EXPLORE THE NOOSA EVERGLADES
HALF-DAY, FULL-DAY and MULTI-DAY TRIPS
By Canoe or Kayak or Powered Runabout
Video acknowledgement to our talented customers Sebastiaan van Gils & Birthe Wolsink
WHERE ARE THE NOOSA EVERGLADES?
The Noosa Everglades are part of the Noosa River system, a 60km long majestic waterway meandering the coastal areas of south-east Queensland from the massive sand dunes in the north to its mouth near Noosa Heads. Noosa is approximately 90 minutes by car north from Brisbane.
The Everglades form the northern upstream end of this river system located within the Cooloola Section of the Great Sandy National Park, and are renowned for their pristine and natural condition. Throughout the Everglades, the Noosa River varies in width from just a few meters to around 70 meters, and includes sections which cross Fig Tree Lake and Lake Como. Being largely protected from the wind by the surrounding forest, the river is mostly calm and highly suitable for exploration by canoe or kayak, or slow moving powered boats.
Through the Everglades section of the river, its waters are stained dark from the tannin leached from surrounding Tea Trees, which makes the water surface shinny and highly reflective, giving rise to its local nickname of "The River Of Mirrors".
WHAT'S SO SPECIAL ABOUT THE NOOSA EVERGLADES
The Noosa Everglades are only accessible on foot or by boat. The only vehicle access into this area, apart from emergency vehicles, is the public camp ground at Harrys Hut, but this is regarded as being several kilometers north of the most appealing sight-seeing sections of the river. Several walking trails also enter this area but they allow only restricted viewing of limited parts of the waterways and foreshore area.
Without any doubt, the Noosa Everglades should be experienced by boat. And it is precisely this aspect which keeps visitor numbers relatively low and which thus helps to mimimise impact and to conserve and preserve this area in its absolute natural state. The Noosa Everglades are rich in flora and fauna, and have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.
WHAT IS AN EVERGLADES?
It is said and written that there are only two EVERGLADES in the world, the renowned Florida Everglades located in the southern end of that state of the USA and our very own Everglades just north of Noosa Heads.
The defining characteristics of both of these Everglades regions can include the following:
a tract of low lying and swampy land, featured with clumps of tall grass and numerous branching waterways
comprise of a complex system of interdependent ecosystems with subtle or imperceptible borders, which shift, grow and shrink, die, or reappear within years or decades under the influence of the climate
include a vast area of normally very slow moving and brackish water draining through a river system into a lake or the sea - the river system is spotted with small islands and numerous waterway branches
rainfall catchment area contained primarily within a national park
being remote and located within a protected area, the Everglades is a haven for a vast variety of animals, plants and fish
climates are sub-tropical with similar annual temperature ranges (10-30C) and rainfall (160-170cm) across the year
The major noted differences between the two EVERGLADES regions would include size (Noosa is just a fraction of the 20,000 sq klm Florida Everglades), the absence of crocodiles in Noosa, and the lack of ecological and development problems in Noosa which have plagued the Florida Everglades since first discovery up to the current day.
In various respects the Noosa Everglades remain unique and special, and will remain so!
HALF-DAY, FULL-DAY & MULTI-DAY TRIPS
How much time do you have?
Most people choose to explore the Noosa Everglades by canoe or kayak, using nothing but human power to glide and direct their boat along the sections of river and lakes that together form the Everglades.
We also cater for people who prefer to experience what the area has to offer by touring in a powered runabout boat.
HALF-DAY & FULL-DAY
CANOE & KAYAK TRIPS
Self-guided, with briefing and maps provided
Start and end at Boreen Point / Elanda Point
Paddle at your own pace - return when you want
Follow our suggested route or vary to your own interests
Choice of canoe or kayak, for the same price
Half-Day $50pp | Full-Day $55 pp
MULTI-DAY NOOSA EVERGLADES
CANOE & KAYAK SAFARIS
This tour initially follows the same route as our day exploration paddling trips into the Noosa Everglades section of the upper Noosa River, but with the added feature of camping overnight at one or more of the 11 riverside campgrounds using our camp gear.
Yes you are welcome to bring your own camping gear and thereby save some money on these multi-day trips, or even use a mix of our and your gear if you don't have a full camp set.
Using our camp gear: 2-days $135 pp | 3-days $175 pp
Using YOUR gear: 2-days $85 pp | 3-days $115 pp
BY POWERED RUNABOUT
HALF-DAY OR FULL-DAY
For those not wanting or not able to explore the Everglades by paddling themselves, taking our powered runabouts offers a practical alternative. Our boats cater for up to 5 people and don't require a boat licence to drive.
Half-day $160 | Full-day $180