• Enjoy picturesque locations that can only be seen from the water along the Upper Noosa River waterway. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government
• Embark on the ultimate canoeing adventure and experience the best remote river camping along the Upper Noosa River waterway. Photo credit: Adam Creed © Queensland Government

Venture on this renowned journey to experience the Upper Noosa River and its wildlife. Launch your craft from Elanda Point and explore the northern edge of Lake Cootharaba, upstream from the Kinaba Information Centre. Detour to explore Kin Kin Creek or continue to Fig Tree Point camping and day-use areas. Explore the delta lakes of Fig Tree and Como, or continue upriver.

Follow the river as it winds for 2.5km through 'The Narrows', where tannin-stained waters reflect forest and sky, then widens out at Harrys camping and day-use areas. Further upstream, discover remote river campsites dotted along the river banks. Beyond Upper Noosa River campsite 3, the only sounds are of nature (and your paddles).

Refer to the Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.8MB) for a map and more details.

Getting there and getting around

The Upper Noosa River waterway 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 waterway extends from Lake Cootharaba north into the Noosa River system and can be accessed by canoe from Elanda Point or boat from Boreen Point. Both launching areas are accessible by 2WDs.
• Your route leads across Lake Cootharaba to the Kinaba Information Centre then upstream into the narrow channels of the river system, past several camping and day-use areas.
• It's not possible to proceed upstream beyond Upper Noosa River campsite 15.
• Tour boats operate daily from Noosa and Tewantin. Canoes, kayaks and small boats can be hired from private operators at Boreen Point and Elanda Point.

Getting to Elanda Point and Boreen 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.

Exploring by canoe

• Follow the short access road to the Elanda Point QPWS car park and launch your canoe.
• Plan to cross Lake Cootharaba early in the morning when conditions are likely to be calm and travel is easiest.
• Keep close to the shore line while paddling north to the Kinaba Information Centre and entrance to the Upper Noosa River.
• Read water safety for important information about staying safe in and near water and caring for parks.

Exploring 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.
• You can take your motor boat on the Upper Noosa River waterway as far as Upper Noosa River campsite 3. Beyond this point you need a boat with an electric motor.
• Read boat and fish with care for tips on boating and fishing safety and caring for parks.

Wheelchair access

Wheelchair accessible toilets (with assistance) are provided at Fig Tree Point day-use area and Harrys day-use area only.

Drinking water

• Water is provided at Harrys day-use area.
• Treat all water before use.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Upper Noosa River waterway 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
• Water safety
• Boat and fish with care.