One of Queensland's Great Walks — and One of Its Best-Kept Secrets
The Cooloola Great Walk is a 102-kilometre coastal bushwalking route through the Great Sandy National Park, linking Noosa North Shore in the south with Rainbow Beach in the north. Opened in 2010, it traverses some of the most diverse and pristine landscapes in South East Queensland — from wildflower-studded heath plains and ancient sand blows to towering eucalypt forests, subtropical rainforest, the rare Noosa Everglades, and perched freshwater lakes sitting more than 160 metres above sea level.
This is Gubbi Gubbi Country, situated between the K'gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. The trail passes through ecosystems of extraordinary biodiversity — home to emus, echidnas, wallabies, goannas, and the rare acid frog found only in Cooloola and K'gari. It's a place where sand masses over 500,000 years old have sculpted a landscape unlike anywhere else on the east coast.
Despite being just two hours from Brisbane, the Cooloola Great Walk remains remarkably quiet. Campsites rarely have more than a handful of hikers, and long stretches of trail offer nothing but birdsong and the sound of your boots on sand. It's the kind of walk that reminds you why you started hiking in the first place.
Five Days, Four Camps, One Unforgettable Journey
South to north (Noosa North Shore → Rainbow Beach) is the most popular direction. Here's what each section delivers.
Noosa North Shore → Brahminy Camp
Start at Arthur Harrold Nature Refuge and walk through open heath plains — ablaze with wildflowers in spring. The trail crosses to the beach for a stretch of coastal walking along Noosa North Shore before climbing inland through sand hills. Optionally detour to Mt Seawah (300m return) for panoramic coastal views. Arrive at Brahminy Camp with time to watch the sunset over Lake Cootharaba.
Brahminy Camp → Dutgee Camp
The most demanding and rewarding day. Leave camp to sweeping coastal views from high sandy ridges, then tackle the Cooloola Sand Patch — a kilometre-plus of soft sand climbing with a full pack. The views from the top are jaw-dropping. Descend through heath plains with spectacular wildflowers to the Upper Noosa River. Cool off with a swim in the Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglades systems in the world — before reaching Dutgee Camp on the riverbank.
Dutgee Camp → Litoria Camp
Shorter but with surprising elevation changes. Leave the Noosa River and climb through towering blackbutt and coastal wattle forests. You may spot remnants of Cooloola's timber-getting past, including Ramsay's Hut (stay on the trail — don't enter). The trail emerges at Lake Cooloomera, a perched lake and habitat for the rare Cooloola acid frog. Birdsong is constant through this section. Arrive at Litoria Camp amid grasstrees and open eucalypt forest.
Litoria Camp → Kauri Camp
One of the longer sections, mainly through rainforest and over some of the highest points of the Cooloola sand mass. Walk through pockets of scented carrol scrub and littoral rainforest, keeping an eye out for eastern whipbirds. Kauri Camp sits on a ridge of rainforest beneath gigantic kauri pines — which drop 3kg seed cones from November to December, so don't linger underneath them!
Kauri Camp → Carlo Sand Blow (Rainbow Beach)
The final day — often the easiest thanks to a lighter pack and the promise of a warm shower. Stop at Poona Lake, the highest perched lake in Cooloola at 160m above sea level, with a stunning white sand beach when water levels are low. Power through more rainforest before the trail crosses the Carlo Sand Blow for a final 200m of sand walking with sweeping views of Double Island Point and Tin Can Bay. Celebrate at Rainbow Beach — you've earned it.
The Trail in Pictures
🎒 Essential Gear Checklist
Navigation & Safety
Topographic map (download QLD Parks PDF), compass or GPS, emergency communication device (no phone reception), first aid kit, human waste disposal kits, snake bandage
Shelter & Sleep
Lightweight tent, sleeping bag (rated for season), sleeping mat, headlamp with spare batteries
Water & Food
Water purification tablets or filter (treat all tank water), portable stove and fuel (no fires permitted), 5 days of food, minimum 3L water capacity
Clothing & Protection
Sturdy hiking boots (broken in), gaiters recommended, rain jacket, sun hat, sunscreen SPF50+, insect repellent, swimmers for river swims, spare socks
Getting There & Essential Information
Southern Entrance (Noosa)
Drive to Tewantin (~2hrs from Brisbane), take the Noosa River ferry to North Shore, then 2.2km along Maximillian Drive to the trailhead. No overnight parking at the entrance — park in Tewantin and taxi or get dropped off.
Northern Entrance (Rainbow Beach)
Carlo Sand Blow car park at Rainbow Beach (~3hrs from Brisbane via Bruce Highway and Tin Can Bay Road). Bus services (Greyhound, Premier) connect Rainbow Beach with Noosa and Brisbane for return transport.
Permits & Booking
Camping permits are mandatory — book via the QLD National Parks online booking system up to 12 months in advance. E-permit with booking number must be displayed at camp. Max group size: 6 people. Max 1 night per camp.
Return Transport
This is a one-way walk. Greyhound buses run Rainbow Beach to Noosa (~$35). Local bus route 629 connects Noosa and Tewantin. Plan return transport in advance — it's the key logistical challenge.
Safety Notes
No phone reception on the trail. Carry an emergency communication device (PLB or satellite messenger). Treat all water. No fires. Check the QLD Parks Cooloola Conditions Report before departing. Sand walking is slower than expected.
Best Time to Walk
April–October for cooler temperatures. Spring (Aug–Oct) brings stunning wildflowers on the heath plains. Summer is hot and humid with greater flood risk. Trail is open year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cooloola Great Walk is rated Grade 4 — suitable for experienced bushwalkers with a good level of fitness. You'll be carrying a full pack over sand, which is significantly slower and more tiring than trail walking. Days range from 14.8km to 20.5km. Prior multi-day hiking experience is strongly recommended. Some strong hikers complete it in 3–4 days by combining sections.
Yes, many hikers complete it solo. However, given the remoteness and lack of phone reception, you must carry an emergency communication device (personal locator beacon or satellite messenger). Let someone know your itinerary and expected return date. The campsites typically have a few other hikers, but solitude is part of the experience.
Each of the four walkers' camps has a rainwater tank, but you must treat all water before drinking (purification tablets or a portable filter). There is no water at the trail entrances and it is scarce along the track between camps. Carry at least 3 litres of capacity and fill up at every camp.
No. Fires are permanently prohibited along the Cooloola Great Walk and in the surrounding recreation area. You must bring a portable stove and fuel for all cooking. This is strictly enforced for bushfire safety.
Children aged 12 and above with hiking experience can manage the trail, but parents should assess fitness carefully — especially for the soft sand sections on Day 2. Shorter day walks are possible from either entrance for families not wanting to commit to the full 5-day trek.
No. All domestic animals are prohibited on the Cooloola Great Walk and all inland areas of the national park. Dogs and horses are only permitted in designated beach areas around Noosa North Shore.
Most hikers walk south to north (Noosa → Rainbow Beach) as it builds gradually and finishes with the dramatic Carlo Sand Blow into Rainbow Beach. However, both directions work well. North to south gives you the beach walk as a grand finale. Choose based on your transport logistics.
Explore More of the Sunshine Coast
Before or after your trek, explore the wider Sunshine Coast region — from Noosa's beaches and restaurants to hinterland villages and iconic wildlife attractions.
Ready to Walk Cooloola?
Whether you go self-guided with permits or join a guided group trek, the Cooloola Great Walk is one of Queensland's most rewarding multi-day hiking experiences.