Cooloola Great Walk (102km)

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 vistas. 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.