Take a Hike with Andrea Taylor

from Your Local: September 2021

Sport

TAKE A HIKE IN THE HINTERLAND with Andrea Taylor Noosa National Park

WELL Spring is here and there’s no better time to visit Noosa National Park. This very popular spot most of you may have already visited, but there is so much more to offer than just walking to Hell’s Gate.

I highly recommend the walk through to Sunshine Beach (track 4), and returning on Tanglewood Walk (track 2), to the back of the National park picnic area.

Once you get to Hells Gate you continue walking along Alexandria Bay to Lion Rock. There there are a couple of beautiful little inlets that you wish you could spend the day hidden away in. The views are amazing from Sunshine Beach looking all the way to Coolum. If you are adventurous enough there are the Paradise Caves to explore at Sunshine beach and lovely little rock pools to cool off in. Please allow yourself plenty of time for this walk as you will be stopping so much along the way taking in the magnificent views. This walk is approximately 12kms, about five to six hours return from the National Park entrance.

This time of year if you’re lucky you might get to see one of over 33,000 Humpback Whales on their migration to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef escaping the chilly waters of the Antarctica. Also enjoy our beautiful dolphin pods, the turtles at Hells Gate, abundant bird life and beautiful flowers and wattles along the way.

This walk is suitable for everyone but if you don’t want to do the 12km give track 2 (Tanglewood Walk) a go. On this part of the track you may be lucky enough to spot a Koala, I’ve see them on the ground and up in the trees. If you see any Koala’s please let the information centre know, so you can share your experience with others. There are also electric BBQ’s, toilets, drinking water, showers, but limited parking and with wheelchair access to Tea Tree Bay.

Don’t forget your back pack for this one, as you may like to take a dip in the blue water’s so you’ll need a towel, sunscreen, hat, snacks or picnic lunch and plenty of water. Also be careful where you park due to four hour limits, I suggest at the end of Hasting Street/ Noosa Spit Recreation Park. This is going to add another 2km to your walk. There is also the public bus, stopping at Noosa Parade. TransLink and Noosa Council offer a free service in peak times so please check their web page for timetables. An early start is advisable, FYI the sun rise is amazing.

We would love to hear any feedback on my walk’s, including photos so send an email to hello@yourlocallifestyle.com.au. We would love to include them in future articles. Happy Hiking, Andrea Taylor