Four Wheel Drive From Noosa to Rainbow Beach

Between iconic Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beachonto the Cooloola Way. This is an unsealed road.
lies the southern section of the Great SandyA further 10km will bring you to the turn off to
National Park, known as Cooloola National Park.Harry's Hut. This is the only road access to the
The northern section of the park is Fraser Island.upper reaches of the Noosa river and Noosa
The Cooloola National park is some 80km long andEverglades. The road to Harry's Hut is a little
30km wide. It contains beautiful beaches and sandrough and is recommended for 4WDs only. There
dunes, untouched teetree forests, and the pristineare camping grounds and picnic facilities at Harry's
upper reaches of the Noosa river including thehut. This is also the gateway to many other
Noosa everglades.secluded camping areas along the river which are
This region is popular with 4WD enthusiasts,only accessible only by walking track and canoe.
campers, fisherman and nature lovers. It is idealCamping permits are required to camp along the
for one-day outings and extended camping trips.Noosa river. Continuing along the Cooloola way will
Taking a 4x4 between Noosa and Rainbow Beachtake you through different types of eucalypt,
through the Cooloola National Park is the only waybanksia and teetree forests, and you will
you can truly appreciate this beautiful area.eventually cross the very upper reaches of the
There are 3 ways for you to access the park:river. Your drive continues north to Rainbow
1) by beachBeach Rd, at which you turn right, and you have
2) by unsealed roada few minute drive into Rainbow Beach. The
3) by sealed road.Cooloola Way is a bit rough for normal vehicles,
Each offers a different experience of the park.but fine for 4WDs. It is recommended you stay
The most popular way to explore the park is tobelow the 80km/h speed limit. Some sections of
drive along the beach from Noosa using a 4WDthe Cooloola Way are quiet rough and you must
vehicle. Take the ferry across the Noosa river atdrive at a speed that is appropriate to the road
Tewantin to Noosa north shore. You make yourand weather conditions.
way onto the beach at one of 3 cuttings. TheThe third and fastest was to access Rainbow
north shore is known for its great fishing and forBeach from Noosa is by sealed road. This is the
the variety of species of migratory birds that visitmain access road and is often the return route
each year. As you drive north along the beachfor holiday makers. Take the Noosa-Cooroy Rd
you will first come to Teewah village. You canto Cooroy and then the Bruce Highway to
take a walk inland to Teewah point on LakeGympie. On the southern outskirts of Gympie
Cootharaba. As you move further north you willtake a right turn following the signs to Rainbow
come to high sand dunes and the point whereBeach. This takes you through the eastern part
you can access the Cooloola sand blow by walkingof Gympie to the Rainbow Beach Rd. Turn right
track. The beach camping zone begins just northonto Rainbow Beach Rd and you have a 35
of the sand blow. Continuing along the beach,minute drive on good sealed road to Rainbow
Kings Bore Rd exits onto the beach (no entry)Beach. You will drive along the northern border of
and Little Freshwater creek marks the end of thethe Cooloola National Park and see a mix of
beach camping zone. The Freshwater track is theeucalypt and banksia forest and low heathlands.
only way inland and around to Rainbow Beach.Before reaching Rainbow Beach you can turn off
Before you take that track you can continueonto Freshwater track and take it as far as
along the beach to Double Island Point. This is aPoona Lake. This section of road is fine for regular
very popular area for divers, fisherman andvehicles, but no further. Poona lake is a seldom
surfers. Head back and take Freshwater trackvisited perched lake. Allow the best part of an
inland, past inland camping grounds and Poonahour to walk from the car park to the lake, which
Lake. You will hit the Rainbow Beach Rd, at whichis good for a swim.
you turn right and have a short drive intoRainbow Beach is a quiet holiday village, offering a
Rainbow Beach.range of accommodation and eating options. It is
Driving conditions vary with weather and tides. Itthe southern gate way to Inskip Point and
is important that you only drive on the beach abeautiful Fraser Island. The famous Coloured
maximum of 2 and a half hours either side of lowSands can be viewed from Rainbow Beach. At
tide. On the beach normal Australian road rulespresent there is insufficient sand to drive along
apply. Keep to the left and the speed limit isthe beach from Rainbow Beach to the Coloured
80kmh. It is highly recommended you reduceSands. If you want a close up look then you need
your tyre pressure for driving on the sand.to go by boat. However, there is another small
Remember once you are off the sand tosand blow in the hills near Rainbow Beach that is
re-inflate your tyres and wash the sand fromeasily accessible.
under your 4WD vehicle.To explore the Cooloola National park between
The second way from Noosa to Rainbow BeachNoosa and Rainbow Beach you can take your
is to take the Cooloola Way around the westernown 4WD or you can hire a 4x4 from a 4WD
edge of the park. This is accessible by 4WD andhire business. You will need to find a company
regular vehicles provided there has not been toothat rents 4WDs specifically for beach use, which
much rain. From Noosa take the Noosa-Cooroyregular car hire companies do not allow. You can
Rd to Cooroy. Turn right and go to Pomona andobtain a map of the area and access camping
then on to Kin Kin. Continue on the Kinpermits from the Queensland Government.
Kin-Gympie Rd for about 8km and then turn right