Awesome Noosa Walks and Introducing The Fantastic Noosa Trail Network
Noosa is blessed with natural beauty and plenty of walks that range from easy to challenging. Out of all the Noosa walks, every family should do at least part of the Noosa Coastal Walk, one of the wonderful Noosa National Parks.
The Noosa Coastal Walk
The Noosa Coastal Track Walk in the Noosa National Park headland section is wonderful! The complete walk is approximately 5.4km one way (10.8km return) but many families (like us) do a 2.7km stretch (5.4km return) to a section called ‘Hell’s Gates’.
This Noosa walk will see you pass a number of surf beaches that are worth stopping at to play in the sand and watch the surfers. A section of this walk is noted for koala spotting and we were lucky enough to spot whales breaching in the water, surrounded by a pod of frolicking dolphins!
Introducing The Awesome Noosa Walks on The Noosa Trail Network
Due to the pandemic, families have a renewed interest in avoiding crowds, with hinterland areas now more appealing than ever. As a result, I want to introduce you to some of Noosa’s hinterland walks in The Noosa Trail Network.
The Noosa Trail Network is a series of eight scenic hinterlands Noosa walks that are amazing for walking, horse riding or mountain biking. The trails are well signed and vary in length and difficulty.
The trails pass through national parks, state forests, council parks and private property. Some of the trails pass through the small townships of Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooran and Cooroy.
Dogs and motorbikes are not allowed! If you’re up for a challenge, there is camping available, with options for camping with horses as well.
We embarked on a combined camping hiking adventure however the Noosa Trail Network is also perfect for just a ”normal” walk. With thanks to Kathmandu, who were generous enough support our project by way of equipment sponsorship; we spent five days on the Noosa Trail Network exploring the amazing walks.
This project was a bit of a mission of mine to prove that overnight hiking is achievable with young kids. For tips on hiking with kids, make sure to check out my hiking with young kids post.
What to Expect on the Noosa Trail Network Walks!
Unlike the Noosa Coastal Walk, don’t expect man-made type walking tracks on the Noosa Trail Network. These walking tracks are wonderful nature-filled bush tracks and the ground has been minimally modified. Although fairly well-trodden, expect rocks, grass, mud, and leaves. This is walking as nature intended!
Beautiful hinterland views are guaranteed, as is an assortment of wildlife. You may pass other people on either horse, foot or mountain bikes; or you may have the whole trail to yourself.
The Walks on The Noosa Trail Network
There are eight main trails, but don’t be put off by the length of them as families don’t need to go the whole distance! If you only wish to walk a couple of km, it’s very easy to do smaller sections of the larger trail.
Download this Noosa Trail Network map and brochure that shows all the walks and smaller sections. There is a section in the brochure that shows walks that are 1km – 5.5km in length which I think are just perfect for families!
Below is a short video of our 5km(ish) walk from Kin Kin to Cootharaba views lookout where we camped the night. Obviously, you don’t need to camp and can just walk straight back down once you’ve had a rest.
Watch Our Noosa Walk – Kin Kin to Cootharaba Views Lookout
The Eight Noosa Walks on the Noosa Trail Network
Trail 1 – Kin Kin Countryside Loop
This 14km loop is a lovely rural walk through the countryside. You will see rolling green hills, herds of cows and goats, and some beautiful country scenery. The trail passes through private property in spots, so remember to be respectful and don’t leave anything behind.
Trail 2 – Scenic Trail
This 26km trail lives up to it’s name but don’t worry, you don’t have to complete it all in one day. There is bush camping available at either Middle Lookout or Cootharaba Views Lookout. It begins at the Kin Kin Country Life Hotel and ends at Cooran.
Families might like to do the short (but challenging) 1.7km uphill trek from Sheppersons Park to take in the scenery at Cootharaba Views Lookout before heading back down for a picnic.
Trail 3 – Kin Kin to Cooran
This 22km trail has no camping available so you will need to leave early to complete it in one day. Passing through rain forest and tall, open eucalypt forest, you will need a reasonable level of fitness due to the length and steep hill climb.
Trail 4 – Kin Kin to Lake MacDonald
This 26km Noosa walk covers a variety of scenery with some great lookouts. Bush camping is available at designated areas on the trail, and Lake MacDonald has a great camp spots at Camp Cooroora. I recommend spending a night or two here to rest up and enjoy the area (and also enjoy a proper toilet and a hot shower).
We attempted this one but abandoned the hike to due stormy weather and a leaky tent.
Trail 5 – Cooroora Trail
The Cooroora Trail is a 10km stretch between Pomona and Cooran with changing landscape along the way. A reasonable level of fitness is required and the trail has some good views of Mt Cooroora and Mt Cooran.
Trail 6 – Cudgerie Loop
This circuit is only 5km in length and loops around a rural residential area.
Trail 7 – Mac ‘N’ Back
This 15km section between Lake MacDonald and Pomona is a mostly flat trail that crosses Six Mile Creek and passes through the Yurol State Forest. This Noosa walk took us 6 hours and 40 minutes with all the snack and rest stop breaks associated with hiking with young kids. I imagine it would take a lot less time without kids … but hey … slow and steady win the race!
Watch Our YouTube Clip of The Mac’N’Back Walk Below to Get an Idea of What to Expect!
Trail 8 – Cooroy Wanderer
Much like trail 7, the Cooroy Wanderer is fairly flat and easy. This trail is only 11km in length though.
Where to Stay on the Noosa Trail Network
Camping is available at designated camping areas, or you could ensure the trail you choose passes through one of the small towns so that you can rest your head more comfortably for the night.
Bush camping (no facilities) is available at Cootharaba Views Lookout and Middle Lookout. Camping with toilets/showers/water is available at Cooran Riders Grounds, Kin Kin Sports Grounds, Camp Cooroora (Lake MacDonald), and Pomona Showgrounds.
We camped at Cootharaba Views Lookout, Camp Cooroora and Pomona Showgrounds. The latter two had great clean facilities and lovely surrounds. Contact information for booking is available in the Noosa Trail Network brochure.
Search >>here<< for more comfortable accommodation options in the Noosa Hinterlands
Getting There
The Noosa Trail Network is approximately 150km drive North of Brisbane. Passenger trains from Brisbane stop at Cooroy and the local bus route 632 provides limited connections.
Planning and Booking Your Holiday to Noosa
Getting to Noosa:
Road
If driving, Noosa is approximately 2 hours north of Brisbane, 3 hours from the Gold Coast, and 12 hours from Sydney. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, or are flying in, compare rental car prices here.
Rail
Trains run regularly from Brisbane, stopping at both Nambour and Cooroy. From here, Sunbus collects passengers heading to Noosa. More information on rail and bus timetables can be found at www.translink.com.au
Air
The Sunshine Coast Airport is the closest airport to Noosa. It’s located in Maroochydore and is only 35 minutes drive away. Direct flights are available from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.
Where to Stay in Noosa:
There are lots of accommodation options in Noosa!
Boreen Point Camp Grounds is great for families wanting to get away from the hustle of Noosa!
Budget options include Ingenia Holidays Noosa and the Villa Noosa Hotel.
Mid-range to more expensive options include Noosa International Resort and the Noosa Sun Motel.
High end options include the Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort in a fantastic location on Hastings St, and the RACV Noosa Resort which has a toddler pool for little ones.
Travel Guides to Noosa:
Check out the official Tourism Noosa Page for more information on things to do in Noosa.
Looking for Family Holiday Destination and Activities Inspiration?
For more information on visiting the Sunshine Coast with kids, head on over to our Sunshine Coast page. Head on back to the home page for both Australian and worldwide inspiration.
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