Choosing the right accommodation when travelling is always a daunting task, but even more so if it’s Fraser Island you’re about to set foot on! The long, uninterrupted stretch of sand, brilliant waters, majestic flora and fauna, and exciting adrenaline-fuelled activities – you want to make sure you experience all of these when visiting Fraser Island. That’s why it’s essential to select the right accommodation. However, with the many Fraser Island resorts, luxury lodges, and campgrounds in the area, it could be overwhelming for one to pick the best one for you.
Luckily, there are some ways to make the selection process easier. To help you, we’ve put together some of the things you need to look out for to find the perfect Fraser island accommodation for your trip:
Affordibility
For many, rates and prices are the top consideration when booking an accommodation. It’s important to establish a budget for how much you would like to spend on your accommodation, including extra costs such as laundry services and meal options, so that it’d be easier to filter through your choices. You can compare rates and prices using booking engines, like Expedia, Travelocity or Orbitz. Or you can also check out Kayak.com to find cheaper deals.
A great tip from IndependentTraveler.com can come in handy for your next booking, “Use the booking engines to see what’s available and test rates at the properties you’re interested in, and then go straight to the hotel’s Web site to book directly — most hotels guarantee you the lowest rate when you book on their site, and will match a lower price you find elsewhere.”
Accessibility
According to Queensland’s Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, “Fraser Island is about 300km north of Brisbane and 15km off the coast of Hervey Bay and Maryborough.” Most travellers who want to have easier access to the island’s stunning vistas and unspoilt beaches often choose to stay in Hervey Bay as it is considered the gateway to Fraser Island, providing the main access to the island. However, there are also plenty of accommodation choices in nearby towns such as Maryborough, Noosa, and Rainbow Beach.
Amenities
When it comes to an accommodation’s amenities, the choices of every traveller would vary depending on their needs. Some would prefer to stay in an upscale place, complete with luxurious facilities and services; while others would settle for convenience and comfort and free Wi-Fi. Whatever your preferences are, make sure you do your research carefully on Fraser Island hotels to help you experience the best vacation possible.
OpenTravelInfo.com also has something to advise if you have travel companions, “If you are travelling with your kids or perhaps your parents who may be elderly, check out hotels that offer something for them. A playground for kids is a great way to keep them entertained during your trip and for the elders, amenities that can help them relax and enjoy the trip are great.”
Customer Reviews
Reading what previous customers or travellers have to say about a particular hostel, lodge or resort is a good idea to gain insight on the establishment’s quality of services. TripAdvisor is typically the first place tourists and travellers visit to find out reviews and feedback from previous customers. However, exploring travel forums, review sites, and asking friends and connections through social media could also be helpful. YellowPages.com.au says, “Keep in mind when reading reviews that what may be a negative for one traveller, for example, the noise of children playing in a pool, may actually be a positive for someone else.”
Don’t let a poor choice in accommodation ruin your Fraser Island experience. Pick the right one by following these tips. Here at Dropbear Adventures, we’ve partnered with Flashpackers Noosa and Flashpackers Hervey Bay, as well as Noosa Backpackers and YHA Halse Lodge to help travellers enjoy the best before their Fraser Island camping safari.