Lake Cootharaba

Lake Freshwater lake in Noosa, popular for sailing

Near Noosa in Queensland, Lake Cootharaba offers shallow waters for sailing, kayaking and lakeside camping inside Great Sandy National Park.

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Lake Cootharaba is a large shallow freshwater lake in the Noosa hinterland of Queensland, Australia. It forms part of the Noosa River system and is noted for boating and watersports.

The lake’s open water and consistent winds make it popular for sailing, windsurfing and small-boat recreation; there are camping and day-use areas at settlements on the shore. The small settlement of Boreen Point sits on the lake and provides basic visitor services and launching facilities.

The lake lies within Noosa Shire on the Sunshine Coast hinterland, upstream from the coastal township of Noosa Heads and near the town of Tewantin.

  • Boreen Point: Boreen Point on the lake's shore provides boat ramps, a jetty and basic services for visitors. The lake is popular for sailing and wind-based water sports.
Lake Cootharaba
Lake Cootharaba, Noosa North Shore / Boreen Point area, Queensland, Australia
-26.2667, 153.0167
Open 24 hours (natural area)
Free

How to Get to Lake Cootharaba #

Lake Cootharaba is about a 20-30 minute drive northwest from Noosa Heads. From Noosa, follow Gympie Terrace/Noosa Drive then turn inland toward Tewantin and follow signs to Boreen Point (Boreen Point Road/Noosa North Shore access). The village of Boreen Point and its boat ramps provide the most convenient public access. There is no direct rail link; regional buses connect Noosa and Tewantin and taxis or rideshares can complete the journey to the lake.

Tips for Visiting Lake Cootharaba #

  • Launch small craft from the Boreen Point boat ramp for the calmest water and best access to the eastern shoreline.
  • Visit at first light to watch the pelicans and swans that frequent the reed beds; afternoons can be windy-perfect for windsurfers.
  • Park in Boreen Point village rather than trying to find roadside spots on Lake Cootharaba Road; the village has cafés and public toilets.
  • If avoiding crowds is a priority, skip weekends during school holidays-locals flock here for a day on the water.

Best Time to Visit Lake Cootharaba #

Best for water sports and birdwatching from spring through summer; cooler months suit quiet walks and photography.

Spring-Summer
September-March · 18-30°C
Longer days and steady easterly sea breezes make this the prime season for sailing, windsurfing and long boat runs.
Autumn-Winter
April-August · 8-20°C
Cooler, quieter lakeside mornings and clearer light-better for walking the reed-fringed shorelines and birdwatching.

Weather & Climate near Lake Cootharaba #

Climate

Lake Cootharaba's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 11°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1405 mm/year), wettest in February.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
11°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
21° 29°

Weather

165 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm).

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
22° 28°

Weather

176 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

158 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).

Comfort

22°
Feels Like Mild
22°C
Temperature
18° 26°

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 23°

Weather

148 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 22°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 24°

Weather

41 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

21°
Feels Like Mild
21°C
Temperature
16° 25°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
19° 27°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Warm
24°C
Temperature
20° 28°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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