• A popular destination for day visitors and campers alike, Campsite 3 has two large jetties for mooring boats, canoes and kayaks. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Sit back and soak up the tranquillity from the jetty at Upper Noosa River Campsite 3. Photo credit: © Queensland Government

From Upper Noosa River campsite 2, paddle 2.5km upstream to this partly-shaded campsite on the Upper Noosa River waterway. Catering for large groups and boasting 2 jetties, this spot is popular with boating day trippers.

Set out in the early morning on the Cooloola Sand Patch walk to see the iconic sandblow, or stop a short way along the track to explore ‘Noosa Plain’, a cleared emergency helipad on the edge of the vast heathland. Noosa Plain comes to life from late winter to spring in a colourful display of yellow, purple, blue and white flowers.

Alternatively, explore south along the river on the Campsite 3 walk towards Harry's Hut.

Getting there and getting around

Upper Noosa River campsite 3 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 campsite is in the southern section of Cooloola, in the Upper Noosa River waterway, 14.7km north from Kinaba Information Centre.
• Canoeists and boaties can access the campsite via Kinaba from Boreen Point and Elanda Point on Lake Cootharaba.
• Walkers can also access the camping area from Harrys day-use area on the Campsite 3 walk.

Via Kinaba

By canoe

• Launch your canoe at Elanda Point and paddle 4.5km (1hr) to the Kinaba Information Centre.
• Stay close to the shoreline while paddling northwards. Plan to cross Lake Cootharaba early in the morning when conditions are likely to be calm and travel is easiest.
• From Kinaba, paddle 1hr 20min to Harrys camping area then a further 1hr 20min to campsite 3.
• Read water safety for important information about staying safe in and near water and caring for parks.

By boat

• Launch your boat from the Boreen Point boat ramp and follow the lake navigational markers out into deeper water and then head on a north-east trajectory towards the visible Cooloola Sand Patch in the distant landscape.
• When you approach a red navigational marker in the middle of the lake (opposite Elanda Point), turn on a near northerly trajectory to the channel markers, through very shallow shoals, to the Kinaba Information Centre. The trip is 7km and 15min travel time.
• From Kinaba allow 1hr 30min at 6 knots (and no wash) to travel to campsite 3.
• Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Getting to 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.
• 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.

From Harrys Hut

• From Harrys day-use area, paddle across the river to the opposite bank to the start of the Campsite 3 walk.
• Walk 7km to Upper Noosa River campsite 3.
• Read walk with care for tips on walking safely and walking lightly.

Getting to Harrys Hut

• From Brisbane, drive 135km north on the Bruce Highway or the Sunshine Motorway to Tewantin. Follow McKinnon Drive, Louis Bazzo Drive and Junction Road for about 18km north-west to Cootharaba Road. Turn right and travel about 10km along Cootharaba, Kimmond Creek and Dr Pages roads to the Gympie Kin Kin Road. Turn right and drive 6km, then turn right onto Cooloola Way.
• From Gympie, drive 10km east on Tin Can Bay Road, turn right onto to the Gympie Kin Kin Road and drive about 31km, then turn left onto Cooloola Way.

• Drive 4km then turn right onto Harrys Hut Road four-wheel drive (4WD) track and drive 10km on this very rough sand track to Harrys day-use area. You need a 4WD for this route.
• Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Upper Noosa River campsite 3 is open 24 hours a day. Check in to your camp after 2pm and check out by 11am on the day of departure.

Camping area features

Features: Upper Noosa River campsite 3 is set among fringes of open forest or woodland (melaleuca, allocasuarina, bloodwood and eucalypt species) bordering open heathland plains to the east. The campsite provides shade.

Location: On the eastern bank of the Upper Noosa River. Approximately 19.2km paddle from Elanda Point via the Upper Noosa River, or approximately 7.7km paddle from Harrys canoe launch area.

Maps:

• Noosa River map (PDF, 1.6MB)
• Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.7MB)

No. sites: 2 sites – maximum of 13 people per site.

Access: The camping area can be reached by boat, canoe, kayak or walking (after paddling). Campsites 1-15 permit holders can park in the Harrys canoe launch area.

• Distances and times: canoeing, boating and walking.

Suitable for: River access camping for canoes, kayaks and boats. Alternatively, walk in camping available after paddling from Harrys day-use area to the opposite bank and walking north along the Campsite 3 walk.

Surface: Sand.

Facilities: Composting hybrid toilet system, platform tables, day-use area, picnic tables and jetties.

Bookings

Book online or learn about our camping booking options. Advance bookings are recommended for holiday periods.

Book a camping area Book a vehicle access permit

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely and camp with care.