Cooloola Great Walk

The Cooloola Great Walk is a multi-day hiking trail that winds through the wild heart of the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park, just north of Noosa. This is Queensland’s version of a coastal wilderness – think towering sand dunes, ancient rainforests, and remote surf beaches where you might see only your own footprints. It’s a classic for self-drive travellers who want to trade the car for a backpack and immerse themselves in one of Australia’s most diverse coastal landscapes.

Highlights & What to See

• Teewah Beach & Coloured Sands: Walk along the beach past the spectacular coloured sand cliffs – a rainbow of ochre, rust and cream that shift with the light. The best views are from the beach at low tide.
• Cooloola Sandpatch: Australia’s highest vegetated sand dune system, a surreal landscape of white sand and stunted heath that feels like a desert by the sea. Climb the dunes for sweeping views over the forest and ocean.
• Rainforest sections around the Noosa River: The trail dips into lush, subtropical rainforest with towering kauri pines, piccabeen palms and the sound of bellbirds. Keep an eye out for goannas and wallabies.
• Fig Tree Point & Lake Freshwater: A side trip to a serene, tea-coloured lake perfect for a swim after a hot day’s walking. The surrounding paperbark forest is home to a huge variety of birdlife.
• Harry’s Hut: A historic timber hut dating from the 1940s, now a basic campsite and a great spot for a rest. It’s also the start of the shorter Upper Noosa River circuit if you’re short on time.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most hikers take 4–5 days to complete the full 102-kilometre one-way walk from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach. If you’re short on time, you can walk the southern section from Noosa North Shore to Harry’s Hut (about 2 days) or the northern section from Rainbow Beach to the Sandpatch (1–2 days). Either way, plan to carry all your food and water – there are no shops en route. The best months are April to October, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer flies.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa National Park – a coastal walking paradise with headland views and secluded beaches, just a short drive from the trailhead.
• Rainbow Beach – the northern end of the walk, with its famous coloured sand cliffs and a laid-back surf town vibe.
• Fraser Island (K’gari) – the world’s largest sand island, accessible by 4WD from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay. Combine both for an epic sand-island adventure.
• Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola Recreation Area) – explore more of the park by 4WD, including the freshwater lakes and the Noosa River.

Please check official sources for current details.