Lake Cootharaba, Noosa

Lake Cootharaba is located about 25 mins drive from Noosa on the Sunshine Coast and is part of the Noosa River System and is approx 8 km long x 5 km wide.

The lake gets between 15-20 knots of wind (generally in the afternoon) & is great for advanced sailors who want long slalom runs / speed runs.  As the wind increases so does the chop so it is good for bump-and-jump. There is also some good long board cruising to sights around the lake like Kinaba and Teewah landing.

Most of the lake is just 1 – 2 metres deep making it a great spot for beginners or for those who just need to take a break.

The best wind direction for this spot is NE or N with November and March noted being the most consistent for this wind direction.

From Dec winds tend to be more SE which is still great fun with long runs but not as clean as NE winds.

Hazards include  the odd nibble on the toes by crabs and there are small stingrays around so best to wear booties for protection. Also stay clear of Mill Point (at least 300 m) as there is a gravel bank that comes out from the point and may cause a fin strike.

Kiting can be a bit of a challenge in the lake as there is very little beach to rig and the only way to launch is from the water so you need to know how to water launch.

Access, Rigging & Launching

There are 2 main launching areas on the lake:

Boreen Point – from the campsite. Great grassy rigging area under the shelter of trees. You can also park and launch from the sailing club at Boreen Point.

Elanda Point – at the foreshore in front of the Habitat Noosa Everglades Ecocamp which is also a great place to base yourself for a Coothabara windsurfing or kitesurfing holiday. This spot has parking and a nice grassy area for rigging and a nice sandy beach for launching.

Camping At The Lake

The small town of Boreen Point sits on the western side of the lake.

The best way to experience Lake Cootharaba and its beauty is to camp. Campgrounds at Boreen Point and nearby Elanda Point have good amenities and charge a small fee.

It is possible to pitch a tent on the edge of the lake and wake to a spectacular view. In the early morning the lake can be like a sheet of glass.

Other benefits of camping at Lake Cootharaba are kangaroos hopping through the campsite and tame possums feeding at night.

Dogs are allowed at Boreen Point campsite however are restricted to your caravan site.

Other

The lake is also great for yacht sailing, fishing, swimming, bike riding, camping and has some dog friendly beaches.