• Home
  • News
  • About
  • Privacy
  • Contact

All About Fraser Island

Everything a visitor needs to know

  • About Fraser
    • Fraser Island Facts
  • Island Attractions
    • Towns
      • Orchid Beach
      • Kingfisher Bay
      • Eurong Beach
      • Cathedral Beach
      • Happy Valley
      • Dilli Village
    • Beaches
    • Rainforest
    • Lakes
    • Creeks
  • Barges & Ferry
    • Barges at Inskip Point
    • Ferry from River Heads
  • Accommodation
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Private Holiday House Rentals
      • Footsteps on Fraser – Orchid Beach
    • Caravan And Camping
      • Waddy Point Campgrounds
      • Dundubara Camping Area
      • Wathumba Camping Grounds
  • 4WD Driving
    • 4WD Vehicle Preparation
    • 4WD Sand Driving Tips
    • Best Tyre Pressure For Sand
    • Fraser Island Driver Etiquette
  • Fishing
    • Beach, Rock, Reef & Estuary
    • Finding Pipis
    • Beach Worms
    • Mud Crabs
You are here: Home / Island Attractions / Rainforest / Pile Valley: The Rainforest In The Sand On Fraser Island

Pile Valley: The Rainforest In The Sand On Fraser Island

March 3, 2022 by Rusty

Pile valley in the rainforrest

Pile Valley on Fraser Island is distinctly unique as it is the only rainforest in the world that grows in the sand.

This is one of the many reasons why Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where is Pile Valley, Fraser Island

Fraser Island is located 300Km north of Brisbane in Queensland, off the coast. It is only accessible to get across by Barge or boat.

Once on the Island, you will need a 4WD vehicle to get around and see the fantastic natural attractions.

One of these attractions is The Pile Valley Rainforest Circuit.

central Station board walk

What are the Pile Valley Circuit and Valley Of The Giants

Pile Valley begins at Central Station on Fraser Island. You can follow the boardwalk along Wanggoolba Creek for about 100m. The crystal clear waters of the creek are reminiscent of the Jurassic era without the dinosaurs.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, borer-resistant timber found in this area was popular in the building of piers and jetties.

The surrounding area of Central Station has an interesting history of logging until it was outlawed and declared an area of natural significance in 1937.

The Pile Valley is a 4Km circuit walk that winds through the tropical sand rainforest. The walk takes approx. 2 hours for a return trip

Central station ferns

What can you see at Pile Valley?

Pile Valley has a diverse Eco System. Not only is it the only rainforest in the world that grows in the sand it is home to magnificent 1000-year-old plants including Giant King Ferns, Satinay trees and Kauri Pines.

It is also known as the Valley of the Giants – as this is where you will see the two largest trees on the Island – the Giant Satinay and the Giant Tallowwood, in this untouched rainforest.

Not only is there lots to see and explore, but it is also a sacred place where you can actually feel just how special and unique it is.

Feel the moisture on your skin from the cool damp air flowing along the creek and through the trees.

Hear the concerto sounds of the birdlife and insects and feel the velvet smoothness of the florescent green moss growing on every surface.

Boardwalk K'gari Central Station Fraser Island
Boardwalk to Pile Valley Circuit

It is truly magnificent and a memory that will be with you forever once you experience it.

You can spot Turquoise Parrots, Red Goshawks and an array of beautifully coloured Kingfishers as they swoop between branches under the rainforest canopy.

The Pile Valley is also the perfect habitat for diverse wildlife.

What can you do at Pile Valley?

Walking the circuit through Pile Valley is certainly an adventure. The return walk will take about 2 hours to the 4km at a light easy pace.

  • Be sure to bring your camera for some spectacular nature shots of the flowing creek and the flora & fauna. You will be mesmerised by the enormous Santinay trees and King Ferns.
  • Pack a light picnic in your backpack and find yourself a spot to enjoy a snack under the rainforest canopy. Be sure to have a water bottle too.
  • If you prefer not to do the entire Pile Valley Circuit walk just treat yourself to the boardwalk at Central station. It will give you a small glimpse into the beauty of the area and some great pics too.
Pile valley in the rainforrest
Pile valley in the rainforrest
Valley of the Giants

Pile Valley Photo Gallery

Dangers Of Pile Valley

Remember when you are in this area you are at the mercy of mother nature. Be prepared in case of an accident or injury. Always remember:

  • Tell someone where you are headed to.
  • Bring water & a snack. The walk is 2 hours.
  • Wear appropriate enclosed footwear. Thongs or bare feet are not appropriate
  • You are in the rainforest and it will be a little cool so bring a light sweater in summer or a warmer jacket in Winter.
  • Beware of Dingos. They are more common in the beach dunes and dry bush areas but they have been spotted deeper inland and around spots that frequent people. Including the central station and the rainforest trails.
  • Snakes and spiders inhabit this area so be aware but not scared. You are highly unlikely to see any but never say never.
  • The walk through Pile Valley is long and not advisable for young children nor is it wheelchair accessible.

Giant Hoop pines at Pile Valley

What Else To Know About Pile Valley

The most important thing to know about Pile Valley is that it is truly a magnificent natural world wonder. There is nowhere else in the world that you can go and see massive rainforest vegetation growing in the sand.

Looking at photographs alone does not give this picturesque spot any justice. It has to be seen and felt to fully appreciate its beauty.

If you ever have the opportunity to come and visit Fraser Island this Valley of the Giants is a must-see and should be on everyone’s bucket list of natural wonders.

If you want to learn more about visiting Fraser Island, Join our email list for regular updates about what we have for you on the Island.
 

Note: Hotmail accounts will likely not get delivered unless you white-list our @allaboutfraser.com

More (K’gari) Island Attractions

  • Lake Mckenzie Fraser Island
  • Platypus Bay Fraser Island
  • Champaign Pools Fraser Island
  • Eli Creek Fraser Island
  • Central Station Rainforest
  • The Pinnacles – Coloured Sands
  • The Maheno Wreck Fraser Island
  • Indian Head Fraser Island
  • The Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Find the complete list of Fraser Island Attractions here.

Rainforest at Pile valley

Related: Central Station

Wanggoolba Creek - Central Station Fraser Island Australia
Boardwalk K'gari Central Station Fraser Island

ADVERTISEMENT

Filed Under: Rainforest

A Little About Us

Kids and sandboarding – awesome fun on Fraser Dunes

We are the Boston family. Rusty, Ursula and our 2 daughters Summer & Lotus. We are long time residents of the island and have lived at Orchid Beach for more than 20 years...
Read More…

Latest Articles

driving to wathumba

Wathumba Creek – A Top Fishing Spot On Fraser Island That Offers Everything

Wathumba Creek on Fraser island Fraser Island has so many amazing places of interest. However, one place that is grossly underrated is the amazing Wathumba Creek. And when we say creek it is more … [Read More...]

  • How Long Is The Drive From Hook Point to Orchid Beach?
  • Fraser Island Fishing – Beach, Rock, Reef & Estuary Extreme Island Fishing on Fraser
  • All About Camping on Fraser Island : How To Get the Best Experience With All (K’gari) Fraser Island Camping Grounds
  • Fraser Island Weather – Monthly Climate and Seasonal Conditions For The Best Time To Visit
  • The Orchid Beach Trading Post On Fraser Island
  • Dundubara Camping Area (Eastern Zone 7 Campground)
  • Driving The Wathumba Creek Track – Towing a Boat Fraser Fishing
  • The Best Land Based Fishing Spot On The Fraser Coast – Hervey Bay Jetty

Map Of Fraser Island

map-of-fraser

Looking For Something?

Copyright © 2023 All About Fraser All rights Reserved