Kinaba Visitor Information Centre walk
Encounter revegetated farmlands, eucalypt woodlands, paperbarks and cabbage palm wetlands on the way to an information centre overlooking Lake Cootharaba.
- Journey type
- Walk
- Distance
- 12.2km (return) return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
- Time suggested
- Allow 4.5hrs walking time.
- Grade
- Grade 3 walking track
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Journey facilities
- Toilets (flush)
- Walking
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Wander along the Kinaba Visitor Information Centre walk from Elanda Point to the shores of Lake Cootharaba. Photo credit: Shelley Novello © Queensland Government
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Meander through eucalypt woodlands, and native paperbark and cabbage palm wetlands along this walk. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
From the Elanda Point car park stroll through woodlands and wetlands along Kin Kin Creek to the Kinaba Visitor Information Centre. As you walk, marvel at the rehabilitation efforts at Elanda Plains, previously cleared farmland that is being revegetated. Rangers and community groups have planted 50,000 native trees each year over the last 10 years!
At the centre, enjoy glorious views over Lake Cootharaba from the viewing deck and learn about the Upper Noosa River waterway. If you are exploring the waterway by canoe, kayak or boat, tie up your watercraft at the front steps of the centre and set off on the walk in the opposite direction before retracing your steps.
Refer to the Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide for a map and more details.
Getting there and getting around
Kinaba Visitor Information Centre walk is in Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park, on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach (155–240km north of Brisbane).
- The walk is in the southern part of Cooloola, on the northern shore of Lake Cootharaba.
- It can be accessed from Elanda Point.
- The first 2.8km of track ventures along the Cooloola Wilderness Trail before branching off to the east for another 3.3km to the Kinaba Visitor Information Centre.
- Read walk with care for tips on walking safely and walking lightly.
Getting to Elanda Point
- From Brisbane drive 135km north on the Bruce Highway or the Sunshine Motorway to Tewantin; or from Gympie drive 58km south and east on the Bruce Highway to Tewantin.
- From Tewantin drive 19km west and north via McKinnon Drive and Louis Bazzo Drive to Boreen Point. Turn left onto Lake Flat Road and drive 2km to the Elanda Point access road.
- Travel 1.4km to the Elanda Point QPWS car park and the start of the walk.
Wheelchair access
There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Drinking water
- Tap water at the Kinaba Information Centre is not suitable for drinking.
- Do not drink from Lake Cootharaba as it is salt water.
Before you visit
Opening hours
Kinaba Visitor Information Centre walk is open 24 hours a day.
Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.
Visiting safely
For more safety information see Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely and Walk with care.
- Cooloola Wilderness Trail - No pedestrian access across Kin Kin Creek 4 May 2022 to 4 November 2023
- Poison canisters washing up on Southeast Queensland beaches 4 September 2023 to 31 March 2024
- Unstable sand cliffs and dunes along Rainbow and Teewah beaches 4 August 2023 to 31 January 2024
- Permanent fire prohibition on Teewah Beach 1 April 2021 to 11 April 2024
- Portable toilets mandatory for Teewah Beach camping zones 15 March 2022 to 31 January 2024
Conditions report
Cooloola conditions report Updated 11 Sep 2023
Critical information for your safety is included in the conditions report—always check it before you visit.