The rusting Maheno Shipwreck sits on the shore and is now a major attraction for visitors to Fraser Island. While visitors are asked to not touch the wreck, you can get a good view by walking along Maheno Beach, a stretch of 75 Mile Beach. The landmark is a typical stop on tours of Fraser Island. As well as learning about the shipwrecks that have been such an important part of the island’s history, you can explore the lush landscape filled with rainforests and sandy beaches.
The wreck sits on 75 Mile Beach, north of Happy Valley. Like all of Fraser Island, it’s accessible only by 4WD. Just find the beach on the east coast and keep heading north; the Maheno will be on your right. If you don’t have your own 4WD vehicle, book a tour.
You can visit Fraser Island year-round but to avoid the biggest crowds and highest temperatures, spring (September to November) and fall (March through May) are possibly the most comfortable seasons.
75 Mile Beach, on which the wreck sites, stretches for 75 miles (121 kilometers) along Fraser Island’s eastern coast. Highlights along the beach include the rocky outcrop of Indian Head, where you can spot manta rays, sharks, and sometimes whales; the popular swimming spot known as Champagne Pools; and the freshwater Eli Creek, where you can walk to the end of the boardwalk then swim or float with the current to the beach.
