Cooloola National Park

Stretching from the sparkling waters of the Coral Sea to the vast sandmass of the Great Sandy National Park, Cooloola National Park is a wild, untamed stretch of Queensland's coast that feels a world away from the Gold Coast's high-rises. This is a place of colossal coloured sand cliffs, ancient rainforests, and pristine freshwater lakes — a paradise for self-drive adventurers and nature lovers who crave solitude and raw beauty.

Highlights & What to See

• Teewah Beach & Coloured Sands: Drive along the firm sand of Teewah Beach (4WD required) to see the spectacular coloured sand cliffs — layers of ochre, rust and gold that shift with the light. Stop at the Double Island Point lighthouse for panoramic views.
• Lake Cootharaba: This vast, shallow lake is the gateway to the Upper Noosa River system. Hire a canoe or kayak to paddle through serene waterways, spotting waterbirds and maybe a sea eagle overhead. The lakeside town of Boreen Point has a historic pub for a cold beer.
• Upper Noosa River Canoe Trail: A must-do for paddlers: a multi-day or day trip through mirror-still waters fringed by paperbarks and wallum heath. Camp on remote sandy banks under a canopy of stars.
• Cooloola Wilderness Trail: A 4WD track that winds through open forest and past hidden lakes like Lake Freshwater and Lake Poona. Stop for a swim — the water is tannin-stained but refreshingly cool.
• Rainforest Walks: Short walks like the Fig Tree Walk lead through lush subtropical rainforest with towering strangler figs and piccabeen palms — a surprising contrast to the coastal dunes.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly experience Cooloola, plan at least two full days. Day one can be a beach drive to the coloured sands and Double Island Point, with a swim at Teewah Beach. Day two is perfect for a canoe trip on Lake Cootharaba or the Upper Noosa River. If you're on a tighter schedule, a long day from Noosa can cover the highlights, but you'll miss the tranquillity of an overnight stay. A 4WD is essential for the beach and inland tracks — without it, you're limited to the southern edges.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa Heads & Noosa National Park: Just south, Noosa offers cosmopolitan dining, boutique shopping, and stunning coastal walks. Combine a few days of luxury with your Cooloola wilderness escape.
• Fraser Island (K'gari): The world's largest sand island is accessible by 4WD ferry from Inskip Point (north of Rainbow Beach). Plan a multi-day trip to explore its dune lakes and rainforests.
• Rainbow Beach: A laid-back coastal town with coloured sand cliffs of its own, plus the starting point for 4WD adventures into Cooloola. Stock up on supplies here.
• Gympie: A historic gold-mining town with a charming main street and the Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum. A good pit stop on the way from Brisbane.
• Great Sandy National Park (southern section): The section around Noosa offers more walks, lakes and the famous Carlo Sand Blow near Rainbow Beach.

Please check official sources for current details.