• Watch the sunset over the water and listen as the bird calls come to life from the jetty at this river-side campsite. Photo credit: © Queensland Government
• Upper Noosa River camp site 1 is tucked among a shady forest, just a short walk from the river. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

After paddling or boating 3.5km from Harrys day-use area, on your exploration of the Upper Noosa River waterway, tie up at the jetty and walk the short distance to this pleasantly-secluded campsite. Sleep surrounded by a shady forest of pink bloodwoods, Moreton Bay ash, coast banksia, wallum banksia, brush box, white cypress pines and swamp paperbarks.

If you have a day spare, set off early in the morning on the Campsite 3 walk to Upper Noosa River campsite 3 and from there you can tackle the long but rewarding Cooloola Sand Patch walk. Alternatively, just relax! Lounge on the jetty at sunset, watching as the light fades over the water and listening for evening bird calls.

Getting there and getting around

Upper Noosa River campsite 1 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, 10.5km north from Kinaba Visitor 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 shore line 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 35min to Campsite 1.
• 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 15mins travel time.
• From Kinaba allow 1hr at 6 knots (and no wash) to travel to Upper Noosa River campsite 1.
• 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 Hut

• From Harrys day-use area, paddle across the river to the opposite bank to the start of the Campsite 3 walk.
• Walk 3km to Upper Noosa River campsite 1.
• 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 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 1 is open 24 hours a day. Check in to your camp after 2pm and check out by 11am on the day of departure.

Check Park Alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Camping area features

Features: Upper Noosa River campsite 1 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 15km paddle from Elanda Point via the Upper Noosa River, or approximately 3.5km paddle from Harrys canoe launch area.

Maps:

• Noosa River map (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.5MB)

No. sites: 1 site – maximum of 8 people.

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 table and jetty.

Open fires: Prohibited. Only cooking and heating appliances that meet the below requirements are permitted unless a Queensland Fire Department (QFD) total fire ban is in place.

• The appliance must use gas or manufactured fuel (heat beads, briquettes). Manufactured fuel does not include timber or wood.
• It must be used only for cooking and/or heating.
• It must be a minimum of 20cm off the ground and more than 2m from flammable materials, which includes vegetation.
• It must not have the potential to generate airborne embers or possibly ignite nearby ground fuels.
• It must be fully self-contained (heat source enclosed and no exposed flame) and never left unattended when in use.
• Appliances that are not fully self-contained, such as braziers, are not permitted.
• All appliances, materials and burnt fuel must be removed from the recreation area on your departure.
• Approved cooking and heating appliances may vary from above list during QFD total fire bans. Check Park Alerts and QFD fire bans and restrictions for more details.

Also see: permitted cooking appliances during fire bans (PDF, 729.4KB)

Generators: Prohibited.

Essentials: Drinking water, fuel or gas stove, first aid kit, insect repellent, sunscreen, rubbish container/bags; no rubbish facilities are supplied – carry out what you carry in.

Also see: before you visit

Mobile phone coverage: Generally not available.

Bookings: Advance bookings required for holiday periods, including long weekends and public holidays.

• Book online now
• If you cannot book online, see other booking options.

Upcoming camping area availability

Visiting safely

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

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.