The Cooloola Great Walk, with its diverse landscapes and UNESCO glory, had been calling to me for months. Now, with my backpack packed and hiking boots laced, I was ready to conquer the entire 88.1 kilometres.
This walk typically takes five days to complete, starting at Tewantin and ending at Rainbow Beach. You can see the map here.
The Cooloola Great Walk had been calling me for months.
Planning the Adventure:
Timing:
The dry season, from April to October, is the ideal time to walk, with cooler temperatures and less rain. Although, June surprised me with stunning sunshine! Maybe a little too stunning, with those high 20s temperatures. But hey, who complains when lake swims feel like heaven after a day of trekking?
Logistics:
This is a one-way hike, meaning transport is key. My friend and I decided to start our hike from Tewantin in Noosa North Shore and finish in Rainbow Beach. I strongly recommend completing the hike in this direction, this way you’ll end at the iconic Carlo Sandblow instead of a dusty road.
We left one car at the Rainbow Beach trailhead, and one at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre just before the Noosa North Shore ferry terminal. Greyhound buses also run from Noosa to Rainbow and vice versa; prices and times vary, so check their website.
Permits:
You need to book each campsite separately at Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Camping is $7 a night, and spots are limited. You can book your site and find out more information about available facilities here.
Supplies:
Be self-sufficient, as there are no shops on the trail.
Hitting the Trail:
Let me walk you through my itinerary…
June surprised me with stunning sunshine!
Day 0: Organisation Day!
We drove to Rainbow Beach, dropped a car, and zipped back to Noosa. The Villa Noosa hotel, conveniently located next to a supermarket, became our home base. We popped over to Woolworths to grab all our meals. Both Coles and Woolworths offer a surprisingly delicious range of dehydrated meals, perfect for an easy weekend getaway. Some of my favourites are mac and cheese, mie goreng, and microwave rice sachets.
With an “unlawful” amount of chocolate bars and complimentary hotel wine, we packed our bags.
Day 1: Noosa North Shore to Brahminy Walkers’ Camp
17.3 km, 6 hours
Starting at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre, we ditched one car and strolled to the Tewantin ferry (gold coin donation). After a short walk from the ferry terminal to the trailhead (30-45 minutes), the official hike began. Day one includes a stroll along the beach. This section is also popular with 4×4 enthusiasts.
Day One includes a stroll along the beach.
Our lightweight camp setup.
Day 2: Brahminy Walker’s Camp to Dutgee Walkers Camp
20.3 km, 7 hours
Day two is the toughest. After a challenging day one, you get the joy of backing it up with another big day. However, today you will cross the Cooloola Sand Patch. Although not an easy walk, it was an otherworldly experience; we felt like we were on the set of Dune.
Dutgee is located on the Noosa River, so you can enjoy an afternoon swim. However, it’s important to be aware that sharks have been spotted in the area. Always swim at your own risk and heed any posted warnings or safety guidelines.
Day Two is the toughest!
Cooloola Sand Patch.
Cooloola Sand Patch.
The river nearby our campsite.
Day 3: Dutgee Walkers’ Camp to Litoria Walkers’ Camp
14.8 km, 5.5 hours
I always find day three is where things start to get easier. By this point, you realise ‘I’ve got this!’. In high spirits, we strolled through the forest, excited for what lay ahead.
Day 4: Litoria Walkers’ Camp to Kauri Walkers’ Camp
20.5 km, 7 hours
Day four is the longest distance-wise, so make sure you save some lollipops. You’ll walk through the rainforest; its cooler climate is a treat after trudging through the open, exposed landscapes of the previous days.
The cooler climate through the rainforest was a real treat after trudging through open landscapes.
Day 5: Kauri Walkers’ Camp to Carlo Car Park Track Entrance
15.2 km, 5 hours
Today was the shortest day, and it’s always nice to finish on a half-day. We stopped at Lake Poona for a little break, where we finally got mobile phone reception. Perfect timing, as my final Uni grades were set to be released! I sat there thinking, ‘if there’s any place to find out I’ve failed, it’s here.’
Good news – I passed! With a spring in my step and a massive weight off my shoulders, we continued on. Just before the end, we reached the Carlo Sandblow. It was incredible! We ran down the sandy hill in awe of the sight before us. What a great way to end our trip!
Carlos Sand Blow.
Other Helpful Information:
Water:
All the walker camps have water tanks – but the water is untreated, so we filtered all our water each morning.
Toilets:
All the walker camps have basic drop toilets.
Walking on Sand:
This may sound funny coming from a seasoned hiker (or at least I thought I was!), but walking on sand is a whole different beast. Start early, pace yourself, and befriend your hiking poles.
Brahminys Walker’s Camp:
This camp often gets busy over the weekend, as it’s a popular one-night walk.
Animal Cages:
Each campsite has dingo cages to store your gear overnight and prevent wild animals from stealing food.
Our last campsite!
Pricing Breakdown:
| Item | Cost | Breakdown |
| Campsites | $28 | $7/night for 4 nights |
| Accommodation | $120 | One night end of the hike in a hotel. |
| Food | $60 | All meals brought from Woolies. |
| Fuel: | $50 | One tank. |
| Ferry: | $1 | |
| Total | $259 |
Remember:
It’s a holiday, not bootcamp! Sleep in, birdwatch, and indulge in that chocolate.
See you on the trail!
XO Caito
Celebrating at Rainbow Beach, post hike!
Ever tackled the Cooloola Great Walk? What was your experience?