Located 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers) north of Richard Branson’s Makepeace Island is Lake Cooroibah. It sits at the heart of Noosa North Shore and is popular with locals thanks to its swimming beach and picnic area.
A smaller and quieter alternative to nearby Lake Cootharaba, this natural lake attracts visitors looking to go fishing and kayaking away from the crowds. A sandbar at the northern end appears at low tide, offering the perfect spot for picnics on the sand, with views of Mount Cooroy, Mount Tinbeerwah, and Mount Cooroora. Visit as part of a tour of Noosa North Shore before heading out to explore the Noosa Everglades, take a boat cruise along the Noosa River, or enjoy a scenic drive through the Noosa Hinterland.
The shallow waters of Lake Cooroibah are ideal for swimming, and it’s a popular spot for families with kids.
There are several campgrounds and chalets around Lake Cooroibah; however, there are no public restrooms or amenities, so bring everything you need with you.
Bug spray is essential if you’re visiting the lake in summer, especially around dusk and dawn.
Lake Cooroibah sits along the Noosa River 7 miles (11 kilometers) north of Noosa Heads. You’ll need to take your own transport or join a tour to reach the lake; the 30-minute drive from town includes a short car ferry ride across the Noosa River. The lake lies about 40 minutes north of the Sunshine Coast and a 2-hour drive north of Brisbane.
Summertime (December through February) is the busiest time to visit the Noosa Hinterland, and Lake Cooroibah offers respite from the summer heat. However, the best weather is in the spring and fall, when it’s still warm enough to swim, but you’ll experience less humidity and fewer rainstorms. If you’re here on a Wednesday or Saturday, plan to check out the Emundi Markets in nearby Emundi.
Lake Cooroibah is just one of many stops to add to your Noosa Hinterland itinerary. Stop by the towns of Kin Kin, Pomona, Cooroy, and Cooran to browse the boutiques and dine at chic cafés and farm-to-table restaurants, then swing by the renowned Eumundi Markets if they’re open during your visit. Along the way, enjoy wine tasting at a local winery, admire the views while driving through the countryside, and go bushwalking and spot wild koalas at Tewantin National Park.