How Fraser Island is bouncing back after devastating fires

Fraser Island is re-establishing itself as one of the biggest tourist hot spots in the region, with permit data showing visitors have already made almost 40,000 more overnight campsite bookings this financial year compared to last.

Fraser Island is re-establishing itself has bounced back ​as one of the biggest tourist hot spots in the region, with camping permits showing visitors have already spent almost 40,000 more nights in 20-21 so far than in the previous financial year.

Despite fires and the pandemic, Fraser Island has seen some promising statistics, with visitors making almost 40,000 more campsite bookings on the island in the 20-21 financial year so far than the previous year.

Permit data shows visitors have booked 38,000 more nights on Fraser Island camp sites so far this financial year than they did in the whole 19-20 financial year.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the national parks generate $2.6 billion in economic activity each year, and the world’s largest sand island “plays a big role.”

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the result was thanks to people supporting the area.

“These latest tourism figures equal thousands of families from across Queensland and Australia spending money in local communities and supporting dozens of tourism operators in the area,” Minister Scanlon said.

“It’s a strong sign of regrowth on the island in the face of COVID-19 and bushfires that impacted this world-heritage listed area late last year ... testament to the resilience of Queenslanders in continuing to manage.”

Cathedrals on Fraser accommodation manager Michelle Worchester said it was tough for her during the fires and the pandemic, but things were looking up.

Cathedrals on Fraser is remaining a popular spot, as Michelle remains optimistic about Fraser Island’s upcoming tourism outcomes.

“When the fires came through, December was a bit of a ride and then when Greater Sydney was in lockdown ... we lost 60 bookings over Christmas,” Michelle told the Chronicle.

“Even though the island was reopened, we kind of had another wave of COVID closes and that affected us through into January because, unfortunately, people thought that they were going to be coming to charcoal, when in actual fact, none of the major attractions were even affected.”

Since the fires, rangers have been working “very hard” for Fraser’s recovery, and the hard work has been showing.

“Right now, you can’t even tell there’s been a fire, it’s recovered really well, Fraser Coast Tourism and Events have been doing a lot of work trying to promote the area and I think they’ve done a very good job of it,” Michelle said.

“The fires actually put Fraser Island back in people’s minds ... it is a really beautiful time to see the island, to see how it’s recovered ... it’s actually quite pretty, the black trunks and vibrant green leaves and grass regrowing.

“Business for us is pretty good considering there’s no international visitors, and we’re looking forward for our next holidays ... September’s already fairly full, we’re optimistic.”

Originally published as How Fraser Island is bouncing back after devastating fires