Cooloola National Park wilderness guide
National Park · QLD

Cooloola National Park

Cooloola National Park, located in Queensland, Australia, offers diverse landscapes ranging from coastal sand dunes to lush rainforests, making it a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Park97,2144+ Trails
DesignationNational Park
Total Wilderness Area97,214
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Cooloola National Park

Cooloola National Park, located in Queensland, Australia, offers diverse landscapes ranging from coastal sand dunes to lush rainforests, making it a perfect escape for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Cooloola National Park is a dynamic landscape featuring one of Australia's most pristine coastal environments. This national park is renowned for its stunning views of natural elements that include wide beaches, towering dunes, and dense rainforests. It is part of the Great Sandy National Park, spread across southern Queensland, preserving vast ecological diversity. The terrain ranges from teeming coastal heathland to rich rainforests, providing habitats for an array of wildlife including kangaroos, koalas, and various bird species. Historically, the park holds significance to indigenous Australians and offers a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage. Visitors are attracted to Cooloola for its recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Popular landmarks include Carlo Sand Blow, a unique and expansive sand formation, and Double Island Point with its panoramic ocean views. The park remains a favorite for those seeking solitude in nature, as well as the thrill of exploring diverse ecosystems.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Cooloola National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Carlo Sand Blow – a dramatic sand mass offering impressive views of rainbow-colored sands.✦ Double Island Point – known for its lighthouse and superb vantage points for humpback whale watching.✦ The Cooloola Wilderness Trail – stretches through varied ecosystems with opportunities for wildlife encounters.✦ Noosa River – perfect for kayaking through serene waters flanked by rich vegetation.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Cooloola National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Cooloola National Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Cooloola National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Cooloola National Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Cooloola National Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Cooloola National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Cooloola National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Cooloola National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entry is free; however, permits are needed for camping.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Cooloola National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Boreen Point Campground

Overlooks Lake Cootharaba, providing a peaceful setting with ample facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Cooloola National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Cooloola, Queensland
⌖ 7.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Cooloola, Queensland

Cooloola is a coastal adventure paradise boasting unique landscapes ideal for hiking, beach walking, and kayaking. Its natural beauty and abundant wildlife make it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Como, Queensland
⌖ 19.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Como, Queensland

Como, Queensland offers a peaceful outdoor escape with kayaking along the Logan River, scenic mountain biking trails, and rich birdwatching spots in nearby conservation parks. Ideal for those seeking quiet adventures amidst nature.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Boreen Point, Queensland
⌖ 21.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Boreen Point, Queensland

Boreen Point on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is a peaceful spot for kayaking, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Situated on Lake Cootharaba’s edge, it offers easy access to nature parks and waterside adventures for a relaxed yet active getaway.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Noosa North Shore, Queensland
⌖ 24.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Noosa North Shore, Queensland

Noosa North Shore offers a rugged coastal playground with 4WD beach driving, surfing, paddling, and peaceful bushwalks. Just a short ferry trip from Noosa Heads, it’s perfect for adventure lovers seeking wild beaches and forest trails.

Autumn to Spring (March to September)
Explore Town
Tewantin, Queensland
⌖ 28.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Tewantin, Queensland

Tewantin is a vibrant Sunshine Coast town offering kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking amid pristine rivers and national parks. Ideal for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers seeking varied outdoor adventure near coastal beauty.

Autumn and Spring
Explore Town
Noosa Heads, Queensland
⌖ 28.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Noosa Heads, Queensland

Noosa Heads is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its serene national parks, excellent surf breaks, and winding estuaries, it invites explorers to dive into adventure amidst natural beauty. From hiking lush forest trails to catching waves, it's a coastal gem on the Sunshine Coast.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Cooloola National Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Kayak - 1 Person (Part Day)
ADVEXPEDITION
Como, Queensland
KayakADV Bookable

Kayak - 1 Person (Part Day)

Paddle the tranquil Noosa River in a rugged, solo kayak rental from Noosa River Eco Adventures. Perfect for a quick escape, these short-day hires let you navigate scenic waterways with ease.

KayakAge 18 + • 3.5 Hours • Paddle Your Way to AdventureCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
SUP Board (Part Day)
ADVEXPEDITION
Como, Queensland
SUPADV Bookable

SUP Board (Part Day)

Paddle across the tranquil waters of Lake Cootharaba with Noosa River Eco Adventures. This part-day SUP rental offers a unique way to combine fitness and fresh air in Queensland’s stunning freshwater environment.

SUPAge 18+ • 3.5 Hours • Exciting Sub-Activity Awaits!Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Tinnie Motor Boat — Full Day on Como’s Calm Waters
ADVEXPEDITION
Como, Queensland
Boat TourADV Bookable

Tinnie Motor Boat — Full Day on Como’s Calm Waters

A seven-hour hire of a 13ft aluminium six-seater Tinnie (9 hp) with shade cover — everything you need to plan a no-license fishing outing for you and your friends.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Charter (2.5 Hours)
ADVEXPEDITION
Boreen Point, Queensland
Boat TourADV Bookable

Private Charter (2.5 Hours)

Discover the wild beauty of the Florida Everglades on a private 2.5-hour eco safari. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking an intimate wilderness experience.

Boat TourCertified Outfitter
From$3,291
Book Trip