Prior to European occupation the island was home to several thousand Aborigines. Over the years It has become the site for a number of shipwrecks, and in the early days the home to the timber industry and mineral sands exports. The mining of mineral sands was stopped during the mid 70’s by the Commonwealth Government when they would not issue export licences.

Much of the island is now protected as the Great Sandy National Park, in 1992 the park was inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Now with the end to sand mining and logging, Fraser Island has become a valuable tourist attraction for fishermen and 4WD enthusiasts.

Wild brumbies were once an attraction on Fraser Island, but were taken off the island in the 90's.