Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely

Cooloola is widely accessible by walking, canoeing, boating or four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown ©️ Queensland Government

The Cooloola sandmass, one of the largest accumulations of sand built up over the past 500,000 years, is best appreciated by walking or driving.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown, Queensland Government

Carlo Sandblow is an easily accessible, high vantage point on the Cooloola sandmass offering great views of Double Island Point.

Photo credit: Marc Dargusch, Queensland Government

Getting there and getting around

• Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.3MB)
• Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Freshwater camping area map (PDF, 112.2KB)
• Noosa River map (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Fig Tree Point camping and day-use area map (PDF, 114.8KB)
• Harrys camping and day-use area map (PDF, 1.0MB)

Cooloola lies between the coastal towns of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Noosa Heads is about 155km (about a 3hr drive) and Rainbow Beach is about 240km (about a 3hr drive) north of Brisbane. Access by conventional vehicles (two-wheel drives) to Cooloola is limited to the outer extremities. The best way to see Cooloola is by walking or four-wheel-driving. Vehicle access permits (VAPs) are required when traversing beaches and some inland tracks within the Cooloola Recreation Area. 24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use. Please ensure vehicle registration details are correct on your permit. For more information see:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras—FAQs (PDF, 173.1KB) .

Two-wheel-drive (2WD) access

Conventional or 2WD vehicles can access Elanda Point, just north of Boreen Point, and Bymien picnic area from Rainbow Beach Road. For Bymien, turn off 4km south of Rainbow Beach, onto 3km of unsealed road. The 16km sand road from Bymien to Freshwater camping and day-use areas, and beyond to Teewah Beach, is 4WD only. Inland tracks are not suitable for caravans. Camper trailers must have good clearance.

• Check track conditions (PDF, 794.9KB) before going.

Four-wheel-drive (4WD) access

Cooloola’s sand tracks are rough, and are suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles only. All vehicles must be registered and have a valid Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) displayed on their windscreen when traversing designated tracks and beach areas.

• See Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.5MB) .
• Buy a vehicle access permit online.
• If unable to book online, see camping bookings for other options.
• How to request transfer or replacement of a vehicle access permit.

Coastal areas

Beach access is possible from Rainbow Beach or Tewantin (near Noosa). Access from Tewantin is across the Noosa River ferry at the end of Moorindil Street, Tewantin and then via the beach access points at Noosa North Shore. These are called 1st cutting and 3rd cutting.

Vehicles are not permitted on the beach between 1st and 3rd cutting.

You can travel a little way south from 1st cutting, but it is an offence to drive, ride or take animals into the Exclusion Zone near the Noosa River mouth, which protects the habitat of 43 species of local and migratory birds that shelter in the estuary. This local government-regulated Exclusion Zone prohibits all motorised vehicles—4WDs, quad bikes, trail bikes—and domestic animals including dogs, cats and horses. Rangers patrol regularly and penalties apply for non-compliance.

You can travel north from 3rd cutting along Teewah Beach to Freshwater, Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach.

• Check beach conditions (PDF, 794.9KB) before going.

Inland tracks

Cooloola Way, another access road into Cooloola, links Rainbow Beach Road with Kin Kin-Wolvi Road. Some sections may be impassable after wet weather. Check local conditions before traversing this council-maintained road. Check track conditions (PDF, 794.9KB) before going.

River access

Commercial boat tours, up the Noosa River, operate frequently from Noosa and Tewantin.

Canoes, kayaks and small power boats can be hired from Boreen Point and Elanda Point private camping area. Power boats can be launched from the boat ramp at Boreen Point. Canoe and kayak launching facilities are only available at Elanda Point and Harrys camping and day-use areas.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at Freshwater camping and day-use areas, Bymien picnic area, Fig Tree Point and Harrys camping and day-use areas.

• Also see: Summary of Cooloola visitor sites and facilities

Most areas in Cooloola are remote. Mobile phone reception is intermittent or non-existent in places. Help can be hours away. Factor in good communication and navigation equipment when planning to visit.

Photo credit: Queensland Government

Serious accidents have occurred in Cooloola. Stay informed and stay safe; don't let a trip turn in to a tragedy.

Photo credit: René Burgess, Queensland Government

A car that has been wrecked by the incoming tide after getting stuck on Mudlo Rocks.

Photo credit: Alana Kippers, Queensland Government

Look out for and slow down when driving past people on the beach. They often cannot hear vehicles over the sounds of wind and surf.

Photo credit: René Burgess, Queensland Government

Exposed sand cliffs can collapse without warning. Keep your distance and supervise children at all times.

Photo credit: Rob Cameron, Queensland Government

Staying safe

The rocks in front of Rainbow Beach township may be impassable at times. Conditions change daily. Always check first.

In an emergency

Phone Triple Zero (000) for all life threatening, critical or serious emergencies, or for reporting a bushfire or acts of arson.

Be prepared for disaster

Tsunami, cyclones and extremely high tides may occur along coastal areas. The Noosa River is also susceptible to flooding, cutting off escape routes.

For comprehensive information on preparing for floods, cyclones, tsunami and severe storms, visit Queensland Disaster Management Services.

• Before leaving home, check Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and warnings.
• Tune into a local radio station for updated warnings and advice.
• Check for up-to-date Tsunami warnings; telephone 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264) or visit www.bom.gov.au/tsunami.
• Be aware that an Emergency Alert may be received at any time.

Check for park alerts

For more information, check park alerts and read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Pack good communication gear

Recommended:

• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• mobile phone and spare battery if needed.

Optional extra:

• Handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) device and spare batteries
• satellite phone.

Prepare an emergency kit

This could include:

• portable transistor radio and spare batteries
• torch and spare batteries
• extra warm clothing
• first-aid kit (and be trained in first aid)
• list of emergency contact numbers.

Safety is our concern, but your responsibility.

Walking safety

Stay alert when on the beach. Approaching vehicles are difficult to hear over the sounds of the surf and wind.

• See the walking tracks page for more comprehensive information.

Drinking water

Fresh water is available from most camping and day-use areas in the Cooloola Recreation Area. Treat all water collected in the recreation area before drinking.

Water obtained from pools, creeks or sub-surface supplies on Teewah Beach is not suitable for drinking, cooking, showering or swimming. The use of portable sand spears to collect sub-surface water from the foredune areas is an offence and is not permitted. Obtain fresh water at the nearby Freshwater day-use area, but treat before drinking.

Water safety

• The river system, lakes and coastal beaches are not patrolled and swimming is not recommended.
• Sharks are common in the river system and ocean beaches.
• Do not dive or jump into the water; submerged obstacles can be anywhere.
• Do not dam or swim in creeks or soaks along Teewah Beach.
• Be aware of and stay clear of power boats travelling along the river.
• If fishing at night, wear a high visibility vest and use glow sticks to alert approaching vessels on the river, or vehicles on Teewah Beach.

Sand safety

Exposed sand dunes and sand cliffs along Teewah and Rainbow beaches are unstable and can collapse without warning. Climbing on, sliding down or digging into them is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. Do not park close to dunes. Never allow children to play near or on sand dunes and sand cliffs.

Driving safety

All Queensland road rules apply on all roads, vehicle tracks and beaches in Cooloola. Police patrol all areas of Cooloola. Speed checks and breath testing can happen at any time.

Speed limits in Cooloola are generally:

• 80km/hr maximum speed on the eastern beach unless otherwise signposted
• 50km/hr speed limit on all beaches adjacent to camping and day-use areas
• 20km/hr recommended on all other inland roads, unless otherwise signposted
• 10–20km/hr maximum in camping areas.

Read the Driving on sand safety guide (PDF, 2.3MB) for more detailed information on rules, preparation, hazards and other handy sand driving tips. Before leaving home, check the Cooloola conditions report (PDF, 794.9KB) (updated regularly) for beach and track conditions.

The following are essential guidelines to remember when driving in Cooloola.

• Avoid travelling at night; washouts and rocks can be difficult to see.
• Always use established or formed tracks when accessing designated beach camp sites behind the foredunes.
• Use existing tracks when accessing the Teewah Beach camping area.
• Do not drive over vegetation, park vehicles or set up camp on a vegetated foredune. Penalties apply.
• Slow down around pedestrians as approaching vehicles are difficult to hear above the sounds of surf and wind.
• Take extra care and slow down around busy meeting spots, such as Double Island Point and Teewah Beach camping area.
• Mudlo Rocks, just south of the beach ramp at Rainbow Beach, are generally impassable at high tide and often at low tide as well, depending on conditions. Use extreme caution; only experienced drivers should attempt the crossing. Conditions change daily. Always check first.
• Leisha Track northern entrance is subjected to continuing natural erosion and at times this can impede travel. The track may become totally inaccessible on or around high tide so plan to travel at or near low tide.
• Do not park on the Leisha Track.

Hazards mentioned in the safety guide can occur within the Cooloola Recreation Area and change on a daily basis:

• Deep washouts can happen at any time, particularly after heavy rain and rough seas.
• Wave action can expose dangerous rocks overnight, including Mudlo Rocks.
• Debris, such as tree trunks and coffee rock, is often exposed in the intertidal zone—between high and low tide marks—following severe weather events.

Protect turtles during breeding season

Endangered marine turtles use this beach as a nesting and hatching site for between November and April each year. If you encounter turtles leaving the water and crossing the beach, laying their eggs or hatchlings emerging do not interfere – watch quietly from a few metres away and never touch turtles or hatchlings

Help protect marine turtles:

• drive slowly on the beach and avoid driving over nests
• keep to the wet sand below the high tide mark to avoid making wheel ruts that may hinder the movement of hatchlings
• never drive or park on the dunes and use established tracks to access campsites
• during breeding season avoid driving on the beach at night and using bright lights between 6pm and 6am.

Fines may apply to visitors disturbing turtle hatchlings or turtle nests.

To report a sick, injured or dead marine turtle phone 1300 130 372.

Campfire safety

Campfires are prohibited in Cooloola, except in the QPWS provided fire rings at Poverty Point unless there is a fire prohibition or ban in place. Check the conditions report (PDF, 794.9KB) before going. Penalties apply.

Always be vigilant with fuel stoves, gas lights and lanterns.

Never leave a campfire unattended and extinguish all campfires completely with water, not sand, before leaving the area or retiring for the night. Embers under sand stay extremely hot for hours and can cause serious burns. Campfires that are covered with sand not only keep their heat for longer but are also disguised and can look like a sandpit or sandcastle to small children. Do not dispose of non-combustible or toxic material (e.g. glass, cans, plastics) in a campfire. Penalties apply.

Bushfires

Bushfires can pose a threat to walkers and remote campers. They can occur without warning, so be aware of, and prepare for the dangers.

Walkers stay alert! If there is a bushfire, follow the walking track to the nearest set-down or pick-up point (generally an intersection between the walking track and a road), road, beach, lake or creek for refuge. Large logs, a ditch or burnt ground can also provide protection. Avoid areas of heavy fuel, such as deep leaf litter, and stay low to the ground where the air is coolest and contains the least smoke.

In extreme conditions, the walking track and camping areas may be closed at short notice for safety reasons.

Planned fires

Rangers carry out planned fuel-reduction burning. Please observe all signs. Report a fire by calling Triple Zero (000) as soon as possible and try to alert rangers in the area.

Report suspected arson

Help stop arson by reporting the time, location and description of the suspected arsonist/s or the vehicle (including registration number) they are in. Early reporting can save lives and property.

In all emergencies dial triple Zero (000).

For more information, please read the QPWS safety messages for park neighbours and visitors.

Take extra drinking water when walking or visiting Cooloola's sandblows. There is no shade.

Photo credit: Briony Masters, Queensland Government

A camping tag with booking number must be displayed at all camp sites for rangers to check.

Photo credit: Alyssa Muller, Queensland Government

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

First aid kit and prescription medicines

Bring adequate supplies of prescription drugs needed and a well-equipped first aid kit.

It's wise for at least one person in a visiting group to have a current first-aid certificate.

Drinking water

Water is available at some locations including Harrys day-use area and Freshwater camping and day-use areas.

Treat all water collected before drinking.

Use water treatment tablets or boil for at least 5–10mins.

Portable toilets

Portable toilets are mandatory if you are camping in the Teewah Beach camping zones and are recommend when camping away from facilities at Poverty Point, upper Noosa River camp sites 4–15 and Wandi and Neebs waterholes camping areas.

Portable toilet waste disposal facilities are located at:

• Second cutting, Noosa North Shore
• Freshwater day-use area, (beach camper service bay)
• Clarkson Drive, Rainbow Beach.

Portable toilets must have a sealed waste holding tank and must be transportable and suitable for emptying into a portable toilet waste facility.

Bag and bucket style toilets are not permitted.

Minimum of one portable toilet per camping permit holder is required.

Fuel or gas cooking appliance stoves

Bring fuel or gas appliance for cooking.

Only cooking and heating appliances that meet the below requirements are permitted.

• The appliance must use gas or manufactured fuel (heat beads, briquettes). Manufactured fuel does not include timber or wood.
• It must be used only for cooking and/or heating.
• It must be a minimum of 20cm off the ground and more than 2m from flammable materials, which includes vegetation.
• It must not have the potential to generate airborne embers, or possibly ignite nearby ground fuels.
• It must be fully self-contained (heat source enclosed and no exposed flame) and never left unattended when in use.
• Appliances that are not fully self-contained, such as braziers, are not permitted.
• All appliances, materials and burnt fuel must be removed from the recreation area on your departure.

Test them before leaving home and never use them in confined spaces, such as tents.

Firewood

Campfires are only permitted in the QPWS provided fire rings at Poverty Point camping area unless a fire prohibition is in place or QFES fire ban is in place. Check before going (PDF, 794.9KB) .

Firewood is not provided. Bring only clean firewood, such as milled, untreated timber off-cuts for use in the QPWS provided fire rings at Poverty Point camping area.

Collecting bush wood, including twigs and leaves, from Cooloola is illegal.

Extra hints

• Pack sealable garbage bags so you can take all rubbish out.
• Reduce packaging at home and limit the amount of rubbish brought onto the park.
• Bring small sealable canisters for cigarette butts. Don't discard butts in the park.
• Pick up and read a current visitor guide, and a Cooloola conditions report.

Seriously consider bringing:

• portable toilets for beach camping – mandatory for Teewah Beach camping zones.
• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), especially if travelling into remote areas
• mobile phone and spare battery if needed
• sunscreen and insect repellent
• torch and spare batteries
• toilet paper and trowel for areas without toilet facilities
• wet weather gear
• sand pegs, tarpaulins, extra poles and ropes
• $2 coins for a hot shower at Freshwater camping area. No other coins will be accepted.

Permits and fees

All camping areas within the Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park are e-permit camping areas. Camping in these areas is only available to those who have obtained a camping permit for the specific camping areas and for the dates booked. Fees apply.

On-the-spot fines apply for camping without a permit, driving in designated areas without a valid vehicle access permit (VAP) or for not displaying a valid permit.

Camping areas are accessible only through the Cooloola Recreation Area and drivers need current vehicle access permits (VAPs) to traverse some areas. Permits must be obtained prior to arrival.

• See Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.5MB) for tracks, roads and beaches requiring VAPs.
• See the camping page for more information and booking details.
• See Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras - FAQs (PDF, 173.1KB) for more information regarding the 24hr surveillance cameras.

Schools and other organised groups

Organised event permits are required for weddings and large, organised group activities such as school excursions and adventure training. Visit ecoaccess for more information. Maximum group sizes and other conditions apply depending on location and activity type.

It is recommended group leaders view the Teachers' and group leaders' package (PDF, 247.3KB) for planning hints and safety information.

Permit refunds

For information on permit refunds, please read: Camping and vehicle access permit fee and gift card refunds operational policy.

To apply for a refund please email: qpws@des.qld.gov.au.

Opening hours

The Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park is open 24 hours a day, except for periods of scheduled maintenance or during severe weather events. See permit issuing centre locations and operating hours for more information.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in the Cooloola Recreation Area, except under permit or authority, including travelling in vehicles, vessels and trailers through the recreation area.

Dogs

Dogs are only permitted on the beach in a designated dog-friendly area on Teewah Beach, between the 1st beach access cutting on Noosa North Shore and on the beach at the northern end of Teewah township.

Access to the dog-friendly area is only via the beach access cuttings—1st or 3rd cutting—at Noosa North Shore. These conditions apply in the dog-friendly area:

• dogs must be on leads and under control at all times
• dogs must stay in the intertidal zone—between the low and high tide mark
• wrap or bag dog droppings and remove them from the Recreation Area
• do not allow your pet to chase birds or other wildlife
• elease ensure that your dog does not prevent Ranger access to view permits.

See map of this area (PDF, 1.5MB) (refer to page 2).

Be aware! Dogs are not permitted and penalties apply:

• in the Exclusion Zone at the mouth of the Noosa River
• anywhere in the Cooloola Recreation Area, including travelling in vehicles through the area, except in the designated dog-friendly area.

If you're travelling with a dog and heading north to Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area you cannot travel through the Cooloola Recreation Area. However you can get to Inskip via the Cooloola Way or on the Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach roads.

Horses

Horseriding is only permitted on the beach between the beach closure area at the mouth of the Noosa River to the northern end of Teewah township. The beach access cuttings at Noosa North Shore are the only access points to the horseriding trail.

• Horses are not permitted within the Exclusion Zone at the mouth of the Noosa River. Penalties apply.
• Observe all signage.
• On the beach, horses must stay in the intertidal zone—between the low and high tide mark.
• Wrap or bag horse manure and remove it from the recreation area.
• Horses must not exceed walking pace between the 1^st and 3^rd beach cuttings.
• Horses can still access the Noosa Shire Council's designated horse trail, but must not traverse the beach north of Teewah township or other walking tracks and firebreaks in the Cooloola Recreation Area, including the Cooloola Great Walk.

Climate and weather

The Cooloola region enjoys a mild, sub-tropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 22–30°C in summer and 12–22°C in winter.

Always check weather warnings before heading off. Tsunami, cyclones and extremely high tides may occur in coastal areas. Visit the Bureau of Meteorology website for weather forecasts or tsunami updates and stay tuned to a local radio station for weather updates.

Park closures and warnings

Prior to arrival, check park alerts and the Cooloola conditions report (PDF, 794.9KB) (updated regularly) for park closures or warnings about issues, such as floods, fires, road and walking track conditions and scheduled maintenance.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Rainbow Beach, Tewantin, Noosa and other nearby towns. Boreen Point has only limited supplies.