The Rainforest of Central Station and Pile Valley

Discover the wondrous rainforest region of the stunning Fraser Island!

Fraser Island boasts a paradise landscape filled with lush rainforests, sprawling white-sand beaches, and stunning sea views. Listed as one of the top tourist sights in all of Australia, no matter what your taste is, Fraser Island has you covered in beach fun, sand dune boarding, and historic attractions. But by far one of its best features is for the nature lovers, with Fraser Island reigning supreme in an array of wildlife attractions. At the heart of it, all sits Central Station, which is often dubbed the gateway to the island’s incredible natural beauty.

Within this central gateway, rare plant life and a mesmerising rainforest scenery carves the backdrop to many adventurous and relaxing pursuits. This ecosystem has been growing and thriving for thousands of years, listed as the only place on earth where this type of rainforest is found growing from a sand dune island, which usually lacks mineral fertility.

Central Station and the surrounding Pile Valley were originally logging camps. Today, logging is prohibited in the area because it is now listed as a World Heritage Site and must be protected. The picturesque region is a perfect start to your Fraser Island adventure,

Things to Do in the Rainforest

• Take a Walk

  Taking a bushwalk through the undergrowth is one of the most popular things to do in the Central Station Rainforest. There are several walks that leave from the area, taking you along Wanggoolba Creek boardwalk, past Basin Lake, and through the satinay trees of Pile Valley. Along the way, you can read the information signs which showcase the extraordinary tale of the plant’s survival and regeneration.

• Have a Picnic

  Enjoy a bite to eat against the stunning backdrop of the rainforest while taking a break for a morning of exploring.

• Go Camping

  Instead of heading back to the mainland after the sunsets, why not enjoy a night in this picturesque region? Camping at Central Station gives you the chance to soak up the natural beauty in the area, including the abundance of exotic plant and animal life that calls the island home.

The Animals of Central Station Rainforest and Pine Valley

The wildlife is one of the biggest draws of Fraser Island and, by extension, Central Station Rainforest and Pine Valley. The rainforests on the island were once home to a herd of Brumbies (or feral horses) until they were taken elsewhere at the start of the 20th century.

There are still plenty of dingoes to be spotted, though, as well as a number of other native species that find shelter and food in the rainforest and its surroundings.

The birds of the rainforest are a sight to behold, too. Circling the towering canopies, you might be able to catch a glimpse of the Plumed Frogmouth, Red Goshawks, Glossy Black Cockatoos, and Turquoise Parrots.

Fraser Island really is a haven of natural beauty, from the pristine beaches, to the lakes, rainforests, and beyond. At Central Station, you can see some of the most mesmerising scenery of the island, where ancient rainforests taper out into sand dunes and the shimmering sea.

Explore the Landscape of Fraser Island.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.