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Lake Cootharaba: Elanda Point to Kinaba

COMO

Canoeing4.3 kmIntermediateOne-wayDogs prohibited
8 Queensland Parks alerts for Great Sandy National Park
See them under Safety

A peaceful kayak across Lake Cootharaba to Kinaba Information Centre/Kinaba Island seeing beautiful paper-bark lined banks and clear water.

SUITABLILITY

Suitable for intermediate level kayakers. If a windy day the lake can get quite choppy. NOTE: times given here are ONE WAY ONLY.

Highlights

Gateway to the much lauded Everglades, this open water 10km return route is a great paddle in its own right. And it’s the launch pad into the twisting upper reaches of the Everglades. After the first few km paddling pull ashore at Mill Point for a look at the interpretive plaques. Next paddle 2km NE to a triangle channel marker, from where you can see the timber Kinaba Information Center building on the water. It’s a great stop, with a short boardwalk trail, toilets and large interpretive displays.

Lake Cootharaba, the largest of this river system, is fringed with forest and has glimpses of the Cooloola Sandblow to the north. Although mostly shallow it can get very rough if windy, especially onshore. Check the forecast and conditions on the day. If it looks dicey, do the Kinaba walk instead.

Afterwards

Habitat Noosa at Elanda Point is a newly updated establishment offering everything from glamping, camping, boat hire to coffee/cake, ice creams and finer lunch dining. There is also a craft brewery and bar on site offering interesting craft beers (Pacific Ales/XPA’s) and delicious cocktails. Sit back and relax and look out over large trees towards the lake. On weekends they sometimes bring in a free kids rock climbing course.

You can hire canoes and kayaks from Habitat.

Down the road is the famous Apollonian Vale Hotel relocated from Gympie (and its old mining glory days). If you wanted to drive further afield there is plenty to see in the nearby townships of Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin.

How to get there

To the starting point: Drive to Habitat Noosa, entrance is via a dirt road off Lake Flat Road, Elanda Point/Boreen Point. Heading towards Boreen Point on Louis Bazzo Drive, continue past Boreen Point township (on your right) onto Lake Flat Road and follow the signs. There is a large launch area in front of Habitat Noosa.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.

About this place

  • Suitable for kayaking
  • Dogs prohibited
  • Picnic table on site
  • Toilets on site
  • Camping permitted
Walking track grade
Grade 3
A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Great Sandy National Park(opens in a new tab)

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Safety

Hazards on this trail

If the wind gets up. NOTE: times given here are ONE WAY ONLY.

Queensland Parks alerts

Great Sandy National Park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. These are their current alerts for the park, and some may be about other parts of it. Park alerts in the Sunshine Coast region(opens in a new tab)

Seasonal closure – Cooloola Great Walk
Pest Control Program in Cooloola Recreation Area
Partial Park closure – Cooloola Wilderness Trail: no pedestrian access across Kin Kin Creek
Water across Cooloola Wilderness Trail
Permanent fire prohibition on Teewah Beach (update 3 Jul)
Natural Sand Movement and access to Double Island Point (update 28 May)
Upper Noosa River – Campsite 3 – partial jetty closure
Exposed sand cliff and dune landslide danger (update)

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
  • Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

Review by Regi7 years ago

Be sure to hit the water before the 10am surface breeze does. Mill Point is an interesting stop along the way and it’s just north of Elanda Point. Kayaks can be launched a few hundred metres before the entrance to Habitat Noosa. This public launch ramp also has a pretty white sandy beach. If you are in a group that’s too big for your kayak, there is a delightful walking track inland to Kinaba Island where you can meet up. Always be mindful of the wind speed and direction when timing your return trip.