Cooloola Great Sandy National Park

Stretching along the Sunshine Coast from the Noosa River to Rainbow Beach, Cooloola Great Sandy National Park is a wild, raw slice of Queensland’s coastline that feels a world away from the polished resorts further south. This is a place of colossal sand dunes, ancient rainforest, and shimmering freshwater lakes – a landscape carved by wind and water over millennia. The park is a paradise for four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, bushwalkers, and anyone who craves solitude in nature.

Highlights & What to See

• Teewah Beach & the Coloured Sands: Drive along the hard-packed sand of Teewah Beach (4WD required) to see the spectacular coloured sand cliffs, where layers of ochre, rust, and cream reveal the park’s geological history.
• Lake Cootharaba: A vast, shallow lake perfect for kayaking, sailing, or simply floating. It’s also the gateway to the Upper Noosa River, a pristine waterway fringed by paperbark forests.
• Noosa Everglades: One of only two everglade systems in the world, accessible by canoe or kayak. Glide through mirror-still waters lined with ancient tea trees – a truly magical experience.
• Double Island Point: A headland with a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coast. The beach below is a top spot for surfing and fishing.
• Rainbow Beach: The town at the park’s northern edge, named for the multicoloured sand dunes that backdrop its beach. It’s a great base for exploring the park and the starting point for the ferry to K’gari (Fraser Island).

Suggested Time to Spend

With a 4WD, you can cover the highlights in a long day, but two to three days allows for a more immersive experience. Spend a day driving the beach and exploring the coloured sands and Double Island Point, then dedicate a full day to paddling the Everglades or Lake Cootharaba. If you’re camping, consider three nights to truly unwind. Without a 4WD, you’re limited to the southern section around Lake Cootharaba and the Noosa River – still worthwhile for a day trip from Noosa.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa Heads: Just 30 minutes south, with its national park, stunning coastal walks, and vibrant dining scene – a perfect contrast to the park’s wilderness.
• K’gari (Fraser Island): Accessible via barge from Rainbow Beach, the world’s largest sand island offers incredible lakes, rainforests, and wild dingoes.
• Gympie: A historic gold-mining town with a charming main street and the impressive Gympie Gold Mining and Historical Museum.
• Maryborough: A heritage-listed port city with beautiful colonial architecture and the story of Mary Poppins’ creator, P.L. Travers.
• Tin Can Bay: A sleepy fishing village where you can hand-feed wild Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins at the local feeding platform each morning.

Please check official sources for current details.