Cooloola Great Walk (102km)

The Cooloola Great Walk is a challenging but rewarding 102km hike located within Great Sandy National Park, Queensland. Rated as grade 4, this multi-day adventure is perfect for experienced hikers seeking to immerse themselves in the stunning natural beauty of Cooloola for five days.

Get ready to be amazed by the park's diverse landscapes. The trail winds through rainforests teeming with life, tall eucalypt forests offering a cool escape, sun-drenched coastal woodlands, and vast heath plains stretching towards the horizon. As you conquer the massive sand dunes, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for perched lakes, hidden gems nestled amongst the dunes, and long stretches of sandy beaches perfect for a moment of relaxation.

The Cooloola Great Walk offers more than just scenic beauty. The trail weaves its way between the pristine upper Noosa River and the east coast, providing panoramic views of the Cooloola coastline. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings – you might encounter snakes, skinks, lizards, emus, or even an echidna. Natural lookouts along the way offer stunning vantage points to soak in the surrounding landscapes.

The hike concludes at Rainbow Beach, but the memories you create will last a lifetime. Four designated campsites – Brahminy, Dutgee, Litoria, and Kauri – provide safe havens for you to rest and recharge under the starry night sky, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Section-by-Section Guide

The Cooloola Great Walk offers a multi-day adventure through the diverse landscapes of Great Sandy National Park. Divided into five sections (S1-S5) with an optional coastal route (S6), the 102km trail caters to experienced hikers seeking a challenging and rewarding experience.

Section 1: Noosa North Shore to Brahminy Campsite (17.3km)
Your journey begins at the Arthur Harrold Nature Refuge, where coastal heath explodes with wildflowers during spring. Ascend the Cooloola sandmass and consider a detour to Teewah Landing for stunning lake views or Mount Seawah for panoramic coastal views. End your day at Brahminy Campsite, where a breathtaking sunset awaits.

Section 2: Brahminy Campsite to Dutgee Campsite (20.3km)
Traverse high dunes through eucalyptus forests, catching glimpses of Lake Cooloola and sweeping coastal landscapes. A hidden patch of rainforest adds a touch of surprise. Navigate the Cooloola Sandpatch, a one-kilometer stretch that rewards you with breathtaking views of the upper Noosa River and hinterland ranges. Descend to heath plains adorned with wildflowers and reach Dutgee Campsite, a cultural site with reflective river surfaces. Remember, climbing the decaying logs here is strictly prohibited.

Section 3: Dutgee Campsite to Litoria Campsite (14.8km)
Bid farewell to the upper Noosa River and admire the sandy extensions of the Cooloola Sandpatch rolling down the distant hills. The trail continues through towering forests, with some steep sections to challenge you. Keep an eye out for Ramsay's Hut, a relic of Cooloola's past timber industry, but be sure to stay on the designated track for safety reasons.

Section 4: Litoria Campsite to Kauri Campsite (20.5km)
Emerge at Lake Cooloomera, a perched lake teeming with "acid frogs." Observe from a distance to avoid disturbing this delicate ecosystem. The trail reaches its highest points, passing through fragrant carrol scrub and pockets of littoral rainforest. Rest your weary legs at Kauri Campsite, nestled on a rainforest ridge and named after the giant kauri pines that drop massive seed cones in late spring.

Section 5: Kauri Campsite to Carlo Carpark (15.2km)
Immerse yourself in the symphony of rainforest birdsong as you head towards Poona Lake, the largest perched lake in Cooloola. While the sight of a white sandy beach might be tempting, swimming is not recommended. Navigate the Carlo Sandblow, taking in the views of Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay. Remember to stay clear of sand cliffs and hang-gliders for safety reasons. Your Cooloola Great Walk adventure concludes at Carlo Carpark, with an option to visit the QPWS information center on Rainbow Beach Road.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com