Lake Cootharaba is a wide, shallow lake on the Noosa River, about 25 minutes’ drive from Tewantin, with the village of Boreen Point on its western shore. Visit Noosa calls it Queensland’s biggest natural saltwater lake. People come for sailing, paddling, fishing, a lakeside camp and some of the quietest water in the Noosa area.
It is roughly 10 km long and 5 km wide, and only about 1.5 m deep on average, so it is a place for dinghies, kayaks and slow afternoons rather than big-boat cruising. Tannin gives the water a dark tint.
The lake and the Everglades
Lake Cootharaba is known as the gateway to the Noosa Everglades. The Noosa River flows in from the north through the Everglades wetlands and leaves through a navigable channel to the south, reaching the sea at Noosa Heads about 12 km south-east. The lake is close to the Pacific Ocean but does not drain straight into it.
The southern part of Great Sandy National Park wraps around the lake to the north, east and south, while farmland sits to the west.
For a different view of the same river system, the lower end at Noosaville has parks, a ferry and cafes.
Boreen Point: the lakeside village
Boreen Point is the main way in. The village sits on the lake’s western shore, with lakeside beaches, a foreshore park and the Apollonian Hotel, a building from the 1860s that was moved here from Gympie in 1987.
The public boat ramp is on Orchard Avenue and opens onto the lake and the Noosa River.
Sailing on Lake Cootharaba
Sailing is the lake’s signature activity. Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, at 24 Boreen Parade, held its first meeting in 1946. It races on Sundays through the season, hosts regattas and state and national titles, and runs learn-to-sail courses for adults and children. Visitors are welcome, so check the club’s website for what is on.
Windsurfing and fishing are also popular on the lake.
Paddling to the Everglades from Elanda Point
Elanda Point is the usual launch for paddlers heading across the lake towards the upper Noosa River and the Everglades. The Elanda Point to Kinaba paddle is about 4.3 km one way, rated intermediate, and ends at the Kinaba Information Centre. Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp, near Elanda Point, offers canoe, stand-up paddleboard and kayak trips into the Everglades.
Mill Point, the site of a sawmill that began operating around 1869 and now a heritage-listed archaeological site, is an easy 2.5 km walk from Elanda Point. Dogs are not allowed on the Kinaba trail, which is in Great Sandy National Park.
Camping at Boreen Point
Boreen Point Campground is on The Esplanade, on the sandy lake shore, and is run by Noosa Holiday Parks. It takes caravans, RVs, tents and swags, and has toilets, showers, a laundry, a camp kitchen, barbecues, a dump point and a kiosk. The park is listed as pet friendly. Noosa Council reports the campground welcomes more than 9,000 visitors a year.
Book through Noosa Holiday Parks, which also has the current fees. If you like your camping with a beach and a ferry ride, Noosa North Shore is another option.
Planning your visit
- How long: Half a day for the village and foreshore; a full day if you are paddling or sailing.
- Best time: Check the wind forecast first; a strong onshore breeze makes the lake choppy.
- What to bring: Sun protection, water, a hat and a paddle plan. There is little shade on the water.
- Cost: Visiting the foreshore is free. Camping, courses and tours are paid.
Getting there and parking
Boreen Point is about 2 hours 10 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD (about 155 km by road), and about 25 minutes from Tewantin. Check Noosa Council for current notices before you go.
Nearby
- Noosa North Shore – ferry, beach driving and camping on the other side of the river.
- Noosa Ferry – boats and the North Shore ferry from Tewantin.
- Teewah Beach – the long Cooloola beach on the ocean side.
- Makepeace Island – an island retreat in the Noosa River.
- More lakes: Lakes and rivers and Noosa.
You might also like
- Noosa River – the river that feeds and drains the lake, with parks and paddling at Noosaville.
- Cooroy and Cooroy Butter Factory – hinterland town and its butter factory.
- Noosa Heads – the beach and Hastings Street.
Quick answers
How big is Lake Cootharaba?
About 10 km long and 5 km wide, with an average depth of about 1.5 m.
Where is Lake Cootharaba?
It is on the Noosa River, north-west of Noosa, with Boreen Point on the western shore. The Noosa River enters from the north through the Everglades and leaves through a channel to the south.
Can you camp at Lake Cootharaba?
Yes. Boreen Point Campground is on the lake shore and is run by Noosa Holiday Parks, who take the bookings and set the fees.
Can you kayak on Lake Cootharaba?
Yes. Many paddlers launch from Elanda Point to cross to Kinaba and the Everglades, and Habitat Noosa Everglades EcoCamp runs kayak trips. Check the wind first, as the open water can get choppy.
Is there a boat ramp?
Yes, on Orchard Avenue at Boreen Point.
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