Jenny and Tom Frith, along with their 6 children: Margaret, Annabelle, Elspeth, Peter, Rachael and Emma have been visiting Fraser Island for over 45 years. In 1976, Jenny and Tom purchased a half completed set of units, turning it into a holiday home to house their large family and all the friends that accompanied them, as they explored the island.
In the 1970’s, timber logging and sand mining was still occurring on the island. While the island was covered in tracks, none of them were sign posted. Three enormous forestry maps, with roads identified by blazes cut into trees, was the only guide the family had as they returned to the Island every school holiday period, while they explored the island and their love for it deepened.
Over the years, the house has been renovated and extended many times. Over time, the house has been opened up for renting, and has been the holiday destination for many families. It has also been a base for many fishing enthusiasts, with some groups now having returned annually for the last 30 years.
With Jenny and Tom’s family now including 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, Shearwater remains the favourite holiday destination of the extended Frith Clan.