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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Lake Cootharaba #
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.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (176 mm).
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March
March is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (158 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (148 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).