Central Station Rainforest

The basics

A scenic boardwalk runs through the rainforest along the banks of the Wanggoolba Creek, offering the chance to walk through the rainforest and learn about its various flora and fauna. You’ll see mature kauri pines, bunya pines, satinays, and flooded gums all planted around 100 years ago to create a botanical garden. The king fern Angiopteris evecta, which has the largest fern fronds in the world, grows here and nowhere else on the island. The freshwater creek is home to a number of species of fish, turtles, and eels. Information panels are displayed on the remains of cottages built here during its days as a forestry camp. Single and multi-day sightseeing tours of Fraser Island typically stop here between other island highlights.

Things to know before you go

• Facilities include an information center, picnic area, and camping facilities.
• Central Station is wheelchair accessible.
• If planning to camp, apply for a permit before you visit.

How to get there

Fraser Island is accessible by 4WD vehicle only (permits are required). If coming from the southern tip of Fraser Island, where the ferry docks, drive up 75 Mile Beach, which runs the length of Fraser Island’s east coast. Follow the beach to Eurong Resort then head inland on the one way road toward Central Station. If you don’t have a 4WD vehicle, join a tour from the mainland.

When to get there

You can visit any time of day, all year-round but, to get ahead of the crowds, aim to visit early in the morning. Fraser Island’s Spring season (September through November) is one of the best times to visit for comfortable temperatures, reduced humidity, and low rainfall.

Lake McKenzie

Just north of Central Station, also known as Boorangoora, the strikingly blue Lake McKenzie is the most-visited of the island’s freshwater lakes and its most popular swimming location. The lake is a “perched lake,” that sits atop a sand dune, above the water table, which means all its water is pure rainwater. The sand surrounding the lake is pure silica so you can wash your hair with it or exfoliate your skin.