A British newspaper report that has labelled Fraser Island “a certified no-go zone” has sparked a savage response from locals.
In a time where the tourism industry as a whole is suffering, Queensland could well do without the publicity given to it by the London Daily Telegraph.
The paper told its 1.7 million readers that among the six killer reasons to avoid the island was the fact that it was home to “one of the world’s most dangerous beaches”.
Would-be travellers were then further warned:
“The seas surrounding Fraser Island, to the south-east of Queensland, are a certified no-go zone. That is unless you mind swimming with sharks, saltwater crocodiles and box jellyfish, while battling strong rip currents. Head inland and you’re likely to bump into some of the world’s deadliest spiders, as well as dingoes, which are known to occasionally attack humans.”
Ouch!
However, the local newspaper, the Fraser Chronicle is certainly not taking the jibes laying down.
It has issued a blanket welcome to all international visitors, “particularly pasty-white, long-suffering Poms”.
And it says that: if you leave snakes, spiders and dingoes alone, they will return the favour; the last crocodile to be seen on Fraser Island was of the plastic, blow-up variety; and, as for sharks, stingers and rips, visitors should swim in patrolled areas, under the watchful eye of a bronzed, chiselled lifeguard and all will be fine.
And if that feisty riposte wasn’t enough, the Chronicle then goes in to tell its own readers that those planning a trip to England who are similarly concerned about personal safety may want to consider the following travel alert:
“The land that makes up England, to the west of continental Europe, is a certified no-go zone. That is unless you like crowded, dirty cities, drinking warm beer, or battling rioters on the High Street. Head inland and you’re likely to sample some of the world’s most miserable food, weather that is even worse, and whingeing and whining like you would not believe.”
Goodness me. The battle for the tourist dollar really is heating up, isn’t it?
