Sunshine Coast Council

A peaceful kayak across Lake Cootharaba to Kinaba Information Centre/Kinaba Island seeing beautiful paper-bark lined banks and clear water.

SUITABLILITY
Suitable for intermediate level kayakers. If a windy day the lake can get quite choppy. NOTE: times given here are ONE WAY ONLY.

HIGHLIGHTS
Gateway to the much lauded Everglades, this open water 10km return route is a great paddle in its own right. And it’s the launch pad into the twisting upper reaches of the Everglades. After the first few km paddling pull ashore at Mill Point for a look at the interpretive plaques. Next paddle 2km NE to a triangle channel marker, from where you can see the timber Kinaba Information Center building on the water. It’s a great stop, with a short boardwalk trail, toilets and large interpretive displays.

Lake Cootharaba, the largest of this river system, is fringed with forest and has glimpses of the Cooloola Sandblow to the north. Although mostly shallow it can get very rough if windy, especially onshore. Check the forecast and conditions on the day. If it looks dicey, do the Kinaba walk instead.

AFTERWARDS
Habitat Noosa at Elanda Point is a newly updated establishment offering everything from glamping, camping, boat hire to coffee/cake, ice creams and finer lunch dining. There is also a craft brewery and bar on site offering interesting craft beers (Pacific Ales/XPA’s) and delicious cocktails. Sit back and relax and look out over large trees towards the lake. On weekends they sometimes bring in a free kids rock climbing course.

You can hire canoes and kayaks from Habitat.

Down the road is the famous Apollonian Vale Hotel relocated from Gympie (and its old mining glory days). If you wanted to drive further afield there is plenty to see in the nearby townships of Pomona, Cooran and Kin Kin.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Drive to Habitat Noosa, entrance is via a dirt road off Lake Flat Road, Elanda Point/Boreen Point. Heading towards Boreen Point on Louis Bazzo Drive, continue past Boreen Point township (on your right) onto Lake Flat Road and follow the signs. There is a large launch area in front of Habitat Noosa.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.