Why you should visit Australia's Everglades

Stretching between sun-drenched beaches and lush hinterland, the Noosa Everglades are the ideal destination for a serene getaway beyond the Sunshine Coast. Renowned for abundant wildlife and attractive scenery, this vast flooded wetland is just one of two everglade systems in the world. While the Florida Everglades capture international headlines, the Noosa rendition gives it a run for its money. Plus, you won’t accidentally stumble upon hungry alligators.

What makes the Noosa Everglades so special?

Set between two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves – the Noosa and the Great Sandy – the subtropical haven of the Noosa Everglades is unbeatable for river-bound exploration. Nicknamed the ‘River of Mirrors’ for its calm, glass-like surface, this 60-kilometre stretch of the Upper Noosa River and its surrounds makes for incredible kayaking, canoeing, hiking and camping when looking to leave behind city life.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a remarkable variety of wildlife, with the Everglades providing habitat for over 40% of Australia’s bird species. Making their home amongst the trees, you might spot white-bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites and great egrets. Meanwhile, eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas and flying foxes frequent the surrounding bushland.

Despite its apparent seclusion, you don’t have to trek far into the wilderness to reach the Noosa Everglades. Just an hour’s drive from Sunshine Coast Airport (or two hours from Brisbane Airport), arriving via plane is simple. For an added bonus, the glamorous seaside hub of Noosa Heads is only 30 kilometres away, so you’re never far from supplies or civilisation.

The best ways to explore the Noosa Everglades

The combination of stunning nature and opportunities for engrossing outdoor adventures make visiting the Noosa Everglades an unmissable experience. Below we’ve outlined some top activities to consider, showcasing the area’s impressive serenity and biodiversity.

 

Hop onboard an eco-safari

Linking up with a local expert is the best way to learn the Noosa Everglades’ secrets. The team behind YHA Noosa Everglades host two fascinating eco-safaris designed to introduce visitors to the region’s stunning landscapes and distinct ecology.

Departing daily from the property’s scenic location along Lake Cootharaba, the Serenity Cruise sees guests load onto purpose-built eco vessels bound for the Upper Noosa River’s peaceful environs. Sipping complimentary beer, wine or juice, you’ll be regaled with details about the area’s rich history, plant species and wildlife before returning to the lake to catch a golden sunset.

Alternatively, the Everglades Explorer sees visitors paddle their own canoe destined for the historic Harry’s Hut. This relaxed, self-guided adventure delves into the river's nooks and crannies and is regarded as one of the best canoe adventures in Australia.

Look out for rare bird species

Whether you’re on foot or paddling in a canoe, bird-watching in the Noosa Everglades is a genuine delight. With this remarkably biodiverse region said to contain approximately 44% of Australia’s bird species (and over 700 native animals in total!), the wetlands come to life day and night with an array of avian life set to impress even the most discerning bird watcher.

From leaden flycatchers to rainbow lorikeets and scarlet honeyeaters, seeing these colourful creatures in flight is a special experience. So, pack your binoculars and keep your eyes peeled for feathered friends.

Take a self-guided canoeing adventure

The Noosa Everglades are one of the best spots in Australia for canoeing. With paddles in hand and your lunch safely stored, the region's vast network of rivers and estuaries provide endless peace and quiet, with nothing but the natural soundstrack resonating through the landscape to keep you company. To get equipped with the right gear, YHA Noosa Everglades has 1-, 2- and 3-person canoes for rent.

Dodge the kite surfers and sailors on Lake Cootharaba, as you paddle from one campsite to the next along the Upper Noosa River. Around the 7-kilometre mark, Harry’s Hut makes for a natural picnic and turnaround spot. However, if you’ve got the strength, you can paddle as far as Campsite 15 – approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes further up the river. No matter the journey, the tannin-coloured waters reflect spectacular scenery.

Camp beneath the stars

For keen campers, you can take your pick of the campsites to spend the night. Leave behind the wide-open waters of Lake Cootharaba and you’ll soon arrive at Harry’s Hut – one of the Noose Everglades' most famed destinations. Built by Alan Buchanan and Norman Thrush in 1957, timber workers stayed in this low-key accommodation for days or even weeks while working in the wilderness. Nowadays, this campsite in particular is recognised as one of the most beautiful for an overnight stay.

Many visitors canoe up the river to reach Harry’s Hut, but those with access to a 4WD can also navigate a bumpy in-land road. Once your camp is set up, all that’s left to do is wait for darkness to sweep across the sky. Surrounded by dense woodland and free from light pollution, this rustic setting presents the perfect stargazing experience deep within the Noosa Everglades. Just remember, bookings are required to camp at Harry’s Hut.

Journey to the Cooloola Sandpatch

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland

While many of the best sites within the Noosa Everglades run alongside the riverbanks, reaching the Cooloola Sandpatch requires your hiking boots. Slowly expanding over the last 500,000 years, these towering dunes form part of a much larger system stretching along Queensland's coastline. Rising to 200 metres, summit the dunes to get unmatched views across the Upper Noosa River and back to Lake Cootharaba.

To reach this astounding landmark, take your canoe and paddle to Campsite 3. Signs then guide you along a relatively easy 7-kilometre out-and-back track (comprising a section of the Cooloola Great Walk), transporting visitors from green, fertile surrounds into an expansive desert landscape. Spanning about 1.5 kilometres across, the undulating and ever-shifting dunes provide an otherworldly glimpse into South East Queensland's dynamic terrain.
* Words: Hudson Brown
* YHA Australia