The Noosa Everglades are a wonderful mix of waterways and stunning wilderness, with many ways to explore the region.

Noosa Everglades birds

Noosa Everglades is one of the two everglade systems in the world and is only about a 40-minute drive from Noosa Heads in Queensland. The Everglades is where you can glide through eggshell-smooth water and experience this secret gem.

The Noosa Everglades themselves are often referred to as the River of Mirrors because of their incredible reflections. And, because they are located close to the upper end of the Noosa River. While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for the different plant and animal species! You may catch a glimpse of eagles, pelicans, and maybe even the rare glossy black cockatoos or jabirus.

Most travellers will visit Noosa Everglades within half a day, but some want to really get to know the area and spend a night here. Now, let’s get into the different ways you can explore the Noosa Everglades.

1. Go canoeing
Discovering the area via canoe is one of the best ways to get an intimate look into the ecosystem of the area.

There are both guided and self-guided tours available where you can glide through the water along the narrow network of rivers. The tour will have all your equipment ready, so you only need to bring yourself!

Noosa Everglades

2. Take a boat ride or river cruise
If you would rather kick back and relax while exploring the area, opt for one of the many boat rides that depart from Noosaville every day. On the way, you’ll get expert commentary about the natural beauty of the area while getting to experience some of the peaceful scenes first-hand.

This one-day tour gives you the option to take a river cruise along the Noosa Everglades. The river cruises allow you to relax and watch as the surroundings slowly go by.

3. Try out a water sport
For something a little more adventurous, take to the waters on a kitesurf, sailing, or paddling! The lakes of the Noosa Everglades, particularly Lake Cootharaba are perfect for these water sports.

If you don’t have the equipment for the water activity you want to try out, you will be able to hire what you need or book a tour.

Throughout the year, there are even competitions held for windsurfing and yachting.

Paddling

4. Take a walk
Maybe water activities aren’t for you, so instead you can explore the Noosa Everglades on foot. Check out one of the many trails that weaves through the Everglades.

There is a great unspoilt track that runs between Elanda Point and Mill Point and takes in some of the area’s best sights.

5. Stay overnight
Spend even more time to explore the Noosa Everglades and spend a night here! There are a couple of campsites around Lake Cootharaba that offer a wild and exciting way to experience the area. You’ll feel a million miles away from the busy city centre and get to experience the sunset and sunrise over the magnificent lake. What’s not to love when you’re in such a beautiful area?

If you’re planning a trip to K’gari (Fraser Island), you can stop by the Noosa Everglades and gain an insight into this unique ecosystem. You could also stop by to check out the Everglades after your K’gari trip.

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Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.

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