nature will regenerate - there’s already evidence of this, but I fear it will take more time than some imagine. I also understand that fire in itself can be necessary to initiate growth. I only hope that it doesn’t reach the magnificent rainforest areas, where I’m sure the tall trees and ferns have stood for many ages. I’m desperate to explore these areas again during my lifetime.
The fire has now been burning for over 6 weeks. I realise that a lightning strike is capable of starting a fire, but knowing that this one originated from an illegal campfire ……. I have no words.
