Valley Of The Giants K'gari (Fraser Island)
The Valley of the Giants is a breathtaking camping and walking spot on K’gari (Fraser Island), famous for its towering, thousand-years-old trees. Found in the heart of K’gari’s central rainforest, the trees that grow in the Valley of the Giants can stretch to more than 50 metres tall and 4 metres wide. Offering a glimpse into the island’s rich biodiversity and UNESCO World-Heritage-listed ecosystem, this magnificent forest is a must-visit spot for nature-lovers visiting the island.
About the Valley of the Giants on K'gari (Fraser Island)
The Valley of the Giants is nestled in the middle of K’gari’s Central Station, a dense, flourishing rainforest in Pile Valley, and one of the most beautiful destinations on the island. Visitors who stop by during guided tours or self-drive adventures get to quite literally walk among giants, with ancient tallowwood and satinay trees towering overhead. These trees are not only magical to look at, but they contribute to K’gari’s unique ecosystem.
Famously the largest sand island in the world, K'gari is particularly special because of how well plants - as well as entire rainforests - can grow there. Typically flora shouldn't be able to grow well in sand, which offers very little nutrition. But, on K'gari the sand is has a particular fungus that allows nutrients to survive in the sand for longer, thus feeding all sorts of tropical plants and trees.
Where is the giant satinay on K'gari (Fraser Island)?
The giant satinay tree is native to K'gari. The largest trees of this kind, which have been growing for centuries, can be found growing at the Central Station rainforest picnic area, and the Valley of the Giants site.
Also known as Syncarpia hillii, the giant satinay tree is one of the most famous residents of K'gari, alongside the pure breed dingoes, the sand dunes, and the crystal blue lakes.
To see some giant satinay trees up close, head toward Central Station Rainforest in your 4WD - or book a tour that takes you there. Then, follow one of the several walking trails that guide you through these forest giants.
Top K'gari tours that pass through Central Station rainforest!
K'gari's tree logging history
K'gari's towering satinay and brush box trees have a rich and significent history. These centuries-old giants were once prized by settlers who would cut them down for their durable timber and use them in construction and ship-building. Logging on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) continued until 1991, when it was banned to protect the its natural beauty. Today, K'gari's ancient trees, along with much of the island are now protected under it's UNESCO World Heritage status.
How to get to the Valley of the Giants
To reach the Valley of the Giants, you'll need to make your way to Central Station's camping area, then follow the walking tracks deeper into the dreamy rainforest. It's about a 1-2 hour walk to get to the Valley of the Giants and back, depending on your walking speed and how much time you want to spend exploring.
From Lake McKenzie
If you're driving from Lake McKenzie, ideally in a 4WD vehicle, you can get to Central Station in about 30 minutes. First, head south-east on Lake McKenzie Road for about 1.4km until you right Northern Road.
Turn right onto Northern Road and drive for 3.1km, where you will take a sharp right onto Eurong Road. Drive for 1.3km then take a left. Drive for another 700m and take another left. After 130m, you'll take a right, and in another 200m, you'll have reached the Central Station camping area.
From Central Station, you'll need to go by foot to get to the Valley of the Giants. Follow the sign posts for your walking trail through the ancient rainforest and you'll be among the satinay trees in no time.
From Kingfisher Bay Resort
If you're travelling from Kingfisher Bay Resort, start by driving towards Cornwell's Road. From the resort, that's 70m south-west before turning right and driving for another 160m, then turning left and driving 3.7km.
Once you reach Cornwell's Road, drive for 3.7km then turn right onto Northern Road.
Drive for 9.1km on Northern Road, then take a right onto Eurong Road. Drive for 1.3km on Eurong Road, then take a left, another left, and a right. After 200m, you'll find yourself at Central Station.
For a hassle-free visit, booking a guided tour that includes your transport and expert guides is the way to go. The Valley of the Giants is quite close to other popular K'gari landmarks like Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley and Badjala Sandblow, so tours that take you to the Valley will typically hit those beautiful spots, too.
Interested in a guided tour that takes you through the Valley of the Giants? Check out the 3D2N Rainforest Eco Hike.
