It’s all about taking a trip in our incredible country, so where better to explore than the Noosa Shire? Pack up the car, round up your family and friends and get going on a Queensland road trip!
Noosa Country Drive will help you map your journey and plan your adventure to make the most of your holiday exploring the Noosa Hinterland.
To get you started we’ve outlined the highlights from their suggested drives!
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 beautiful Lake Cootharaba. Here you can hire a kayak and glide over placid waters, watch the sailboats or go fishing. Take it easy in the picnic area on the Boreen Point foreshore, which has a playground, BBQ facilities and a general store close by.
Next up is Kin Kin, where you can visit Living Valley Springs, a world-renowned health retreat set among 145 acres of leafy green hills. Or check out the Country Life Hotel, a typical Aussie country pub. And get some country hospitality at the Kin Kin General Store selling a wide range of local products including Kin Kin honey and tea.
See the picturesque hinterland scenery on The Noosa Trail Network, a dedicated network of eight scenic walking, cycling and horse-riding recreational trails.
Drive on to the little town of Cooran, nestled between Mount Pinbarren and Mount Cooran. Here you will find The Vintage Junction where you can enjoy an organic coffee whilst rummaging through vintage furniture, unique second-hand treasures and rare collectables. Open Wed 7am – 12pm, Thurs- Sun 7am – 2:30pm).
Finish off your Noosa drive with incredible coastal and hinterland 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 abundant lush rainforest and numerous mountains. On this drive, you’ll be greeted to these incredible natural sites, especially the majestic Mt Cooroora that overlooks Pomona. Take it one step further and climb this 439m high volcanic rock if you want the challenge and of course the exceptional views! See right across coastal lakes towards the Cooloola Sand Patch and Great Sandy National Park.
Time for a break? Then head to the lovely township of Cooroy, known as the heart of the Hinterland. Here you can take your pick for lunch at one of the many unique and welcoming cafés in Cooroy. Indulge yourself in the cupcake stores, breweries, gifts shops and boutiques.
If you didn’t scale Mount Cooroora, then take a stroll around Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald. Here you can surround yourself with native and exotic plants, wildlife and a fab lakefront Greek-style amphitheatre.
Discover more things to do in Pomona and Cooroy
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
Revitalise in the morning sun on the shores of magical Lake Weyba, where you can expect an abundant and diverse range of birds. Once refreshed, you’ll drive to the arty town of Eumundi, known for its vibrant art galleries, excellent pubs, cafés, boutique shops and the world-famous Original Eumundi Markets. It’s easy spending time in this hinterland town!
When you manage to finally leave, drive on to Cooroy where you can get more of an art fix in the historic Butter Factory Arts Centre. See displays from local artists in the regularly changing exhibitions, workshops and pop-up studios. Take a trip to Buttercup Cupcakes and treat yourself to a cheeky cupcake or go all out and take a cake decorating class!
Continue your road trip to idyllic Lake Macdonald where you can unwind and watch out for native birds on the Fearnley Bird Hide, including osprey or a colourful rainbow bee-eater.
From here drive to Mount Tinbeerwah and take the track leading to a viewing area where you will be rewarded with astonishing 360-degree views from coast to hinterland. If you time your arrival, you’ll experience an incredible sunset.
Discover the hinterland mountains
Rest easy in luxury Noosa River accommodation
Rest in luxury in one of our chic holiday homes along the Noosa River, where you’ll be perfectly positioned in between the eclectic restaurants, cafés and boutiques on Gympie Terrace and Hastings Street.
Choose from a stunning selection of waterfront homes on Noosa Sound or Noosa Waters, where you can unwind in style. Whether you’re planning a trip with a large family, as a couple or with friends, our homes will offer you a tranquil and luxe escape.
Ready to plan your Queensland road trip? Then book one of our holiday Noosa rentals and countdown the days until you can be here!
Featured Image: Visit Noosa
