The Cooloola Wilderness Trail is a challenging 48km, grade 4 hike located within the Great Sandy National Park, Queensland. This multi-day adventure (3-5 days) is perfect for experienced hikers seeking a remote and serene wilderness experience.
The trail winds through Cooloola's wetlands and river system, offering stunning scenery. Camp under a blanket of stars and explore diverse landscapes, including riverine rainforests, towering eucalyptus forests, and drier woodlands. Discover hidden gems like remote waterholes, unique scribbly gum woodlands, and rainforest-edged creeks. During springtime, witness an explosion of wildflowers that attract a variety of native wildlife like bees, birds, bats, and gliders.
Listen to the vibrant soundscape of the trail. Hear the calls of noisy friarbirds and the distinctive "popping corn" sounds of yellow-tailed black cockatoos feeding. In the early mornings and evenings, be captivated by the chorus of frogs emanating from the reed-lined riverbanks. Rest and recharge at designated camping areas like Fig Tree Point, Harrys Hut, Wandi Waterhole, or Neebs Waterhole.
This extended 5-day hike traverses the entire length of Cooloola, showcasing giant sand dunes, hidden rainforests, and breathtaking displays of spring wildflowers. Immerse yourself in a symphony of nature sounds, both day and night.
The Cooloola Wilderness Trail offers flexibility. It starts near the Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp by Lake Cootharaba, and can be completed in either direction or broken down into shorter sections. Be prepared for occasional sections where your feet may get wet. While not overly crowded, be sure to check park conditions before you set off.
The Kabi Kabi and Butchulla people have a deep cultural and spiritual connection to this land. Together with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), they ask all visitors to treat Cooloola and Inskip Country with respect and care. Your visit is a chance to slow down, breathe fresh air, and appreciate the beauty and significance of this special place.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 49566 m
Max elevation: 89 m
Min elevation: 4 m
Total climbing: 641 m
Total descent: -563 m
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The Cooloola Wilderness Trail lies within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park. Situated on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, it's accessible from both the south (Noosa Heads) and north (Rainbow Beach). Remember to pick up camping permits during business hours before you begin your hike.
Southern Access (Elanda Point):
- Starting from Brisbane, take the Bruce Highway or Sunshine Motorway north for 135km, or travel 58km south and east from Gympie on the Bruce Highway until you reach Tewantin.
- In Tewantin, head west and north for 19km via McKinnon Drive and Louis Bazzo Drive to Boreen Point. Turn onto Lake Flat Road and continue for 2km until you reach the Elanda Point access road.
- Follow this access road for a short distance until you find the Elanda Point car park. The trailhead for the Cooloola Wilderness Trail is located directly opposite the car park.
Northern Access (Rainbow Beach):
- From Brisbane, travel north on the Bruce Highway for approximately 160km towards Gympie. At Gympie's southern edge, take Tin Can Bay Road for 42km, then turn right onto Rainbow Beach Road.
- Alternatively, you can reach Rainbow Beach Road from Maryborough by driving south for 57km on the Cooloola Coast Road. Turn left onto Tin Can Bay Road for 3.5km, then turn right onto Rainbow Beach Road.
- Continue on Rainbow Beach Road for 7km towards Rainbow Beach. Look out for the Cooloola Wilderness Trail signage within Mullens car park on your right. This marks the entrance to the trail.
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Cooloola, a section of Great Sandy National Park, stuns visitors with its wind and water sculpted landscapes. Towering, colorful sand cliffs and massive dunes line the vast ocean beaches. Beyond the shore, explore tall forests bursting with fragrant wildflowers and paperbark swamps. Diverse water features like crashing surf, freshwater lakes, and the tranquil upper Noosa River complete this breathtaking scene.
Immerse yourself in Cooloola's wonders through various activities. Hike along scenic tracks and discover historical landmarks like the Double Island Point lighthouse. Embark on a multi-day adventure by backpacking the Cooloola Wilderness Trail, a 2-4 day trek perfect for experienced hikers.
Explore at your own pace. Take a scenic drive along Cooloola's eastern beach or navigate the Cooloola Way and Freshwater Road, traversing towering forests and open heathlands. Remember, tackling the sand tracks or beach driving requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle with high clearance (best attempted during low tide). Alternatively, find serenity by paddling through the peaceful upper Noosa River.
Escape the daily grind and experience an unforgettable camping adventure. Choose from various campsites catering to different preferences. Well-equipped campgrounds with amenities offer a comfortable stay, while walkers' camps provide a more rustic experience, accompanied by birdsong and refreshing sea breezes. Park information centers in Tewantin and Rainbow Beach offer valuable advice and assistance.
Important Note: Don't forget to obtain camping permits and vehicle access permits before venturing into Cooloola.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
