Central Station:A Haven in the Heart of a Rainforest

Covering an extensive scope of 184 000 sq. km which has sand dunes all over the area that rise to a height of 240 meters, Fraser Island is indeed the largest sand island in the world. Now what’s so amazing with Fraser island? To state it brief and simple – this is the only place in the world where one will find tall rainforests growing on sand dunes at elevations of over 656 feet. There were long white sand beaches which are flanked by colored sand cliffs or dunes, the highest of which can be up to 787 feet. The islands have over 100 freshwater lakes, some tea colored others clear and blue, all surrounded by sandy beaches, while ancient rainforests grow along the banks of fast flowing and crystal clear creeks.

Convinced to travel in Fraser island? Come and visit Central Station Rainforest! One of the best places to explore while in the magnificent Fraser island.

A Little Bit of History
Central Station Rainforest was was once the home of over 100 people and the center of the forestry industry when there was logging on Fraser Island, and one of the perfect spots for beautiful retreats. In fact, the amazing beauty of Central station rainforest is described by an Australian Nobel Prize winner Patrick White in his novel “A Fringe of Leaves”, the lines are as follows : ‘Now it hushed the strangers it was initiating. At some stages of the journey the trees were so densely massed, the columns so moss-upholstered or lichen-encrusted, the vines suspended from them so intricately rigged, the light barely slithered down, and then a dark, watery green, though in rare gaps where the sassafras had been thinned out, and once where a giant blackbutt had crashed, the intruders might have been reminded of actual light if this had not flittered, again like moss, but dry, crumbled, white to golden.’ Brilliant description indeed!

Central Station Rainforest Nowadays

At the present, Central Station is a popular destination for many tourists because it provides of a picnic area, scenic boardwalks leading to several lakes, creeks and streams and several enjoyable camping facilities. It also provides an information center that exhibits the rich history of Fraser island, a healthy flora and fauna from the rainforests surrounds the Central Station, and there are plantations of several kinds of pine trees which makes its camping ground more beautiful.

Central Station Camping Grounds Info

• Central Station Camping offers campsites for groups or for individuals.
• Note: You can access to Central Station is by 4WD only. Reason: the surface area of the camping grounds is sand.
• The campsites are usually suitable for walk-in camping, camper trailers, trailers and camping beside your vehicle.
• If you want to access hot showers just prepare coins! Reason: hot showers are coin operated.
• Flushing toilets and washing up facilities are available to all campers.
• Dispose your garbage properly. Bins are provided near the entrance of the camping grounds.
• There is a communal area with gas barbecues, picnic tables and public phone.
• Don’t start an open fire, it is prohibited.
• Generators are not permitted.

Re: Camping & Vehicle Permits

Upon arriving at Fraser Island, go directly to the Department of Environment and Resource Management and they will give you substantial information about Fraser island camping and and vehicle permits.

Central Station Rainforest Walk
Aside from camping, one could also enjoy central station and the rest of the scenery from Fraser island by taking the Central Station Rainforest Walk.

As stated above, from Central Station there is a boardwalk leading to Wanggoolba Creek. Ergo, this would be the starting point of the walk.

Additional infos about the walk:

• Distance: 5.6 kilometers
• Duration: 2-2.5 hours
• What will you see: subtropical and vine forests, tall trees, different frog species, piccabeen palms, lots of pristine creeks, wild flowers, king ferns

Walking tips:

• Wear durable walking shoes.
• Wear a hat.
• Bring sufficient amount of drinking water.
• Follow the rules your guide tells you.

Certainly, no visit to Fraser island is complete without visiting the Central Station Rainforest. Tested and proven, a lot of attractions, places and activities awaits for you.

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