Cooloola National Park (Bymien Picnic Area and Associated Walks)

4 km south of Rainbow Beach, along Rainbow Beach Rd, there is a turnoff on the left into Freshwater Road (unsealed but navigable in a 2WD) which passes through woodlands, climbing a steep hill to lead, after 3 km, to the rainforest environs of Bymien Picnic Area, which has  picnic tables, toilets and disabled access. The Dandathu Circuit (250 metres) is a pleasant rainforest amble witha 2-km return sidetrack which climbs a high, rainforest-clad dune, before descending through scrub to Poona Lake. The more ambitious can continue on through scribbly gum, blackbutt and rainforest to Freshwater Camping Area - a walk of 7.3 km.

Summary of walking tracks in northern Cooloola

Please read advice on walking safely and long distance walking before setting out.

Cooloola National Park (Freshwater Camping and Day Use Area and Associated Walks)

From Bymien it is only possible to continue along Freshwater Road in a 4WD. It is13 km to the Freshwater day-use area, which is set behind the dunes on Teewah Beach and a good spot for a picnic or barbeque. Stroll to the beach through coastal dune vegetation. Fires are not permitted, but small, free gas barbecues are available. There is access to the public toilets and a picnic table for the disabled. There is a 1.3-km walk from the nearby Freshwater campground to Freshwater Lake (one way), a 2.7-km circuit walk around the lake, and the 7.3-km walk back to Bymien.
Walking is a good way to experience Northern Cooloola. Tracks range from short circuits to long hikes and lead to some of the park's best features.

Summary of walking tracks in northern Cooloola 
Please read the following advice on walking safely and long distance walking.

Cooloola National Park (Teewah Beach and Beach Camping)

It is permissible to explore Teewah Beach in a 4WD at low tide, although conditions apply, such as speed limits and on the proviso that drivers stick to the beach and designated tracks. Beach camping is limited to a 15-km area along Teewah Beach between the boundary of the Noosa Shire in the south and Freshwater Creek.

Freshwater Camp Area Details

Freshwater campground is 8 kms south of Double Is Point along Teewah Beach (4WD access only) .The campground can also be reached by travelling 14 km along the Freshwater Rd.The campground is set amongst scribbly gum woodland about 500m inland from the beach. A group site is available for large groups – book through the QPW office at Tewantin.

• Hot showers (Bring $1 coins)
• Toilet facilities
• Garbage disposal areas
• Designated campsites
• Free gas barbeques in day use area

Remember:

• Bookings essential - pre-booked campers only
• All domestic animals prohibited (penalties apply)
• Campfires prohibited - use fuel stoves only
• Generators prohibited
• 4WD access only
• Check local conditions before you leave home. Cooloola conditions report
• Do not dump portable toilet waste in the campground toilet – use the camping service facility located in the day-use area
• Reduce noise after 9 pm

Freshwater campground map

Northern Cooloola, Great Sandy National Park

Options for obtaining camping permits are:

1.       Online at www.qld.gov.au/camping.

2.       Bookings can also be made in person at:

• Manta-Ray Barge (Pty Ltd) 66 Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach. Open 7 days: 5am - 6pm. *camping and vehicle permits NOT available on Barge – at office only*
•  Rainbow Beach Foodwork   Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach.   Open 7 days: 5am - 6:30pm.
• Rainbow Beach IGA 9/48 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach. Open 7 days: 6am - 8pm.
• QPW information centre on Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach - open 7 days, 7am-4pm (except Christmas Day).
• Visit the Great Sandy National Park Information Centre at Tewantin (100m before barge) – open 7 days 8am-4pm (except Christmas Day). 

3.       Phone 13 13 04 (24hrs, 7 days).

Beach Camping Details

Teewah - 15km zone between Noosa Shire boundary and Little Freshwater Creek. Access from Noosa North shore, Freshwater Road or Rainbow Beach Road.

• No facilities
• Open fires permitted unless there is a fire prohibition in place. Bring your own clean milled timber as penalties apply for collecting and burning bush timber (including leaves and twigs for kindling). Fuel stoves preferred.
• Generators are permitted between 7am and 9pm.
• Preferably bring a portable toilet. A portable toilet dumping facility is located at the beach camper’s service bay opposite the day-use area at Freshwater
• Outdoor showers and fresh water taps are provided at the beach camper’s service bay located opposite the day-use area at Freshwater. Treat all water before use.

Remember:

• Permits required before camping. Penalties apply.
• Domestic animals are not permitted in national parks, including this camping zone. Penalties apply.
• 4WD access only 
• Bring drinking water and containers. Freshwater in ponds, creeks or from sub-surface supplies is not suitable for drinking or domestic use. Untreated water is available at the beach camper service facility at the Freshwater day-use area. Pack water treatment tablets or boil water for at least 5 – 10 minutes. 
• The use of portable sand spears to collect sub-surface water from the foredune area is not permitted.

Options for obtaining camping permits are:

1. Phone 13 13 04 (24hrs, 7 days).
2. Online at www.qld.gov.au/camping.
3. Bookings can also be made in person at:
   1. QPW information centre on Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach - open 7 days, 7am-4pm (except Christmas Day).
   2. Visit the Great Sandy National Park Information Centre at Tewantin (100m before barge) – open 7 days 8am-4pm (except Christmas Day). 
   3. Manta-Ray Barge (Pty Ltd), 66 Rainbow Beach Road, Rainbow Beach. Open 7 days: 5am - 6pm. *camping and vehicle permits NOT available on Barge – at office only*
   4. Rainbow Beach Foodworks, 4 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach. Open 7 days: 5am - 6:30pm.
   5. Rainbow Beach IGA, 9/48 Rainbow Beach Rd, Rainbow Beach.  Open 7 days: 6am - 8pm.

More about camping in Northern Cooloola, Great Sandy National Park

	Rainbow_Tourist_Map.pdf (675.67 KB)
	QPWS_Cooloola_NP_ Map.pdf (572.30 KB)
	Freshwater_Campgrounds.pdf (85.98 KB)