The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Noosa Everglades in Queensland!

Did you know that there are only two Everglades in the world? One is located in Florida, USA, while the other one is in the peaceful town of Noosa, Australia. What makes the Noosa Everglades even more fascinating is its accessibility for water sports enthusiasts. Unlike the Everglades in Florida, where alligators thrive, Noosa’s Everglades allows visitors to safely explore by small boats. However, the best way to experience the true beauty of the Everglades is by immersing oneself in it. Discover the best ways to explore the Noosa Everglades with our Ultimate Travel Guide guide.

What is an Everglade?

The term everglade is usually used to refer to and describe a swampy grassland with slow-moving water. Within the Everglade system are coastal mangroves, sawgrass, and abundant wildlife. Only two Everglades exist in the world – The Noosa Everglades and the Flordia Everglades. 

What makes the Noosa Everglades special?

As mentioned, the Noosa Everglade is remarkable because it is one of only two everglades in the world, and it is safe to swim in! Not one hour from the esteemed backpacker and travellers heaven of Noosa, the Everglades are basically unknown to most travellers. Moreover, even if people know about them, they do not take the time to visit them. Furthermore, over 65% of the Noosa Everglades is within National Parks, keeping the water pristine and clear. 

What is the best time to visit the Noosa Everglades?

Every season brings something unique to the Noosa Everglades. As usual with travelling to popular tourist destinations such as Noosa, it is best to avoid school holidays. The school holiday period is busy almost everywhere, but Noosa is a top-rated destination during this period, so best to avoid it as best you can! Besides, there is no ‘bad’ time to visit the Everglades! Summer is hot and humid, meaning you may not enjoy being out on the water in the middle of the day, but it makes that cool-off swim even better. Winter, while cooler, is still mild, making it easy to explore more physically as you won’t burn up so much! 

How to get to the Noosa Everglades

Getting to the Noosa Everglades from Noosa is easy if you have your own transport. Only a 45-minute drive from Noosa Heads, it is a sealed road until the last section of the road in the park, which is gravel. If you are exploring with a tour company, many offer pick-up and drop-off services, so ask them while booking! 

What can you do at the Noosa Everglades?

There is so much that you can do at the Noosa Everglades! Popular activities in the Everglades include kayaking, canoeing, hiking, swimming and boat cruises. Furthermore, you can even camp around the Noosa Everglades! As mentioned above, the Everglades are free of crocodiles, so swimming and exploring on the water is safe!

Things to know before visiting the Noosa Everglades

• Reception can be spotty, so make people aware of your plans before you head out in case of an emergency.
• The Everglades is a part of the Great Sandy National Park. Therefore you must apply all National Park rules and regulations while in the Everglades. 
• Bull sharks have been known to come into the Everglades, so keep an eye out for them. However, there has never been a shark attack recorded in the Everglades. 

Are there sharks or crocodiles in the Noosa Everglades? Is it safe to swim?

As mentioned above, there are no crocodiles in the Noosa Everglades. On the Australian east coast, “Croc Country” only starts around Gladstone, over 300km away. While there are no crocodiles in the waterways, there have been shark sightings in the Noosa River over the years. The most notable is that of bull sharks. Bull Sharks are known to call the river home, which feeds into the Everglades, so be vigilant while swimming. Avoid swimming at sunrise and sunset as this is shark feeding and hunting Time. There has never been a shark attack in the Noosa River or the Noosa Everglades. 

Noosa Everglades tours:

Kayak tours – Kanu Kapers:

Kanu Kapers is the company that Yentl and I used, which you can read all about in our blog about kayaking the Noosa Everglades! Kanu Kapers offers multiple experiences: a guided day tour or half-day tour, a self-guided day tour, and a multi-day tour. All tours are hands-on, in your own kayak (or with a buddy), exploring the Everglades at your own pace. Pack your lunch and plenty of water for a gorgeous picnic along the banks of the Everglades, or have it fully catered and set up for you with the guided tour! Prices start at $110 for the self-guided tour and $189 for the guided tour. For more information or to book, head to their website!

Boat and Canoe Tours – Eco Safaries:

The Everglades Ecosafaries offers two tour experiences; a self-guided 5km canoe from Fig Tree to Harry’s Hut or an eco-boat tour of the same stretch! Prices start at $129 per person (adult) and include morning tea. The canoe participants also get the start of the tour on the boat, with just that little stretch to cover themselves. The Ecosafaries is excellent for people who want to experience the Everglades but don’t have a high fitness level to complete the full-day tours. For more information, head to their website. 

Other companies:

Multiple companies also offer the hire of boats or equipment and other experiences on the Everglades. However, the two companies mentioned above have the best reviews, and we believe to offer the best experience. 

Hiking at the Noosa Everglades:

If exploring the Everglades on foot is more interesting, you have come to the right place! There are walks and hikes for all levels of fitness. Furthermore, there are even a few you can stop at on your journey along the Everglade. Simply tie up your kayak, boat, or canoe, then head into the forest for your fantastic walk!

Teewah Beach walk 

Distance: 4km return | Difficulty: grade 3 | Time 1hr 30mins 

Kinaba Visitor Centre walk 

Distance: 12.2km (return) | Difficulty: grade 3 | Time allow 4hrs 30mins 

Mill Point circuit 

Distance: 5.1km (return)| Difficulty: grade 3 | Time allow 2hrs 

Melaleuca circuit 

Distance: 400m (return) | Difficulty: grade 2 | Time allow 30mins

This walk is the perfect break for your legs. Located at the Fig Tree day use and camping area, it is the easiest walk to get to if you are on a day tour!

Boronia trail 

Distance: 3.6km (return) | Difficulty: grade 3 | Time allow 2hrs 

Campsite 3 walk 

Distance: 14km (return) | Difficulty: grade 4 | Time allow 6hrs 

Cooloola Sandpatch walk 

Distance: 12km (return) | Difficulty: grade 4 | Time allow 5hrs 

Cooloola Wilderness Trail 

Distance: 47.9km (one way) | Difficulty: grade 4 | Time allow 3–5 days 

Elanda Point to Fig Tree Point 

Distance 10.6km (one way) | Difficulty: grade 4 | Time allow 3hrs 30mins

Fig Tree Point to Harry’s Hut

 Distance: 6.6km (one way) | Difficulty : grade 4 : Time allow 2hrs 30mins

Camping in the Noosa Everglades:

There are 15 designated campsites along the Noosa Everglades. The Queensland Government provides all the campsites unless you choose a private company. Check into your camp anytime after 2 pm, and check out is 11 am. While there are plenty of sites to choose from, Fig Tree and Harry’s Hut are the most popular destinations for camping, with toilets and picnic tables provided as well. Campsites cost $6.85 each and can fit up to 13 people per site, depending on which campground you choose! For bookings and more information, visit the Queensland Government Parks and Forest website. 

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