Indian Head is one of the sites you will get to explore when you join in one of our island tours here at Dropbear Adventures. Located on the eastern part of Fraser Island, at one end of the stunning Seventy Five Mile Beach, Indian Head is definitely a photographer’s delight as it offers a panoramic vista of the surrounding beaches. This coastal headland also carries a rich history which explains why it is one of Fraser Island’s iconic landmarks.
Want to know what we’re talking about? Read on as we time travel back to the past and give you hints on what you could expect from this natural jewel.
The Beginnings
Fraser Island may not have come to exist without Indian Head –yes, you read that right. Because of Indian Head and other volcanic rock structures, including Waddy Point and Middle Rocks, Fraser Island developed over time into what it is today. As featured in a Wikipedia article, “The outcrop consists of rhyolite that was originally created by volcanic activity about 50 to 80 million years ago.”
Story Behind the Name
You might ask, “Where did Indian Head get its name? Are there many Indian heads on Fraser Island?” Well, there’s always a story behind a person’s or a place’s name, and Indian Head is no exception. One story says Indian Head was named as such because it’s shaped like a Native American Indian chief’s headdress when you drive up the Eastern beach. However believable it may seem, historical evidence proves that the site actually got its name from Captain James Cook.
Known to the Aboriginals as “Tuckee”, Indian Head was named by Captain James Cook after the inhabitants of the island. According to FraserIsland.net, “Captain Cook first sighted the Fraser Island Butchulla people during 1770 and named Indian Head on the eastern beach after them.” The term “Indian” apparently meant an island’s natives centuries ago.
Activities on Indian Head
Because of its amazing location, Indian Head allows visitors to take a peek into the rich marine life of Fraser Island. According to Phil James of FishingMonthly.com.au, winter is the best time to visit if you want to spot “huge schools of tailor arriving for spawning and as well as sharks, rays, turtles and dolphins.” Humpback whales also pass by and can be sighted during whale season.
If you want to go fishing, Indian Head is also the best spot for this activity. October and into November are the ideal months to prepare your fishing rods and baits as these months offer quality catches for anglers. August and September, on the other hand, protects these fish with an imposed fishing ban. When fishing remember to wear appropriate clothing and quality footwear as the rocks can be very slippery.
However breathtaking this spot can be, it’s only possible to relish them throughout the day since camping is prohibited on Indian Head. But you can always set up base elsewhere as “Alternative camping is available at Dundubara and Waddy Point campgrounds” according to Boxatrix. So make sure you can take in as many spectacular sights as you can when you visit Indian Head.
Where to Next?
Indian Head is accessible via 4WD, which means you can easily get to other spots on the island once you’ve decided you’ve had enough Fraser Island fishing for the day. You can head on to the Champagne Pools and experience nature’s Jacuzzi via a short boardwalk from Indian Head.
At Dropbear Adventures, it’s always a pleasure for us to introduce visitors to the scenic sites in Fraser Island, including the incredible Indian Head. Call us today and let us tailor a memorable adventure for you on our Fraser Island Tours.