Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely

Getting there and getting around

• Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.4MB)
• Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.7MB)
• Freshwater camping area map (PDF, 1.1MB)
• Noosa River map (PDF, 1.6MB)
• Fig Tree Point camping and day-use area map (PDF, 114.8KB)
• Harrys camping and day-use area map (PDF, 262.5KB)

Cooloola lies between the coastal towns of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Noosa Heads is about 155km (about a 3hr drive) and Rainbow Beach is about 240km (about a 3hr drive) north of Brisbane. Access by conventional vehicles (two-wheel drives) to Cooloola is limited to the outer extremities. The best way to see Cooloola is by walking or 4WD. Vehicle access permits (VAPs) are required when traversing beaches and some inland tracks within the Cooloola Recreation Area. 24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use. Please ensure vehicle registration details are correct on your permit. For more information see:

• Automatic Number Plate Recognition Cameras—FAQs (PDF, 178.6KB) .

Two-wheel-drive (2WD) access

Conventional or 2WD vehicles can access Elanda Point, just north of Boreen Point, and Bymien picnic area from Rainbow Beach Road. For Bymien, turn off 4km south of Rainbow Beach, onto 3km of unsealed road. The 16km sand road from Bymien to Freshwater camping and day-use areas, and beyond to Teewah Beach, is 4WD only. Inland tracks are not suitable for caravans. Camper trailers must have good clearance.

• Check track conditions (PDF, 1.3MB) before going.

Four-wheel-drive (4WD) access

Cooloola’s sand tracks are rough, and are suitable for high clearance 4WD vehicles only. All vehicles must be registered and have a valid Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) when traversing designated tracks and beach areas.

Also see:

• Cooloola Recreation Area map (PDF, 1.7MB) .
• Buy a vehicle access permit online.
• If unable to book online, see camping bookings for other options.
• How to request transfer or replacement of a vehicle access permit.

Coastal areas

Beach access is possible from Rainbow Beach or Tewantin (near Noosa). Access from Tewantin is across Noosa North Shore Ferries at the end of Moorindil Street, Tewantin and then via the beach access points at Noosa North Shore. These are called 1st cutting and 3rd cutting.

Vehicles are not permitted on the beach between 1st and 3rd cutting.

You can travel a little way south from 1st cutting, but it is an offence to drive, ride or take animals into the Exclusion Zone near the Noosa River mouth, which protects the habitat of 43 species of local and migratory birds that shelter in the estuary. This local government-regulated Exclusion Zone prohibits all motorised vehicles—4WDs, quad bikes, trail bikes—and domestic animals including dogs, cats and horses. Rangers patrol regularly and penalties apply for non-compliance.

You can travel north from 3rd cutting along Teewah Beach to Freshwater, Double Island Point and Rainbow Beach.

• Check beach conditions (PDF, 1.3MB) before going.

Inland tracks

Cooloola Way, another access road into Cooloola, links Rainbow Beach Road with Kin Kin-Wolvi Road. Some sections may be impassable after wet weather. Check local conditions before traversing this council-maintained road. Check track conditions (PDF, 1.3MB) before going.

River access

Commercial boat tours, up the Noosa River, operate frequently from Noosa and Tewantin.

Canoes, kayaks and small power boats can be hired from Boreen Point and Elanda Point private camping area. Power boats can be launched from the boat ramp at Boreen Point. Canoe and kayak launching facilities are only available at Elanda Point and Harrys camping and day-use areas.

Wheelchair accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at Freshwater camping and day-use areas, Bymien picnic area, Fig Tree Point and Harrys camping and day-use areas.

Also see:

• Summary of Cooloola visitor sites and facilities

Staying safe

The rocks in front of Rainbow Beach township may be impassable at times. Conditions change daily. Always check first.

In an emergency

Phone Triple Zero (000) or text 106 for speech or hearing impaired, for all life threatening, critical or serious emergencies, or for reporting a bushfire or acts of arson.

Be prepared for disaster

• Tsunami, cyclones and extremely high tides may occur along coastal areas and quickly inundate the camping areas—you must get out quickly. The Noosa River is also susceptible to flooding, cutting off escape routes.
• Beach  conditions can change quickly, especially after rain, strong winds, high tides and choppy seas.
• Weather changes can affect your camping experience, so tune in to a local radio station and listen carefully to weather reports.

Play it safe—pack up and leave in bad conditions

• In case of a tsunami warning, leave immediately—you may have only minutes to respond!
• For comprehensive information on preparing for floods, cyclones, tsunami and severe storms, visit Queensland Disaster Management Services.
• Before leaving home, check Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and warnings.
• Tune into a local radio station for updated warnings and advice.
• Check for up-to-date Tsunami warnings; telephone 1300 TSUNAMI (1300 878 6264) or visit www.bom.gov.au/tsunami.
• Be aware that an Emergency Alert may be received at any time.

Check for park alerts

For more information, check park alerts and read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Pack good communication gear

Recommended:

• Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
• mobile phone and spare battery if needed.

Optional extra:

• Handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) device and spare batteries
• satellite phone.

Prepare an emergency kit

This could include:

• portable transistor radio and spare batteries
• torch and spare batteries
• extra warm clothing
• first aid kit (and be trained in first aid)
• list of emergency contact numbers.

Safety is our concern, but your responsibility.

Walking safety

Be alert for approaching 4WD vehicles when on the beach. The sound of the surf makes it difficult to hear approaching vehicles.

Also see:

• Walking tracks page for more comprehensive information.

Drinking water

Fresh water is available from most camping and day-use areas in the Cooloola Recreation Area. Treat all water collected in the recreation area before drinking.

Water obtained from pools, creeks or sub-surface supplies on Teewah Beach is not suitable for drinking, cooking, showering or swimming. The use of portable sand spears to collect sub-surface water from the foredune areas is an offence and is not permitted. Obtain fresh water at the nearby Freshwater day-use area, but treat before drinking.

Water safety

• Swimming in the river system, lakes and coastal beaches of Cooloola is not recommended.
• The water bodies in Cooloola are not patrolled by lifeguards.
• Sharks are common in the river system and ocean beaches.
• Do not dive or jump into the water; submerged obstacles can be anywhere.
• Do not dam or swim in creeks or soaks along Teewah Beach.
• Be aware of and stay clear of power boats travelling along the river.
• If fishing at night, wear a high visibility vest and use glow sticks to alert approaching vessels on the river, or vehicles on Teewah Beach.

Sand safety

Sand slips are silent. Exposed sand dunes and sand cliffs along Teewah and Rainbow beaches are unstable and can collapse without warning. Climbing on, sliding down or digging into them is dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. Do not park close to dunes. Never allow children to play near or on sand dunes and sand cliffs.

Driving safety

All Queensland road rules apply on all roads, vehicle tracks and beaches in Cooloola. Police patrol all areas of Cooloola. Speed checks and breath testing can happen at any time.

Hooning and reckless driving on our beaches is illegal and will not be tolerated. Report anti-social behaviour online. https://forms.police.qld.gov.au/ launch/Hooning.

Speed limits in Cooloola are generally:

• 80km/hr maximum speed on the eastern beach unless otherwise signposted
• 40km/hr speed limit on all beaches adjacent to camping and day-use areas
• 30km/hr recommended on all other inland roads, unless otherwise signposted
• 10–20km/hr maximum in camping areas.

Read the Driving on sand safety guide (PDF, 943.6KB) for more detailed information on rules, preparation, hazards and other handy sand driving tips. Before leaving home, check the Cooloola conditions report (PDF, 1.3MB) (updated regularly) for beach and track conditions.

The following are essential guidelines to remember when driving in Cooloola.

• Avoid travelling at night; washouts and rocks can be difficult to see.
• Always use established or formed tracks when accessing designated beach camp sites behind the foredunes.
• Use existing tracks when accessing the Teewah Beach camping area.
• Do not drive over vegetation, park vehicles or set up camp on a vegetated foredune. Penalties apply.
• Slow down around pedestrians as approaching vehicles are difficult to hear above the sounds of surf and wind.
• Take extra care and slow down around busy meeting spots, such as Double Island Point and Teewah Beach camping area.
• Mudlo Rocks, just south of the beach ramp at Rainbow Beach, are generally impassable at high tide and often at low tide as well, depending on conditions. Use extreme caution; only experienced drivers should attempt the crossing. Conditions change daily. Always check first.
• Leisha Track northern entrance is subjected to continuing natural erosion and at times this can impede travel. The track may become totally inaccessible on or around high tide so plan to travel at or near low tide.
• Do not park on the Leisha Track.

Hazards mentioned in the safety guide can occur within the Cooloola Recreation Area and change on a daily basis:

• Deep washouts can happen at any time, particularly after heavy rain and rough seas.
• Wave action can expose dangerous rocks overnight, including Mudlo Rocks.
• Debris, such as tree trunks and coffee rock, is often exposed in the intertidal zone—between high and low tide marks—following severe weather events.

Protect turtles during breeding season

Endangered marine turtles use this beach as a nesting and hatching site for between November and April each year. If you encounter turtles leaving the water and crossing the beach, laying their eggs or hatchlings emerging do not interfere – watch quietly from a few metres away and never touch turtles or hatchlings

Help protect marine turtles:

• drive slowly on the beach and avoid driving over nests
• keep to the wet sand below the high tide mark to avoid making wheel ruts that may hinder the movement of hatchlings
• never drive or park on the dunes and use established tracks to access camp sites
• during breeding season avoid driving on the beach at night and using bright lights between 6pm and 6am.

Fines may apply to visitors disturbing turtle hatchlings or turtle nests.

To report marine animal strandings (sick, injured or dead turtles, dolphin, dugongs or whales), download the QWildlife app or phone 1300 130 372.

Camp fire safety

Camp fires are prohibited in Cooloola, except at Poverty Point camping area unless there is a fire prohibition or ban in place. Check the conditions report (PDF, 1.3MB) before going. Penalties apply.

Always be vigilant with fuel stoves, gas lights and lanterns.

Never leave a camp fire unattended and extinguish all camp fires completely with water, not sand, before leaving the area or retiring for the night. Embers under sand stay extremely hot for hours and can cause serious burns. Camp fires that are covered with sand not only keep their heat for longer but are also disguised and can look like a sandpit or sandcastle to small children. Do not dispose of non-combustible or toxic material (e.g. glass, cans, plastics) in a camp fire. Penalties apply.

Bushfires

Bushfires can pose a threat to walkers and remote campers. They can occur without warning, so be aware of, and prepare for the dangers.

Walkers stay alert! If there is a bushfire, follow the walking track to the nearest set-down or pick-up point (generally an intersection between the walking track and a road), road, beach, lake or creek for refuge. Large logs, a ditch or burnt ground can also provide protection. Avoid areas of heavy fuel, such as deep leaf litter, and stay low to the ground where the air is coolest and contains the least smoke.

In extreme conditions, the walking track and camping areas may be closed at short notice for safety reasons.

Planned burn fires

Rangers carry out planned fuel-reduction burning. Please observe all signs. Report a fire by calling Triple Zero (000) as soon as possible and try to alert rangers in the area.

Report suspected arson

Help stop arson by reporting the time, location and description of the suspected arsonist/s or the vehicle (including registration number) they are in. Early reporting can save lives and property.

In all emergencies dial triple Zero (000).

For more information, please read the QPWS safety messages for park neighbours and visitors.

Before you visit

Essentials to bring

First aid kit and prescription medicines

Bring adequate supplies of prescription drugs needed and a well-equipped first aid kit.

It's wise for at least one person in a visiting group to have a current first aid certificate.

Drinking water

Water is available at some locations including Harrys day-use area and Freshwater camping and day-use areas.

Treat all water collected before drinking.

Use water treatment tablets or boil for at least 5–10min.

Portable toilets

All campers in the Teewah Beach camping zones are required to bring and use a portable toilet during their stay (penalties apply). Even if you are only camping for one night, you still must bring and use a portable toilet. Portable toilets are recommended when camping away from facilities at Poverty Point, Upper Noosa River camp sites 4–15 and Wandi and Neebs waterholes camping areas. Public toilets are located at Freshwater day-use area (just north of Teewah Beach camping zone) and Double Island Point.

QPWS have implemented a waste management plan to protect the natural environment, your coastal camping experience and visitor health.