Bookended by Lake Cootharaba and Rainbow Beach north of the Sunshine Coast, this epic swathe of wilderness promises infinite ocean beaches, cliffs of coloured sands, pristine forest and extraordinary birdlife.

From Lake Cootharaba, the Noosa River flows north into the national park’s glassy Noosa Everglades, the only Everglades system outside Florida in the US. Everglades Eco Safaris runs boat cruises of the wetlands, while Kanu Kapers operates tours, as well as multi-day camping and kayaking expeditions.

The park’s Great Beach Drive is equally unforgettable. Stretching some 50km between Noosa North Shore and Double Island Point, it will have you driving on the wide, sandy beach itself, metres away from rolling surf. You’ll need a 4WD and vehicle permit to access the route. Alternatively, Great Beach Drive 4WD Tours offers memorable day trips from Noosa, Coolum and Mooloolaba.

Practical Info

Great Sandy National Park: Cooloola lies in southeast Queensland, some 13km north of Noosa and around 145km north of Brisbane.

Car: From Tewantin (around 8km west of Noosa), Noosa North Shore Ferries cross the Noosa River. Turn right into Teewah Beach Rd to access the beach (via 4WD-only trails known as the 1st cutting and 3rd cutting). Driving 4WDs on the beach between these two cuttings is illegal, so access the Great Beach Drive from the 3rd cutting only.

The national park's only sealed road is the inland Rainbow Beach Rd, which leads to Rainbow Beach at the northern end of the national park.

parks.des.qld.gov.au