The Pinnacles, Fraser Island

Forming the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island promises visitors miles of natural beauty and plenty of wildlife to soak up. One of the key attractions is the coloured sand cliffs of Fraser Island, the Pinnacles.

Scattered on the eastern coast of Fraser Island, jutting out along the sandy beaches. The spectacular display of hundreds of different colours catches the light as it beams down from above. An array of oranges, reds, yellows, and browns is simply one of the most marvelling sights on the Island.

How did the Pinnacles form?

There are two stories which tell the tale of the Pinnacles formation. The Dreamtime story told by the indigenous people of the island as well as the scientific theory. The Dreamtime story is named the ‘Tale of the Butchulla women.’ It tells of a woman named Wuru, who was arranged to marry an older man, called Winyer, but instead feel for a rainbow serpent named Wiberigan. Wuru visited the rainbow serpent every day at the eastern beach. One day, a suspicious Winyer followed her, and once seeing his finance in the embrace on another, fell into a jealous rage. He threw his boomerang at Wuru, but Wiberigan stepped in to take the blow. He shattered, spraying onto the cliffs, covering the rocks in a thousand of colours. Wuru was saved and escaped unharmed due to the rainbow serpent’s sacrifice. Now the area is a good luck charm for Butchulla women.

The scientific theory suggests the formation was due to the collection of minerals with the sand dunes. The formation was estimated to be over hundreds of thousands of years ago. An immersion of clay, minerals, and sand created the famous cliffs, with the colour stains due to the iron-rich minerals within the sand. The cliff’s sculptures were formed due to the weather, with wind and rain moulding the outer sand until the ancient core was exposed.

Why Visit the Pinnacles at Fraser Island?

No trip to Fraser Island is complete without a visit to this iconic Pinnacles. Located on the renowned 75 Mile Beach, only a quick walk from the Indian Head Lookout. The best time to visit is during the early morning, when the sun is rising, hitting the colour cliffs along the way. Don’t forget to bring your camera as this sight is well worth an Instagram post. It is a sacred sight for the indigenous community, with a fascinating history to the people. The Pinnacles is blessed with loads of dreamy views only a short walk from other great destinations, ideal for blissed-outbreaks with your partner or posse.

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