CAN I PURCHASE MORE THAN ONE TICKET AND REGISTER FAMILY AND FRIENDS?
Yes, you can, but please ensure you use their correct email address and mobile against their individual entry (rather than your own) as there are important event details that need to go out to each and every participant. The system will not allow you to register yourself twice. We also have gift certificates available if you wish to buy a ticket for someone as a gift. Volunteers must register themselves.
Yes, you can, but please ensure you use their correct email address and mobile against their individual entry (rather than your own) as there are important event details that need to go out to each and every participant. The system will not allow you to register yourself twice. We also have gift certificates available if you wish to buy a ticket for someone as a gift. Volunteers must register themselves.
I AM HAVING TROUBLE ACCESSING THE REGISTRATION PLATFORM FROM MY INTERNET BROWSER?
Security update: In our commitment to create a secure and modern experience, as of October 1st, 2021, the Race Roster platform will no longer support Internet Explorer. If you are currently using Internet Explorer, you can still access Race Roster by using a supported and safe web browser such as Chrome by Google, Firefox by Mozilla, or upgrading to Edge by Microsoft.
Security update: In our commitment to create a secure and modern experience, as of October 1st, 2021, the Race Roster platform will no longer support Internet Explorer. If you are currently using Internet Explorer, you can still access Race Roster by using a supported and safe web browser such as Chrome by Google, Firefox by Mozilla, or upgrading to Edge by Microsoft.
WHAT IS THE ENTRY FEE?
The three-day Great Noosa Trail Walk: Starts from $415 p/person for Early Bird, includes ticket processing fees
The one-day Walk: Starts from $173 p/person for Early Bird Pricing, includes ticket processing fees
Please see the ABOUT page on this website for details of what is included in the entry.
Many costs associated in running the event (supplying food, transport etc.) have increased in the last year, so it was finally time for us to increase the entry fee in line with these. We have also upgraded the registration platform to provide you with a more seamless experience and ability to manage your registration and receive timely event information. The costs of running the event are taken out of the overall ticket takings and then remaining funds are distributed to various community projects in the region. There is no extra fundraising required from participants as part of taking part in this community event. Please ensure you read and accept the conditions for refunds/transfers.
The three-day Great Noosa Trail Walk: Starts from $415 p/person for Early Bird, includes ticket processing fees
The one-day Walk: Starts from $173 p/person for Early Bird Pricing, includes ticket processing fees
Please see the ABOUT page on this website for details of what is included in the entry.
Many costs associated in running the event (supplying food, transport etc.) have increased in the last year, so it was finally time for us to increase the entry fee in line with these. We have also upgraded the registration platform to provide you with a more seamless experience and ability to manage your registration and receive timely event information. The costs of running the event are taken out of the overall ticket takings and then remaining funds are distributed to various community projects in the region. There is no extra fundraising required from participants as part of taking part in this community event. Please ensure you read and accept the conditions for refunds/transfers.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE TO PARTICIPATE?
18
18
DOES THE EVENT SELL OUT QUICKLY? WHY?
Yes! We have sold out every year. We limit the numbers of participants in order to be able to provide a quality event. The event is supported almost entirely by volunteers so a great amount of effort goes in to recruiting and training volunteers, and then allocating a whole weekend to support you on this great walk!
Yes! We have sold out every year. We limit the numbers of participants in order to be able to provide a quality event. The event is supported almost entirely by volunteers so a great amount of effort goes in to recruiting and training volunteers, and then allocating a whole weekend to support you on this great walk!
DO I NEED TO TRAIN FOR THE WALK?
Oh yes! Whether you are taking on the one-day walk or the three-day weekend hike, we strongly encourage you to start training a minimum of 12 weeks prior to the event. This gives you time to test your gear, build walking fitness, and trouble shoot any niggles before the event. Find some steep terrain and climb hills or stairs at least 2 x per week. Hike longer on the weekends. Aim to walk a min of 3 x per week and one long walk on the weekends in the lead up. Start with a two-hour hike and build up to walking for five hours. There are some big hills on the route, and you will need to be comfortable hiking on undulating, uneven terrain, grassy meadows, fire trails, forest paths, muddy creeks etc... Bring a sense of adventure but prepare as best you can!
Oh yes! Whether you are taking on the one-day walk or the three-day weekend hike, we strongly encourage you to start training a minimum of 12 weeks prior to the event. This gives you time to test your gear, build walking fitness, and trouble shoot any niggles before the event. Find some steep terrain and climb hills or stairs at least 2 x per week. Hike longer on the weekends. Aim to walk a min of 3 x per week and one long walk on the weekends in the lead up. Start with a two-hour hike and build up to walking for five hours. There are some big hills on the route, and you will need to be comfortable hiking on undulating, uneven terrain, grassy meadows, fire trails, forest paths, muddy creeks etc... Bring a sense of adventure but prepare as best you can!
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN/ROUTE LIKE?
You will walk on undulating terrain, forest trails, over farmland, alongside country roads, through National Park and up some pretty steep hills! Day Two is considered the most challenging as there are several big hills to climb in the morning. But it also offers spectacular scenery, so don't let the climb put you off! We want you to be prepared and to take on the challenge, so we encourage you to train on hills before the event weekend. Please see our interactive map on the ABOUT page on this website to see the profile of the terrain.
You will walk on undulating terrain, forest trails, over farmland, alongside country roads, through National Park and up some pretty steep hills! Day Two is considered the most challenging as there are several big hills to climb in the morning. But it also offers spectacular scenery, so don't let the climb put you off! We want you to be prepared and to take on the challenge, so we encourage you to train on hills before the event weekend. Please see our interactive map on the ABOUT page on this website to see the profile of the terrain.
HOW DO THE SHUTTLE BUSES WORK EACH DAY?
Day 1: We shuttle you from Cooroy Butter Factory to the start of the walk at Lake McDonald. Long term parking for your car available at the end of Emerald Street, Cooroy, near the Badminton Courts. If you are camping with us for the weekend, your overnight gear/luggage is transported to the destination for that night. You just need your day pack to hike! At the end of the day, approx. 3-5pm, the bus leaves Kin Kin and takes walkers who are not camping, back to Cooroy Butter Factory.
(There is an early bail out point on Day 1 at approx. 14kms - the bus takes you to Kin Kin where you will need to wait until the later shuttle back to Cooroy, if not staying overnight in the area. If you choose to take this option please bear in mind you may be waiting long periods for the bus as it does not run all day, but only for specified periods.)
Day 2: Walk begins at Kin Kin Showgrounds after breakfast. You need to make your own way there if you don't stay at the camp ground overnight. A bus will shuttle walkers from the end point that day in Cooran from approx. 4pm, via Kin Kin, then on to Cooroy.
(Early bail out point on Day 2 is from James McKane Lookout approx. 18kms from start. Again, you may need to relax and wait for the bus to commence the shuttle service. This bus takes you to Cooran, where you will need to wait until the later shuttle back to Cooroy (via Kin Kin), if not staying overnight in the area.)
Day 3: Walk 10kms from Cooran to finish at Pomona. There is no early bail out point today. Please check in at the finish then join us at the Pomona Distilling Co to celebrate! Optional gathering for lunch and drinks at Pomona Distilling Co from 11am-1pm. The bus leaves Pomona Art Gallery 10 Station St at specified times and and goes to Cooroy (it does not go back to Cooran). Luggage to be collected from Pomona Art Gallery and buses depart from there. Last bus 1pm.
There are no bail out points on this day.
Please note: if you are a fast walker, you may need to wait extended periods for the bus shuttle at the end of the walk each day, as the bus runs according to a fixed schedule and is only available late afternoon, and not "on call." If you think you will finish early and are not camping overnight, you will need to arrange someone to pick you up each day. Please note there is very little chance of finding an Uber/taxi that has not been pre-arranged, as we are in more remote areas.
Day 1: We shuttle you from Cooroy Butter Factory to the start of the walk at Lake McDonald. Long term parking for your car available at the end of Emerald Street, Cooroy, near the Badminton Courts. If you are camping with us for the weekend, your overnight gear/luggage is transported to the destination for that night. You just need your day pack to hike! At the end of the day, approx. 3-5pm, the bus leaves Kin Kin and takes walkers who are not camping, back to Cooroy Butter Factory.
(There is an early bail out point on Day 1 at approx. 14kms - the bus takes you to Kin Kin where you will need to wait until the later shuttle back to Cooroy, if not staying overnight in the area. If you choose to take this option please bear in mind you may be waiting long periods for the bus as it does not run all day, but only for specified periods.)
Day 2: Walk begins at Kin Kin Showgrounds after breakfast. You need to make your own way there if you don't stay at the camp ground overnight. A bus will shuttle walkers from the end point that day in Cooran from approx. 4pm, via Kin Kin, then on to Cooroy.
(Early bail out point on Day 2 is from James McKane Lookout approx. 18kms from start. Again, you may need to relax and wait for the bus to commence the shuttle service. This bus takes you to Cooran, where you will need to wait until the later shuttle back to Cooroy (via Kin Kin), if not staying overnight in the area.)
Day 3: Walk 10kms from Cooran to finish at Pomona. There is no early bail out point today. Please check in at the finish then join us at the Pomona Distilling Co to celebrate! Optional gathering for lunch and drinks at Pomona Distilling Co from 11am-1pm. The bus leaves Pomona Art Gallery 10 Station St at specified times and and goes to Cooroy (it does not go back to Cooran). Luggage to be collected from Pomona Art Gallery and buses depart from there. Last bus 1pm.
There are no bail out points on this day.
Please note: if you are a fast walker, you may need to wait extended periods for the bus shuttle at the end of the walk each day, as the bus runs according to a fixed schedule and is only available late afternoon, and not "on call." If you think you will finish early and are not camping overnight, you will need to arrange someone to pick you up each day. Please note there is very little chance of finding an Uber/taxi that has not been pre-arranged, as we are in more remote areas.
HOW DOES EACH DAY UNFOLD?
Day One : BYO lunch and snacks. Morning tea provided on route.
Register at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre on Maple Street from 6.45am. Drop your gear here if doing the three-day walk and camping. Coffee available at local cafes in Cooroy on the Main Street nearby. Buses will take you to the start at Lake Mcdonald from 7.30am onwards. Last bus leaves Cooroy to the start at 9am. Walk to the pop-up Tea House, then on to Kin Kin, a total of approx. 23kms. Check in at Kin Kin Oval. Set up camp if staying the night here. Or await the shuttle bus back to Cooroy. Enjoy dinner in Kin Kin at your own expense.
Day 2: Breakfast and packed lunch supplied. Pack up your gear for transfer. Check out from Kin Kin Oval around 8am. Walk from Kin Kin to James McKane Lookout (water and fruit available here and early bail out option). Then on to Cooran, approx. 23kms in total from start. Check in at Cooran Cutters Football ground. Set up camp if staying overnight. Or await shuttle bus back to Kin Kin or Cooroy. Dinner at own expense at local eateries in Cooran.
Day 3: Pack up camp for luggage to be transferred. A later start today! Breakfast supplied. Check out from Cooran Cutters around 8.45-9am and walk 10km to Pomona. Check in at Stan Topper Park before heading to the Pomona Distilling Co, 18 Reserve St, for the finish celebrations. Enjoy a celebratory drink/lunch at your own expense, then collect your luggage by 1pm from the Railway Art Gallery 10 Station Street. Last shuttle bus from the Art Gallery to Cooroy is at 1pm.
Day One : BYO lunch and snacks. Morning tea provided on route.
Register at Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre on Maple Street from 6.45am. Drop your gear here if doing the three-day walk and camping. Coffee available at local cafes in Cooroy on the Main Street nearby. Buses will take you to the start at Lake Mcdonald from 7.30am onwards. Last bus leaves Cooroy to the start at 9am. Walk to the pop-up Tea House, then on to Kin Kin, a total of approx. 23kms. Check in at Kin Kin Oval. Set up camp if staying the night here. Or await the shuttle bus back to Cooroy. Enjoy dinner in Kin Kin at your own expense.
Day 2: Breakfast and packed lunch supplied. Pack up your gear for transfer. Check out from Kin Kin Oval around 8am. Walk from Kin Kin to James McKane Lookout (water and fruit available here and early bail out option). Then on to Cooran, approx. 23kms in total from start. Check in at Cooran Cutters Football ground. Set up camp if staying overnight. Or await shuttle bus back to Kin Kin or Cooroy. Dinner at own expense at local eateries in Cooran.
Day 3: Pack up camp for luggage to be transferred. A later start today! Breakfast supplied. Check out from Cooran Cutters around 8.45-9am and walk 10km to Pomona. Check in at Stan Topper Park before heading to the Pomona Distilling Co, 18 Reserve St, for the finish celebrations. Enjoy a celebratory drink/lunch at your own expense, then collect your luggage by 1pm from the Railway Art Gallery 10 Station Street. Last shuttle bus from the Art Gallery to Cooroy is at 1pm.
IS THERE WATER ON ROUTE?
At any time, you are required to carry a minimum of two litres of water. The trails are remote and you do not access any towns or services until the end of each day's trail. So you need to be topped up before you go. We have 1 or 2 water stations on Days One and Two, placed along the route. Day Two is very hilly and if it is hot, you may drink more than usual. Make sure you top up at the water stations even if you think you might not need to. There is no water station on Day Three as this is a shorter section. We supply water stations at the designated campgrounds for you to refill for the following day. It is highly recommended that you bring a reusable bottle and electrolytes, as well as your water bladder.
At any time, you are required to carry a minimum of two litres of water. The trails are remote and you do not access any towns or services until the end of each day's trail. So you need to be topped up before you go. We have 1 or 2 water stations on Days One and Two, placed along the route. Day Two is very hilly and if it is hot, you may drink more than usual. Make sure you top up at the water stations even if you think you might not need to. There is no water station on Day Three as this is a shorter section. We supply water stations at the designated campgrounds for you to refill for the following day. It is highly recommended that you bring a reusable bottle and electrolytes, as well as your water bladder.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
We want you to enjoy the walk, but for safety reasons, we do have sweepers that walk behind the last person each day - checking for walkers, collecting signage and ensuring the trails are left pristine. If for any reason you are walking too slowly and our sweepers determine that you will not safely be able to finish in daylight, or that you will miss the last shuttle bus, we may ask you to leave the trail early or catch the bus at the bail out point. This is also for the safety of our sweepers/volunteers so that they are not left out on the trails in darkness! If you choose to leave the route earlier than planned, you will need to arrange your own transport.
We want you to enjoy the walk, but for safety reasons, we do have sweepers that walk behind the last person each day - checking for walkers, collecting signage and ensuring the trails are left pristine. If for any reason you are walking too slowly and our sweepers determine that you will not safely be able to finish in daylight, or that you will miss the last shuttle bus, we may ask you to leave the trail early or catch the bus at the bail out point. This is also for the safety of our sweepers/volunteers so that they are not left out on the trails in darkness! If you choose to leave the route earlier than planned, you will need to arrange your own transport.
IS THE ROUTE MARKED?
Yes, our trail guides go out and mark tricky sections of the route with our GNTW markers. Sometimes signs can be moved or stolen, but in general the route is well marked. This event is a SELF GUIDED EVENT so we do encourage you to carry a map of the area, a fully charged mobile phone and to be mindful of checking for the route markers throughout your walk. The volunteer trail guides walk interspersed amongst walkers, but we cannot guarantee that you will be walking with one at all times. They are there as support and encouragement and to offer local information about the area and the event. You can see a profile and interactive map of the terrain on our website.
Yes, our trail guides go out and mark tricky sections of the route with our GNTW markers. Sometimes signs can be moved or stolen, but in general the route is well marked. This event is a SELF GUIDED EVENT so we do encourage you to carry a map of the area, a fully charged mobile phone and to be mindful of checking for the route markers throughout your walk. The volunteer trail guides walk interspersed amongst walkers, but we cannot guarantee that you will be walking with one at all times. They are there as support and encouragement and to offer local information about the area and the event. You can see a profile and interactive map of the terrain on our website.
IS THERE ANY MANDATORY GEAR?
We strongly encourage you to carry/wear the following when hiking:
Dry fit/wicking clothing; avoid cotton as it gets cold and rubs when wet
Good quality merino/hiking socks
Trail runners, hiking shoes with good grippy soles, that you have trained in
Two litre water bladder plus bottle for electrolytes
Snacks/lunch
Map
Mobile phone: Telstra has best coverage, all other networks are intermittent. Please download the Emergency Plus App.
Basic First Aid with footcare/blister plasters/ personal meds/ triangular bandage / Fixomul tape
Bandana (provided by us) - wet this to keep cool around the back of your neck
Good quality rain jacket (Gortex or similar)
Daypack between 20-40 litre capacity
Walking poles (if you have trained with them - very useful on the steep terrain)
Long sleeve thermal/merino top
Wide brimmed hat and sunscreen
A printout of the itinerary
Camping gear:
Fold up lightweight chair
Small stove and utensils/plate etc if self catering
Tent or lightweight swag - pls note we cannot transport bulky swags
Groundsheet
Air mattress/camping mat
Sleeping bag
Toiletries
Towel
Snacks
Pillow
Warm clothing for the evening - temps can drop in the Hinterland to single digits
Comfortable shoes for camp
Mobile phone charger - we have a few charging points available at camp
Please ensure all your gear is labelled with your name
We strongly encourage you to carry/wear the following when hiking:
Dry fit/wicking clothing; avoid cotton as it gets cold and rubs when wet
Good quality merino/hiking socks
Trail runners, hiking shoes with good grippy soles, that you have trained in
Two litre water bladder plus bottle for electrolytes
Snacks/lunch
Map
Mobile phone: Telstra has best coverage, all other networks are intermittent. Please download the Emergency Plus App.
Basic First Aid with footcare/blister plasters/ personal meds/ triangular bandage / Fixomul tape
Bandana (provided by us) - wet this to keep cool around the back of your neck
Good quality rain jacket (Gortex or similar)
Daypack between 20-40 litre capacity
Walking poles (if you have trained with them - very useful on the steep terrain)
Long sleeve thermal/merino top
Wide brimmed hat and sunscreen
A printout of the itinerary
Camping gear:
Fold up lightweight chair
Small stove and utensils/plate etc if self catering
Tent or lightweight swag - pls note we cannot transport bulky swags
Groundsheet
Air mattress/camping mat
Sleeping bag
Toiletries
Towel
Snacks
Pillow
Warm clothing for the evening - temps can drop in the Hinterland to single digits
Comfortable shoes for camp
Mobile phone charger - we have a few charging points available at camp
Please ensure all your gear is labelled with your name
CAN I WALK ALONE?
For safety reasons, we encourage you to walk with at least one other walker. If you have registered solo, do not worry - there are plenty of walkers you can walk with on the day. If you wish to walk with a certain group or team of people, that is ok too, but there are no official team categories/requirements.
For safety reasons, we encourage you to walk with at least one other walker. If you have registered solo, do not worry - there are plenty of walkers you can walk with on the day. If you wish to walk with a certain group or team of people, that is ok too, but there are no official team categories/requirements.
CAN I CANCEL OR TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION?
Please see the detailed Terms and Conditions of booking/refund/cancellation and transfer, on our BOOKING page on this website. PLEASE NOTE: there are additional ticket processing fees we are charged for bookings, transfers and cancellations, so if you choose to go ahead, any refunds you receive are less the processing and administration fee specified, provided they are requested within the specified deadlines.
Please see the detailed Terms and Conditions of booking/refund/cancellation and transfer, on our BOOKING page on this website. PLEASE NOTE: there are additional ticket processing fees we are charged for bookings, transfers and cancellations, so if you choose to go ahead, any refunds you receive are less the processing and administration fee specified, provided they are requested within the specified deadlines.
ARE THERE TOILETS?
You will be walking/hiking on remote trails, so for the majority of the route you do not have access to toilets regularly. There are toilets at the start and end of each day. We ask that you respect our Leave No Trace policy, and that if you do need to "go" whilst on the trail, choose an area well away from the main trail, and at least 200m from any streams/creeks. Don't leave your toilet paper. Use a trowel to dig a hole if possible.
You will be walking/hiking on remote trails, so for the majority of the route you do not have access to toilets regularly. There are toilets at the start and end of each day. We ask that you respect our Leave No Trace policy, and that if you do need to "go" whilst on the trail, choose an area well away from the main trail, and at least 200m from any streams/creeks. Don't leave your toilet paper. Use a trowel to dig a hole if possible.
DO YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Due to the nature of our event being supported and catered for by local community groups, we cannot cater for all special dietary requirements. We are able to cater for vegan and vegetarian if you note this on your registration form when entering. Please bring some substitute food items if you have any food intolerances.
Due to the nature of our event being supported and catered for by local community groups, we cannot cater for all special dietary requirements. We are able to cater for vegan and vegetarian if you note this on your registration form when entering. Please bring some substitute food items if you have any food intolerances.
WHAT ABOUT RAIN OR EXTREME WEATHER?
Safety is always our number one priority. Yes, we can walk in the rain, so come prepared! If there is extreme fire danger, strong winds or severe storms that threaten, we reserve the right to cancel or amend the event to ensure the safety of all involved. If lightning threatens during the event, you are asked to take shelter if possible or follow the instructions sent to you via SMS. If the weather changes during the event and we need to amend the course or ask you to leave the trail early, you will receive an SMS. So it is vital we have the most up to date, correct contact details for each walker on our database. Please DO NOT walk under someone else's name. There are always risks involved in hiking in the outdoors, and we encourage you to read and understand the Risk Waiver that you accept upon registration.
Safety is always our number one priority. Yes, we can walk in the rain, so come prepared! If there is extreme fire danger, strong winds or severe storms that threaten, we reserve the right to cancel or amend the event to ensure the safety of all involved. If lightning threatens during the event, you are asked to take shelter if possible or follow the instructions sent to you via SMS. If the weather changes during the event and we need to amend the course or ask you to leave the trail early, you will receive an SMS. So it is vital we have the most up to date, correct contact details for each walker on our database. Please DO NOT walk under someone else's name. There are always risks involved in hiking in the outdoors, and we encourage you to read and understand the Risk Waiver that you accept upon registration.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
If it’s an emergency
Call 000. Police and SES have been pre-notified of the event. Have the app Emergency Plus on your phone, so you can give exact location details.
In the event you cannot get phone access ask a Trail Guide or fellow walker to get to an elevated location with phone access to get help, with full details of the emergency.
If you need minor First Aid or assistance on the trail
The Trail Guides (wearing identifying bandanas) all carry first aid kits for minor ailments and they can assist. If you are unable to walk due to a minor sprain or fatigue, we have back up crews in vehicles who can travel to meet you at the nearest road and take you to the day’s destination. Simply ask a Trail Guide to arrange assistance. We highly recommend that you take out Personal Accident Insurance cover.
If it’s an emergency
Call 000. Police and SES have been pre-notified of the event. Have the app Emergency Plus on your phone, so you can give exact location details.
In the event you cannot get phone access ask a Trail Guide or fellow walker to get to an elevated location with phone access to get help, with full details of the emergency.
If you need minor First Aid or assistance on the trail
The Trail Guides (wearing identifying bandanas) all carry first aid kits for minor ailments and they can assist. If you are unable to walk due to a minor sprain or fatigue, we have back up crews in vehicles who can travel to meet you at the nearest road and take you to the day’s destination. Simply ask a Trail Guide to arrange assistance. We highly recommend that you take out Personal Accident Insurance cover.
