Cooloola Recreation Area

Stretching along the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Cooloola Recreation Area is a wild, untamed slice of Queensland that feels a world away from the polished resorts of Noosa. Here, ancient sand dunes, pristine freshwater lakes, and dense coastal bush create a landscape that begs to be explored on foot, by 4WD, or from the water. This is a place for those who crave solitude and raw natural beauty — think dingo tracks on the beach, the call of a whipbird, and the sight of a sea eagle circling overhead. It’s an essential detour for any self-drive itinerary between Brisbane and the Fraser Coast.

Highlights & What to See

• Lake Cootharaba – The gateway to the area, this vast, shallow lake is perfect for kayaking, sailing, or simply floating in its tea-coloured waters. Hire a canoe from Boreen Point and paddle through the tranquil reaches.
• Noosa North Shore & Double Island Point – Accessible only by 4WD or ferry, this stretch of wild beach offers epic surf, fishing, and the chance to climb the historic Double Island Point lighthouse for panoramic views.
• Rainbow Beach & the Coloured Sands – The towering sand cliffs of Rainbow Beach display over 70 shades of ochre, red, and gold. Take a walk along the shore at low tide to see them up close.
• Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola section) – Home to the Cooloola Wilderness Trail, a multi-day hike through eucalypt forests, heathlands, and past mirror-like lakes such as Lake Freshwater and Lake Poona.
• Harry’s Hut – A historic timber cabin on the banks of the Noosa River, perfect for a picnic stop and a glimpse into the area’s timber-getting past.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly appreciate Cooloola’s scale and diversity, plan for at least two full days. Day one can be spent on the water — kayaking Lake Cootharaba or taking a boat up the Noosa River to Harry’s Hut. Day two is best for a 4WD adventure along the beach from Noosa North Shore to Double Island Point, with stops at Rainbow Beach and the coloured sands. If you only have a day, focus on the lake and a short walk to one of the smaller lakes; you’ll still get a strong sense of the area’s serene beauty.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa – The stylish coastal town with its national park, surf breaks, and vibrant dining scene is just a 20-minute drive south.
• Fraser Island (K’gari) – The world’s largest sand island is accessible via barge from Rainbow Beach; combine with Cooloola for an epic sand-island adventure.
• Gympie – A historic gold-mining town with a charming main street and the Woodworks Museum, about an hour’s drive west.
• Tin Can Bay – A sleepy fishing village where you can hand-feed wild dolphins at sunrise, just north of Rainbow Beach.
• Mary River – Known for its pristine waters and abundant birdlife, it’s a great spot for canoeing and camping.

Please check official sources for current details.