Load up the car, gather your family and friends and go on a Queensland road trip!
It’s all about taking a holiday in our remarkable country, so where better to explore than the Noosa Shire? Noosa Country Drive will help you plan your adventure and map your journey to make the most of your trip exploring the Noosa Hinterland.
Noosa Country Drive
To get you started, we’ve summarised the highlights from their suggested noosa country drive!
Northern Loop
Take a 146 km day trip to Boreen Point – Kin Kin – Cooran.
Experience:
– Lake Cootharaba
– Bird watching
– Scenic hinterland backdrops
– Farm visit
– Vintage Shops
– Spa and wellness retreat
– Art galleries and heritage pubs
Boreen Point is a small village on the shores of scenic Lake Cootharaba. Here you can watch the sailboats, go fishing or hire a kayak and glide over placid waters. Relax in the picnic area on the Boreen Point foreshore, which has a playground, BBQ facilities and a nearby general store.
Drive on to Kin Kin, where you can get a drink in the Country Life Hotel, a typical Aussie country pub. Or visit Living Valley Springs, a world-renowned health retreat, within 145 acres of fresh, green hills.
Experience some country hospitality at the Kin Kin General Store, which sells a wide range of local products including Kin Kin honey and tea.
Marvel at the vivid hinterland scenery on The Noosa Trail Network, a network of eight scenic walking, cycling and horse-riding recreational trails.
Next up is the little town of Cooran, nestled between Mount Cooran and Mount Pinbarren. Here you will discover The Vintage Junction where you can sip an organic coffee whilst hunting through unique second-hand treasures, vintage furniture, and rare collectables. Open Wed 7am – 12pm, Thurs- Sun 7am – 2:30pm).
Round off your Noosa drive with sublime hinterland and coastal views at the Cooran Tableland Lookout, also called the James McKane Memorial Lookout.
See more about the Noosa Trail and birdwatching tours
Central Loop
Take a 91 km day trip to Pomona – Cooroy – Lake Macdonald.
Experience:
– Mountain climbing
– Scenic lookouts
– A silent theatre
– Historic sites
– Scenic hinterland backdrops
– A vintage shop
– Sunset at Mt Tinbeerwah
– Noosa Botanic Gardens
– Quaint cafes
A Queensland road trip wouldn’t be a Queensland road trip without passing plentiful green rainforest and many mountains. On the Noosa country drive, you’ll be greeted to these extraordinary natural sites, especially the majestic Mt Cooroora that overlooks Pomona. Take another step further and climb this 439m high volcanic rock if you want the challenge and of course the unique views! Gaze right across coastal lakes towards Great Sandy National Park and the Cooloola Sand Patch.
Ready for a rest? Then head to the charming township of Cooroy, known as the heart of the Hinterland. Here you can take your pick for lunch at one of the many independent and welcoming cafés in Cooroy. Treat yourself in the cupcake stores, breweries, gifts shops or boutiques.
If you didn’t climb Mount Cooroora, then take a gentle walk around Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald. Here you can surround yourself with wildlife, native and exotic plants and a wonderful lakefront Greek-style amphitheatre.
Southern loop
Take an 80km day trip to Doonan – Eumundi – Cooroy – Tinbeerwah.
Experience:
– Lake Weyba
– Great shopping
– Art galleries
– Indigenous café
– Historic sites
– Scenic hinterland backdrops
– Lake Macdonald and amphitheatre
– Noosa Botanic Gardens
– Bird watching
– Sunset at Mt Tinbeerwah
Rejuvenate in the morning sun on the shores of exquisite Lake Weyba, where you can expect a rich and varied selection of birds. Once revitalised, you’ll drive to the creative town of Eumundi, known for its lively art galleries, superb pubs, cafés, boutique shops and the world-famous Original Eumundi Markets. It’s a joy spending time in this hinterland town!
When you can tear yourself away, drive on to Cooroy to get more of an art fix in the historic Butter Factory Arts Centre. Enjoy displays from local artists in the regularly changing exhibitions, workshops and pop-up studios.
Afterwards pay Buttercup Cupcakes a visit and treat yourself to a sneaky cupcake or go all out and take a cake decorating class!
Continue your road trip to tranquil Lake Macdonald where you can unwind and look for native birds on the Fearnley Bird Hide, including osprey or the colourful rainbow bee-eater.
Then travel on to Mount Tinbeerwah and once there take the track to the viewing area where you will be rewarded with astounding 360-degree views from coast to hinterland. Time your arrival right and you’ll experience an amazing sunset.
