A family's guide to Cooloola, QLD

It is time to explore Queensland and what better place to start your epic road trip than right here in Great Sandy National Park. Tucked into the little pocket of coastline under Eurong and just 2 hours drive from the Sunshine Coast, you will find Cooloola. It’s an area packed with plenty of sun, surf, and sand, making it the ideal holiday destination for the entire family!

Getting there

Cooloola is the perfect place to cool off after a trip up the coast. From the Sunshine Coast, it’s less than a two-hour drive. There’s plenty of places to stop on the way north, with sites like Noosa Heads perfect for a picnic.

As you travel north, you’ll find yourself lost in the lush greenery of Toolara State Forest before finally winding up in your final destination. Get off the beaten track and be prepared for stunning vistas in Cooloola.

Sand dunes give way to tall forests, and freshwater lakes shimmy their way around the flora and fauna of this pristine area.

Family Fun in Cooloola

Great Sandy National Park is the ideal holiday spot for active families, with tonnes of adventurous ways to spend the days. Head out onto the water for a relaxing day, enjoying the calm opalescent waters. Bring along a fishing rod and try your hand at getting the catch of the day!

At night, park up your campervan on the closest riverbank to get ready for a night spent under the stars. Spark up a flame and cook up the supersized fish you caught earlier in the day before roasting marshmallows late into the nighttime.

Best things to do

1. Cooloola Great Walk

For families with older children who are up for a challenge, you’ll love the Cooloola Great Walk. This 5-day track weaves its way from Cooloola up to Rainbow Beach before finally reaching the Noosa North Shore. Whether you’re interested in walking the whole thing or just a small section, the Cooloola Recreation Centre has plenty of information on where to start.

2. Double Island Point Lighthouse

Pay a visit to the Double Island Point Lighthouse, which sits at the top of the coastal headland of Double Island Point. You can get there by either trekking through Great Sandy National Park on foot or heading off on one of the exciting 4WD tours around the area.

3. Explore World Heritage-listed Rainbow Beach

Explore Rainbow Beach further and head out to the World Heritage site, Fraser Island and be sure to catch the dolphins at Tin Can Bay.

All of these nearby places make for great day trips!

Best places to stay

1. Big4 Breeze Holiday Park – Rainbow Beach

Drive your caravan up to the nearby Rainbow Beach to stay close to everything you need – excellent amenities and a nearby lake for fishing, right on the beautiful coastline. This is the ideal spot for heading off onto the many adventures you’ll have with your family in the area.

Cost: $43 – 44 per night. Powered sites available.

Amenities: Toilet/shower blocks, fire pits, wi-fi, laundry facilities, and camp kitchen available

2. Teewah Beach Camping Areas - Great Sandy National Park

There are several camping areas available on Teewah Beach, in Great Sandy National Park itself. Be aware that only some zones allow caravan camping, so carefully check before booking.

What could be better than waking up next to your family to the pink rays of sunrise on an immaculate, isolated beach? Teewah Beach is the ideal place to unplug and unwind and spend quality time with your family swimming, fishing, or even just throwing a ball around.

To stay here, you must first apply for a Vehicle Access Permit and National Park Camping Permit.

Cost : $30 for a 1-week Vehicle Access Permit | $6.60 per person, per night for camping

Amenities: Some camping zones have toilets, showers, and picnic areas but not all so choose your spot carefully!