Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola). Explore its natural and cultural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) is a stunning destination located in Noosa, South East Queensland, Australia. With a diverse landscape ranging from pristine beaches, sand dunes, and dense forests, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. Covering an area of over 220,000 hectares, there’s always something new to discover here.

List of Places to Visit in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast or a beach lover, there’s something for everyone in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola). Here’s a list of some of the best places to visit:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Tewantin Historic Cemetery
  • Cooloola Coastcare Association
  • Noosa Farmers’ Market

Natural Attractions of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Cootharaba
  • Double Island Point
  • Rainbow Beach
  • Carlo Sand Blow
  • Pinaroo Park
  • Teewah Beach
  • Noosa Everglades
  • Mount Tinbeerwah

Hiking/Biking Routes of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Great Sandy National Park has over 50 kilometers of hiking trails, which range from easy strolls to strenuous day hikes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes:

  • Cooloola Great Walk
  • Poona Lake
  • Cooloola Wilderness Trail
  • Teewah Beach to Double Island Point

Best Things to Do in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Activities and Tours

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these activities and tours will make your trip unforgettable:

  • Kayak Tours
  • Fishing Charters
  • Eco Tours
  • Surfing Lessons
  • Dolphin and Whale Watching

Week-Long Itinerary for Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Follow this itinerary to make the most of your week in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola):

Day Activity
1 Explore Noosa Heads
2 Spend the day at Double Island Point
3 Hike the Cooloola Great Walk
4 Visit Pinaroo Park and Lake Cootharaba
5 Go on a fishing charter
6 Relax at Rainbow Beach
7 Surfing lessons and beach time

Food and Drink Scene of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) is known for its local produce and fresh seafood. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Moreton Bay bugs
  • Gympie Cheese
  • Prawn and crab linguine
  • Barramundi fish and chips

Local Beverages

  • Bundaberg Rum
  • Australian wine
  • Coopers Beer

Where to Stay in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) offers a variety of accommodations. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury, there’s something for everyone:

  • Noosa Lakes Resort
  • Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort
  • Habitat Noosa
  • Nomads Noosa Backpackers

What to Buy in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Take a piece of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) home with you. Here are some souvenirs and local products to look out for:

  • Local art and crafts
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Honey
  • Natural cosmetics and skincare

Local Culture and Customs of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

The locals of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) are proud of their heritage and culture. The aboriginal name for the area is Gubbi Gubbi, and there are several important cultural sites in the park which visitors must respect.

Best Time to Visit Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

The best time to visit Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) is from March to May and September to November. These months offer comfortable temperatures and clear skies, perfect for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help you plan your trip:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs
  • Follow park rules and regulations
  • Stay on designated paths and trails
  • Pack sunscreen and insect repellent

Don’t:

  • Remove or damage any natural or historical features of the park
  • Light fires outside designated areas
  • Disturb wildlife and their habitats
  • Litter or leave trash on the trails

Safety and Health

Safety in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) is a safe destination. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards, such as snakes, stinging trees, and strong currents at the beach. Always inform someone of your plans before venturing into the park.

Health in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

There are no major health concerns in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola). However, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun and bring enough water on hikes. If you need medical care, the nearest hospital is in Noosa.

Getting to Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola):

Airports Near Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

  • Sunshine Coast Airport (NOH)
  • Brisbane Airport (BNE)

Bus Stations Near Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

  • Tewantin Bus Station
  • Noosa Bus Station

Other Options

  • Hire a car
  • Book a shuttle service

How to Get Around in Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)

The best way to get around Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) is by car. However, you can also hire a bike in Noosa or book a tour to explore the park.

Where to Go Next from Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations to visit after exploring Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola):

  • Fraser Island
  • Sunshine Coast
  • Brisbane

Conclusion

Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola) offers a unique combination of natural and cultural attractions, making it one of the most stunning destinations in Australia. With something for all types of travelers, it’s a must-visit on any trip to South East Queensland.