Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park Sunshine Coast

Four-wheel drive past towering coastal sand cliffs and coloured sands in the paradise of Cooloola Recreation Area. Photo credit: © Tomek Z Genek

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Camping areas for schools and large groups

Certain groups may be able to request a special account—group account, school account or commercial operator account—for booking camping.

Also see: Permits for special group accounts

Other organised groups

If you are planning an organised use of a QPWS-managed area contact your local QPWS office to discuss your proposal.

  • Organised event permits may be required for weddings and large, organised group activities, such as school excursions or adventure training.
  • Maximum group sizes and other conditions may apply depending on the location you wish to use and the type of activity you are planning.
  • It is recommended that group leaders view the Teachers' and group leaders' package (PDF, 247.3KB) for planning hints and safety information.

Visit maps and resources for other useful information.

Freshwater camping area: group areas

Features: Freshwater group camping offers large developed areas to accommodate school and other organised, non-school groups, within the Freshwater camping area area.

Location: 8km south of Double Island Point along Teewah Beach or approximately 40km north of 3rd cutting on the Noosa North Shore.

Maps:

No. sites:

  • Freshwater education group site: One large site for a maximum of 40 people. This site is for school or education based groups only and is not available during peak periods. Four car park spaces available.
  • Freshwater (old group site): One large site for a maximum of 20 people. This site is for non-school and educational groups and is not available during peak periods. Five car park spaces available. Not suitable for camper trailers.

Access: The camping area can be accessed by 4WDs only via Freshwater Road from Rainbow Beach Road or Teewah Beach. Vehicle permits are required to access this camping area.

Suitable for: Tent camping

Surface: Sand

Facilities: Water (treat before use), flushing toilets, hot ($2 coins needed) and cold showers, rubbish bins and a pay phone. There is a 9pm noise curfew at this campground.

Open fires: Prohibited

Generators: Prohibited

Essentials: Fuel or gas stove, rubbish bags, $2 coins for camping area hot showers (NB: $2 buys 4mins of hot water), first-aid kit, insect repellent and sunscreen.

Mobile phone coverage: Not available. There is a pay phone opposite the amenities facility at the camping area.

Bookings:

Please note: schools and other organised groups are required to make advanced bookings online.

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