Noosa Everglades: Canoe & Cruise Lake Cootharaba
Paddle Through Australia's Mirror Waters & Ancient Rainforest
You cruise Lake Cootharaba into Australia's only Everglades, then choose between paddling a canoe 5km through mirrored waterways or taking a rainforest walk. Your guide explains the ecosystem and 44% of Australia's bird species live here. Pickup from Noosa, snacks, and all canoe gear are included. You return with free time to explore the EcoCamp or grab a drink.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Noosa Everglades by boat and canoe
- Cruise across Lake Cootharaba
- Stop at Fig Tree Point
- Choose rainforest walk or canoe paddle
- Enjoy expert guide commentary
- Experience ancient subtropical rainforest
- Have light refreshment during tour
- Return to Habitat Noosa
- Optional craft beer or bistro visit
- Explore Lake and EcoCamp bushland
What’s included
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Noosa, cruise across Lake Cootharaba into the Everglades, choice of canoe paddle (5km, with all equipment provided) or rainforest walk, expert guide commentary on flora, fauna and local history, light refreshment during the tour, and free time at Habitat Noosa afterward to explore the EcoCamp, visit the micro-brewery or bistro (own cost).
Times
- Every day 08:45
Before you book
Operated by Everglades Eco Safaris
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Traveler reviews
The experience
The water is so still it doesn't look real. You're not sure where the sky ends and the reflection begins. That's the first thing that hits you when the boat glides into the Noosa Everglades, this network of wetlands tucked into Cooloola National Park at the northern end of the Noosa River system. It's genuinely unlike anything else in Australia, and the guides aren't exaggerating when they say it's home to over 44% of the country's bird species. You start on Lake Cootharaba, which is already stunning, but then you move deeper into the system and the landscape shifts: tea-tree filtered freshwater creates these reflections that photographers actually lose their minds over.
The tour gives you a real choice, which is rare. You can stay in the specially designed eco boat the whole time and just absorb it, or you can paddle. If you choose the canoe option, you'll launch from Fig Tree Point and paddle about 5km upstream through what they call the River of Mirrors: ancient landscapes, sub-tropical rainforest that's thousands of years old, the kind of quiet that makes you forget what noise sounds like. Your guide paddles with you and talks about the flora, the fauna, the history of the place. There's also a 600m rainforest walk option if you want to stretch your legs instead. Either way, you're moving through something that feels untouched. The moderate fitness level they mention is real (it's not brutal, but you're paddling, not floating), and you need to be able to swim if you're in a canoe.
The whole thing runs from Noosa, so they pick you up from your accommodation and drop you back after. A light refreshment comes during the tour, and when you return to Habitat Noosa, the base, you've got time to hang around. Some people grab a craft beer at the on-site micro-brewery, others try something from the bistro. You could also just walk the lake and bushland if you want to keep the day quiet. The canoe leg is optional, which matters if you're not sure about paddling or if someone in your group prefers to stay in the boat. All equipment is included, so you're not renting anything separately.
Is this one for you?Right for anyone wanting to see Australia's only Everglades without arranging transport or worrying about canoe rentals. The pickup handles the logistics, and the choice between paddling and walking means you control how active the day is.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2).
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
Do I need canoeing experience?
No. First-timers are welcome. You need to be able to swim and have moderate fitness. Children must be at least seven years old.
What's included in the price?
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Noosa, canoe or boat cruise, all equipment, snacks, and guide commentary. Meals and drinks at the bistro or brewery are separate.
How long is the canoe paddle?
About 5km upstream through the River of Mirrors. It's leisurely-paced, not a race, and takes part of the tour time.
Can I skip the canoe and stay on the boat?
Yes. You can do the rainforest walk at Fig Tree Point instead, or stay aboard the eco boat for the whole tour.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunglasses, water bottle, hat and sunscreen. The weather is subtropical, so sun protection matters.
Is this in Cooloola National Park?
Yes. The Everglades sit within Cooloola National Park, accessed via the Noosa River system.
What animals might I see?
The area is home to diverse species and over 44% of Australia's bird species. Specific wildlife sightings depend on the day and season.
Noosa Everglades: Canoe & Cruise Lake Cootharaba
6h · EN
from AU$ 169 per person
≈ US$ 120 in your currency
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