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Tucked away in the heart of the Sunshine Coast are the Noosa Everglades, the second only everglade system in the world.
It’s here where tea-colored waters sit quietly under paperbark trees, and the only sounds you hear are the paddles of your kayak lapping in the water.
They call it the “River of Mirrors,” and rightly so. The inky waters are so calm they reflect the sky with such clarity, you’ll wonder where the earth ends and sky begins.
And because this is a freshwater river system, you don’t have to worry about crocs or motorboat mayhem, just the slowness of nature and the feeling of life’s stresses ebbing away.
If you’re thinking about picking up your ores and paddling along the Noosa Everglades in a kayak, or you just want to know all about it, here is everything you need to know about visiting the Noosa Everglades.
What are the Noosa Everglades?
The Noosa Everglades are a series of waterways, tropical wetland and swampy land that connects the Northern Noosa River system to the ocean near the Sunshine Coast.
The everglades are nestled among two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and the Cooloola region of the Great Sandy National Park.
It encompasses an area of 60km and is located within 65 acres of national park, although the official parameters of the everglades reserve have not been defined – but it’s said to begin in the Upper Noosa River catchment area, and include the Upper Noosa River, Lake Cootharabar, Lake Cooroibah, Donella Lake, Lake Weyba, and Laguna Bay.
The everglades are known for their bountiful plants and magnificent flora, as well as abundant wildlife (particularly bird life).
Keep your eyes open for native wildlife, including rare bird species such as the glossy black cockatoo, pelicans, cormorants, osprey, eagles, and more.
It is also said that 40% of Australia’s birds species are found in the Noosa Everglades and it’s the only everglades system in Australia (and one of two in the world, the other being in Florida).
You can also safely swim in its waters because it’s crocodile free!
The land’s traditional owners, the Kabi Kabi people, were one of the few tribes to migrate less often from the everglades since the land was fruitful and had plenty of resources.
How to get to the Noosa Everglades
The Noosa Everglades are located just outside the town of Noosa, and are accessed from Boreen Point, a small village in the Noosa Hinterlands that sits on the shores of Lake Cootharaba.
Boreen Point is located a 30-minute drive from Noosa Heads, or 90 minutes from Brisbane. It’s the ideal day trip from the Sunshine Coast or Brisbane because of its close location.
From Boreen Point, you can rent kayaks and canoes, go kite surfing, explore on your own boat, or catch a boat cruise and self-guided tours.
How to explore the Noosa Everglades
Here are a few different ways to explore the Noosa everglades…
Kayaking the Noosa Everglades
Kayaking the Noosa everglades is one of the best ways to explore the narrow waterways, since it puts you close to the crystal-clear waters and has minimal impact on the unique environment; take only photographs, leave only ripples.
Plus, it keeps you fit!
We decided to kayak a 16 km round trip from Lake Cootharaba, which took us out into the middle of nowhere in a pristine natural environment with only the sounds of the birds flying and the water lapping against our boat and the lily pads.
When your biceps get tired, you can stop for a moment and enjoy the silence, occasionally broken by the sounds of birds singing.
It’s one of my favourite experiences in Australia. We barely saw another soul when we were out on the water.
You can do a self-guided kayak tours from Boreen Point to Noosa everglades, which takes around 5 hours of paddling there and back, including taking breaks for rest and photos.
If you want to take your adventure up a notch, you can pack up the kayak with your bush camping gear and head out to the wilderness on a three-day adventure.
Or you can combine a short kayaking trip with a boat tour, if you don’t fancy paddling for too long.
Noosa Everglades boat tours
If you prefer a more relaxing way to explore the Noosa everglades, then consider taking an eco-safari guided boat tour through the everglade waterways.
These purpose built eco boats have been designed to have minimal impact on the environment, without compromising on the comfort of the passengers. With wide open viewing windows, every passenger gets a good view of the reflective waters and surrounding plant life.
The vessels are quiet and gentle as they pass through the tranquil river.
Sit back and sip sparkling wine or beer while your expert guide provides an expert commentary on the history of the land and its uses on an afternoon cruise.
After the boat ride, you can enjoy a swim in the water or visit the Habitat Ecocamp to see the grey kangaroos.
Visit Harry’s Hut
The historic Harry’s Hut is the only building on the banks of the everglades, but don’t expect anything fancy. This tin shack sits on the banks of the Noosa River and is used as a camping site.
Although you can camp here, the area has untreated water so you will need to bring water with you. It does have toilets and a picnic shelter, plus direct river access with a canoe landing jetty.
If you wish to camp there, you must get a permit.
Go camping in the Noosa Everglades
Another popular way to experience the everglades is to camp. The best place to camp is on the shores of Lake Cootharaba.
There are two popular camping spots on the lake, the first is Habitat Noosa, which offers a number of powered and unpowered campsites, so you can rock up with an RV or pitch a tent for a rural experience.
The campsite has 65 acres of bushland and 500 meters of beach, so you can experience the best of the Noosa everglades and Noosa beaches, all in one.
Habitat is an eco-camp, which means no noise after 10pm, and campfires are kept in designated areas. It also has a kitchen which visitors can use.
Another popular campsite on the shores of Lake Cootharaba is Boreen Point Campground. It’s similar to Habitat Noosa in that it offers powered and unpowered campsites and has designated campfire zones.
If you’d prefer to stay in nearby Noosa, scroll through the accommodation options below. Noosa is one of Australia’s favorite beachside resort towns, so will have all the amenities and attractions you’ll need!
Noosa Everglades FAQs
Here’s what people usually ask us about the Noosa everglades…
Are there crocodiles in the Noosa everglades?
No, there are no crocodiles in the Noosa Everglades. It’s one of only two everglades in the world where there are no crocs or alligators (the other is in the Florida everglades system).
Can you swim in Noosa everglades?
Yes, it’s one of the few everglades in the world where you can safely swim without fear of crocodiles.
Are there sharks in Noosa Everglades?
Bull sharks have been sighted in the Noosa area, but generally, they stay near the lower reaches where the river meets the ocean than in the everglades.
Are there snakes in Noosa?
Yes, you may find red belly black snakes in the Noosa area, which is a venomous snake. If you see a snake, stay calm and walk away slowly. Snakes don’t usually attack unless provoked so leave it alone and you should be fine.
Before You Go
The Noosa Everglades were a highlight of our trip to the Noosa Hinterland. Being able to switch off and enjoy being in nature is one of the main reasons to visit the everglades.
Before you go, make sure you bring plenty of water and sun cream. Please also remember to take your garbage with you or throw it in the bins provided at the campsites.
The Noosa Everglades are well known for their environmental efforts and for keeping the waterways pristine, so please help to contribute to this and clean up after yourselves.
And most of all, have the best time exploring the Noosa everglades!
Video: Watch us kayak the Noosa Everglades
More Sunshine Coast Travel Tips
If you’re planning on visiting other places on the Sunshine Coast, here are some other guides you might like.
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