January 17, 2012
Bluedog-Kingfisher Bay Resort Fraser Island Photography Tour
Friday 13th September – Monday 16th September 2013
This is a photography tour designed for photographers by photographers!
Join Danielle Lancaster discovering some of her favourite photography haunts on Fraser island!This tour has been especially designed so you don’t have to drive or own a 4WD. All vehicles are supplied, transfers to the island, accommodation and a whale watching tour to see the giants of the deep, the Humpback Whales! Please see below for prices, the list of inclusions, sample itinerary, what to bring and some FAQ below.
Kingfisher Bay Resort is the gateway to the World Heritage wilderness of Fraser Island. This Australian icon is famous for its ancient rainforests, spectacular fresh-water lakes, remarkable wildlife and famous 75-Mile Beach with streams spilling into the ocean, mighty sand blows, coloured sand and even a shipwreck.
Limited numbers will ensure you gain a personal yet rewarding experience on one of our favourite places on Earth! Yes that’s right seats will be limited to two 4WD vehicles only with our own drivers. Participants will get the chance to join both drivers.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was an excellent way to see varied aspects of the island, without the hassle of driving, and with two knowledgeable guides who maximised the photographic opportunities and gave good advice on how to improve my photography. I particularly appreciated the fact that we had plenty of time at each location to experiment with different angles, subject matter and camera settings. It was a bonus to have comfortable accommodation and good food and friendship along the way.’
from Judith B.
Bookings are now being taken. To register please Contact Us by email.
Inclusions
Instruction from photography tutors covering both technical and aesthetic aspects
Bluedog Photography Tour Pack: with photography notes, worksheets, map, 4GB USB.
Ferry transfers
3x nights in a Hotel Resort room at Kingfisher Bay Resort
Breakfast, lunch and dinner as below per itinerary.
Four Wheel Drive vehicles for touring island
Half day whale watching tour
Exclusions
Souvenirs and other items you may wish to purchase
Additional tours or resort activities you may wish to do
Phone calls, internet, incidentals
Price:
Single Room $3769.00
Twin/Double $3574.00
All prices are inclusive of GST
Non photography partners are welcome and included in all.
Booking Payment Plan:
A $500.00 non-refundable deposit is required on booking.
(if Bluedog has to cancel the tour for any reason this will be refunded).
Remainder to be paid by 45 days in advance of tour date start. Australian tax invoices will be issued.
Sample 2013 Fraser Island Tour Itinerary
Maybe subject to change due to weather, road and tides
Meals included each day are indicated by: B=Breakfast L=Lunch; D=Dinner
Day 1
L,D
11.00 Make your own way to Kingfisher Bay Mainland Reception at River Heads for check in of luggage and ticket to Island and to meet your accompanying Bluedog Tutor.
12.30 Depart on Ferry for Fraser Island
13.20 Arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort and check in. Please arrange to pay for incidentals including internet, phone calls and shop purchases on arrival.
13.45 Group lunch at Sand Bar (included in tour cost)
Free time – check out the resort’s What’s On guide for details.
16.30 Group meet in reception for sunset shoot around beach/jetty hut. Sunset 17:40
18.30 Buffet dinner at the Sand Bar included in tour cost.
20.00 Presentation by Danielle Lancaster. Group to meet in Reception.
21.00 Leisure Time
Day 2
B,L,D
Early risers may enjoy photography back at the jetty with the moon still in the sky! Or bird photography in the bush surrounding the resort.
Sunrise: 05:45/Moonrise: 04:42; Moonset: 16:51
From 06.30 Breakfast served in Maheno Restaurant. Included in tour cost.
08.00 Meet your Bluedog instructors for your day out on Fraser Island. Don’t forget to pack swimwear, hat, water bottle sunscreen and your camera equipment. Lunch and morning tea will be provided.
Today we will visit (order is subject to weather conditions, tides and traffic):
~ Central Station
~ Pile Valley
~ Wanggoolba Creek
~ Lake McKenzie (perched lake)
~ West Coast and McKenzies jetty for sunset.
19.30 Group dinner in the Maheno Restaurant for seafood buffett (non seafood dishes provided) then Evening at leisure.
Day 3
B,L,D
06.00 Meet your Bluedog instructors in reception for your day out on Fraser Island. Don’t forget to pack swimwear, hat, water bottle sunscreen and your camera equipment. Breakfast, lunch and morning tea will be provided (included in tour cost).
Today we will visit (order is subject to weather conditions, tides and traffic):
~ Eastern Beach
~ Rainbow Gorge
~ Red Canyon
~ Maheno shipwreck
~ Indian Heads
Dinner in The Sand Bar bistro on our return.
Day 4
B
Breakfast is served in Maheno Restaurant then check out of room.
08.00 Whale Watch boat departs from Kingfisher Bay jetty. (Included in tour cost)
12.00 Return form whale watch tour and free time.
14.00 Depart on ferry for mainland.
You should consider bringing the following photographic items:
Camera, tripod, lockable cable release or remote; polariser filter; other filters if you have them; torch; plenty of cards; 2 batteries and charger; computer or hard drive for backups and water bottle.
You should consider bringing the following personal items:
Daypack; long trousers; shorts; shirts; hat; closed in walking shoes; sunglasses; rain coat; umbrella; toiletries; swim wear; towel; sunscreen;
mosquito repellent; money for personal spending and meals. Find more handy hints here.
LUGGAGE HANDLING POLICY
Please note the following:
1. Without exception, the maximum acceptable weight for any single piece of luggage is 25 kilos.
2. Where guests are required to pack down luggage over 25 kilos, additional bags are available from both Mainland Terminal or Resort Reception Desk.
3. Each guest may check in two (2) items of luggage, weighing a maximum of 25 kilos each.
4. Additional items to be checked in will incur a handling fee of $5AUD per item.
How to Get There:
The journey is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours drive north of Brisbane City. Head out of Brisbane city on the Inner City Bypass onto Kingsford Smith Drive. Stay on Kingsford Smith Drive until you see the signs to the Airport on the Gateway Arterial Road. Once on the Gateway Arterial Road, you continue driving for around 10 minutes until you see a sign that says ‘Sunshine Coast’ on the left lanes.
Take this exit and drive for a further 10 minutes until this joins the Bruce Highway. You then simply follow the signs through Gympie then take the Maryborough exit. From Maryborough, it is simply a matter of following the signs and allowing 30 to 40 minutes for the trip from Maryborough to River Heads.
More info: http://www.kingfisherbay.com/kingfisher/how-to-get-there/how-to-get-there_home.cfm
Secure Parking is available at River Heads. Vehicles must be pre booked.
Liability Clause:
Please be aware: We strongly recommend you should have your own insurance for both your gear and yourself.
While we make every effort to choose safe locations, we are sometimes venturing into wilderness areas. Participation in any activity is solely at the discretion of the individual and Bluedog Pty Ltd and Kingfisher Bay Resort or any of their employees will be exempt from all liability in respect of any event, negligent act, omission, accident, personal injury, death, sickness, irregularity, loss or damage whatsoever, howsoever and by whosoever caused.
We just want you to have a great experience!
What Happens If?
I don’t have a tripod?
We have a limited number of tripods we can hire for the tour but these must be pre booked.
I don’t have a car to get to the harbour?
Please contact Bluedog as we may be able to arrange a lift for you with another accompanying tour member. For coach transfers from Brisbane visit: Tory’s Tours
It rains?
We can’t tell Mother Nature what to do but we will be checking the weather and be keeping all those informed if it looks like bad weather may be coming. On this note, we have also photographed on Fraser in ‘bad’ weather and were able to capture some stunning shots – nothing like a lightning storm over the sea!
I forget something?
We’ll be sending out reminders and the full list again to those that register hoping you don’t forget anything. Supplies are limited on the island especially for photography gear.
I can’t come to this one – will there be another?
Yes if we get enough interest we’ll run another! No worries. Plans are under way for two Fraser tours each year – one like this and another where we will be based at Eurong Beach Resort for those that wish to self drive.
