Cooloola

Cooloola is a breathtaking coastal wilderness on the southern edge of the Great Sandy National Park, where ancient rainforest meets heathland and sweeping beaches. This is a place of raw, untamed beauty, where you can drive on the sand highway of Teewah Beach, paddle through mirror-still lakes, and spot dingoes and sea eagles. It’s a paradise for self-drivers and nature lovers who want to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in a landscape shaped by sand and surf.

Highlights & What to See

• Teewah Beach & Cooloola Great Walk – A 4WD drive along Teewah Beach is a rite of passage, while the Cooloola Great Walk winds through rainforest, scribbly gum woodlands and along the coloured sand cliffs of the Cooloola Sandpatch.
• Lake Cootharaba – This vast, shallow lake is the gateway to the Noosa Everglades. Hire a kayak or canoe to explore the serene waterways and spot waterbirds and ancient paperbark forests.
• Coloured Sand Cliffs – Near Rainbow Beach, these towering cliffs display layers of ochre, red and yellow sands, a spectacular sight especially at sunrise or sunset.
• Double Island Point – A headland with a historic lighthouse offering panoramic views over the Coral Sea. The walk up is rewarded with whale sightings (June–November) and a chance to see turtles in the clear waters below.
• Poona Lake & Freshwater Camping – A tranquil freshwater lake perfect for a swim and a picnic, surrounded by banksia woodland. Nearby camping grounds offer a true back-to-nature experience.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give Cooloola at least two to three days to truly appreciate its diversity. Spend the first day driving along Teewah Beach to the coloured sands and Double Island Point, with a night at one of the beachside camping areas. Dedicate the second day to exploring Lake Cootharaba and the Everglades by kayak or a guided canoe tour. If you have a third day, tackle a section of the Cooloola Great Walk or simply relax on the pristine beaches. A 4WD is essential for most of the park; plan your fuel and supplies carefully as services are limited.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Noosa – Just a short drive south, Noosa offers stylish dining, boutique shopping and the stunning coastal walk of Noosa National Park.
• Rainbow Beach – A laid‑back coastal town with a colourful backpacker vibe, famous for its epic sandblow and as the launch point for trips to Fraser Island.
• Fraser Island (K’gari) – The world’s largest sand island is accessible by 4WD ferry from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, and is a world‑heritage‑listed wonderland of rainforests, lakes and dingoes.
• Gympie – A historic gold‑rush town with a charming main street, antique shops and the Woodworks Museum, perfect for a pit stop on the way to Cooloola.

Please check official sources for current details.