Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park Sunshine Coast

Take a moment before starting the Teewah Beach walk and soak up the peace and tranquility of Lake Cootharaba from Teewah Landing. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

Have your say on the future management of the Cooloola Recreation Area

Consultation is open for the Cooloola Recreation Area draft management plan. Provide your feedback by 5pm 4 June 2024.

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

Teewah Beach walk

Meander through coastal heath and paperbark woodland from Lake Cootharaba to the beach for spectacular views south towards Noosa Heads.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
4km return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 1.5hrs walking time.
Grade
Grade 3 walking track

Accessible by

  • High clearance 4WD
  • Boat
  • Canoe or kayak

Journey facilities

  • Lookout (natural)
  • Walking

Enjoy a quick 'sea change' while exploring the Upper Noosa River waterway by canoe, kayak or boat. From Teewah Landing on the eastern side of Lake Cootharaba, amble through coastal heath and paperbark swamp before reaching scribbly gum woodland on higher ground. Emerge onto Teewah Beach for lovely coastal views. Or, if you are exploring the Cooloola beach drive and seek a short 'tree change', walk this track in reverse.

If you’re up for an extra 4km return walk, follow a side track to Mount Seawah and be rewarded by spectacular views from the summit over the river and lakes; and over the coastline towards Noosa Heads.

Refer to the Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.3MB) for a map and more details.

Getting there and getting around

Teewah Beach 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).

  • Teewah beach walk is in the southern section of Cooloola in the Upper Noosa River waterway.
  • The walk is from Teewah landing in Lake Cootharaba to Teewah Beach.
  • Teewah Landing is accessible by canoe from Elanda Point or by boat from Boreen Point.
  • Teewah Beach is accessible via the Cooloola Beach drive.

From Boreen Point and 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.
  • In Tewantin, follow Moorindil Street to the Noosa River ferry, cross the river to Noosa North Shore, and drive 2.2km on Maximillian Road.

By canoe

  • From Elanda Point, canoe 5.3km on an easterly trajectory across Lake Cootharaba.
  • When you see the coloured boating navigation markers in the waters near the lake shore, you are close to the jetty at Teewah Landing. Keep following an easterly direction close to the navigational markers and you will view the Teewah Landing jetty.

By boat

  • From the Boreen Point boat ramp, follow the lake navigation markers out into deeper water and then head on a north east trajectory towards the visible Cooloola Sandpatch in the distant landscape.
  • When you approach the red navigational marker in the middle of the lake (opposite Elanda Point), turn on a easterly trajectory towards the navigational markers near the Teewah Landing jetty.

Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Read water safety for important information about staying safe in and near water and caring for parks.

Via the Cooloola Beach drive

  • 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.
  • In Tewantin, follow Moorindil Street to the Noosa River ferry, cross the river to Noosa North Shore, and drive 2.2km on Maximillian Road.
  • Turn right onto Beach Road and drive 2.1km on the bitumen road.
  • Turn sharply to the left (past the first beach access cutting) and head north on the Wilderness Track.
  • Drive 2.8km to the end of the bitumen road and turn onto the 4WD-accessible third beach cutting sand track. You must enter and exit the beach via this track.
  • Drive along the Cooloola Beach driveto Teewah Beach and the track entrance.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area. 24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use. Please ensure vehicle registration details are correct on your permit. For more information see:
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Teewah Beach 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.

View all park alerts