The first proper settlement of Fraser Island started around 1860. This was purely focussed on timber logging. Mainly Kauri, which was used in the local timber industry, but after the discovery of gold, most of the timber went to the new mines. As Fraser Island was still an extremely remote area with no commercial value except for the timer and no strategic position, no other settlement took place.

During those early years, the aboriginals were treated badly and there number declined rapidly.