GREAT NOOSA TRAIL WALK
Transport & Accommodation
We want your Great Noosa Trail Walk experience to be as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about getting to Cooroy, travelling between trail stages, and where to stay.
Getting to the start
Making your way to Cooroy
All walkers begin their journey at the Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre,
📍 11a Maple Street, Cooroy, Queensland [Google Map Link]
Please make your own way to Cooroy on Day One. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Noosa Heads, a popular local destination for visitors.
🅿️ Parking
Short-term parking is available near the Butter Factory for drop-offs and registration.
For long-term parking, head to the end of Emerald Street (past No. 26) for untimed, unsecured parking.
You can drop your luggage at the Butter Factory before parking your car.
🚉 Public Transport
From Noosa Heads: Regular bus services connect to Cooroy via the Noosa Junction bus station.
From Brisbane: A connecting train and bus service via Nambour runs from Brisbane Central to Cooroy.
(Check the latest schedules via Queensland Rail and Translink websites before travelling. There is a Saturday train service however it may not be early enough for the start of the event.)
🚙 Private Transport Company
For participants requiring airport transfers, Noosa Private Transfers provides transfers from both Brisbane Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport, to accommodation in Cooroy, Noosa and surrounding areas.
info@transferstonoosa.com.au
Mobile: 042 197 1301
Please note that the start of October corresponds with the end of school holidays in Queensland, so early booking is recommended.
Getting Around
Event Transport & Shuttles
Shuttle buses are included in your registration and operate throughout the event:
Day 1: From Cooroy Butter Factory to the trail start at Lake Macdonald (morning), and return from Kin Kin to Cooroy in the late afternoon.
Day 3: From Pomona back to Cooroy after the finish celebrations (last bus 1pm).
Daily shuttle back to each day’s start location for those staying in local accommodation (more information below)
Please note: return shuttles operate on a fixed schedule, not on demand. If you finish early, take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the local hospitality before your bus departs.
For more detail, check out the Itinerary and Frequently Asked Questions.
for three day walkers
Camping Accommodation
Camping is included in your three-day registration fee, with sites at:
Kin Kin Recreation Grounds
Cooran Recreation Grounds
Facilities
Basic toilet and shower blocks (expect some queues at peak times).
Undercover shelters and community buildings for shade and socialising.
Drinking water refill stations available each evening.
Camping Guidelines
Bring your own tent, bedding, sleeping bag, toiletries and personal items.
If you have prearranged a tent at the campground (which includes tent and air bed), bring your own bedding (sheets).
There are no cooking facilities, so please plan for self-catering or local dining.
Camping gear will be transported daily by shuttle to your next campsite.
Ensure all items are securely packed, lightweight, and clearly labelled.
Avoid heavy swags or marquees — these are difficult for volunteers to move safely.
Arriving the night before the event?
If you’re arriving before the event, you can camp at Pomona Showgrounds (bookings and camping fees are arranged directly with the campground). This is a convenient option for participants travelling by train, as Pomona Railway Station is within walking distance of the showgrounds.
On Saturday morning only, our event shuttle will collect participants staying at Pomona Showgrounds and transport them to Cooroy in time for registration and the start of the walk.
Extra Comfort
Other Accommodation Options
If you prefer a little extra comfort, we have the option for a tent to be erected (with air bed) and moved to the next site (additional cost selected at registration). There are also wonderful Noosa Hinterland guest houses and farm stays located near the trail.
You’re welcome to stay offsite, but you’ll need to arrange your own transport each day. Some hosts may assist with transfers — please check when booking.
Local Recommendations
Hinterviews Farm Stay – 302 Upper Pinbarren Creek Rd, Pinbarren | 0423 984 334 – a great place to stay if you have a camper trailer
Cooroy Luxury Motel – 5 minute walk from Cooroy Train Station – book direct for the best deals (07) 5442 6123 | stay@cooroynoosaaccomodation.com.au
Pomona Showgrounds – Refer camping information above for more details.
Noosa Eco Retreat – Pomona | bookings@noosaecoretreat.com.au
Additional accommodation can also be found in Tewantin, Eumundi, Noosa Valley, Boreen Point, and Noosa Heads.
Visit the Tourism Noosa website for more options.
Please note:
All alternative accommodation must be booked directly with the property.
Transfers to and from private lodgings are not provided by event organisers.
Staying offsite does not reduce the event registration fee, as camping forms only a small component of overall costs.
Shuttle Buses for those staying in local accommodation
Prefer a comfortable bed each night? Each morning, simply drive to the day’s walk start:
Day 1: Cooroy
Day 2: Kin Kin
Day 3: Cooran
Leave your vehicle at the designated start location before you begin walking. At the end of the day’s hike, our shuttle will transport you back to your vehicle, allowing you to return to your accommodation or join us for your evening meal before you return to your accommodation.
Included in Your Registration
Shuttle transport from each day’s finish location back to that day’s start location to collect your vehicle.
A Saturday morning shuttle from Pomona Showgrounds to Cooroy for participants camping at the showgrounds the night before.
Please Note: To ensure our transport service runs efficiently for all participants, we are unable to provide pickups or drop-offs from individual accommodation providers, homes, caravan parks or other locations. The only scheduled morning shuttle service is from Pomona Showgrounds to Cooroy on Saturday morning. All other participants are asked to make their own way to the designated start location each day.
Our aim is to remove the biggest logistical challenge of a multi-day walk while giving you the flexibility to stay where it suits you best.
Our Travel Tip
Arrive in Cooroy early, enjoy a coffee from one of the local cafés, and take a moment to soak in the charm of this welcoming hinterland town — it’s the perfect place to begin your Great Noosa Trail adventure.
