Want to swap the beach for the bush for a day? The Noosa Biosphere Trails wind through the Noosa hinterland, connecting country towns, forests, mountains and rolling rural landscapes.
Made for walkers, runners, mountain bikers and horse riders, the trails range from relaxed, relatively flat adventures to challenging full-day journeys with steep climbs and big views.
Not sure where to start? We’ve answered the big questions to help you find the trail that suits you.
The Noosa Biosphere Trails are a network of shared-use trails through the Noosa hinterland, connecting towns including Cooroy, Cooran, Pomona, Kin Kin and Lake Macdonald.
This is a different side of Noosa. Think tall eucalypt forests, pockets of rainforest, creek crossings, grazing land and mountain views. One minute you’re deep in the bush; the next, you’re arriving in a hinterland village ready for coffee or lunch.
The trails are predominantly natural surface and conditions can vary. Rocks, mud, creek crossings and uneven ground are all part of the adventure.
Try the Cooroora Trail or Yurol Trail.
If you want a beautiful hinterland walk without tackling the toughest terrain, start here.
The Cooroora Trail winds through shady eucalypt forest and grazing land, with views towards Mount Cooran and the distinctive peak of Mount Cooroora. There are places to stop and rest along the way, including the lake at Wirruna Drive Bushland Reserve and bench seats with mountain views.
The best part? You’re walking between two country towns. Start in Pomona and finish with lunch in Cooran, or walk it in the opposite direction and explore Pomona at the end.
Best for: Beginner bushwalkers, mountain bikers with basic skills and moderately experienced horse riders.
Good to know: This works well as a one-way walk. The train connects Pomona and Cooran, but services are infrequent, so check the timetable before setting out.
Relatively flat, green and full of creek crossings, the Yurol Trail is a great choice if you want a proper day out in nature without steep mountain climbs.
The trail passes through national park and environmental reserves, crossing creeks more than 19 times via bridges, stepping stones and causeways. It’s particularly enjoyable in the drier months when creek conditions are easier to navigate.
Near Lake Macdonald, take a detour to the Noosa Botanic Gardens and wander through eight hectares of native and exotic gardens on the lakeshore.
Best for: Beginner bushwalkers, mountain bikers with basic skills and moderately experienced horse riders.
Good to know: Creek levels can affect access, so check current trail conditions before you go.
The Woondum Trail is for experienced adventurers.
Long climbs, steep descents and spectacular rural and coastal views make the Woondum Trail one of the more challenging adventures in the Noosa hinterland.
Connecting Cooran and Kin Kin, the trail passes through rainforest and tall open eucalypt forest before reaching James M McKane Lookout Park, also known as Tablelands Lookout. Stop here to catch your breath and take in the view – you’ll find picnic tables, toilets and facilities for horse riders.
This isn’t a trail to rush. At 22km one way, you’ll need a good level of fitness, an early start and a plan for getting home from the other end.
Best for: Experienced bushwalkers, experienced mountain bikers and advanced horse riders with fit, skilled horses.
Good to know: Arrange a pick-up or shuttle before setting out. Long, steep climbs and descents make this trail unsuitable for beginners.
Put the Wahpunga Trail on your list.
The Wahpunga Trail delivers some of the Noosa hinterland’s big landscape moments.
Starting near Kin Kin, a steep climb within the first few kilometres rewards you with views across Lake Cootharaba and the surrounding countryside. From there, the scenery keeps changing as you travel through the rolling green hills of Pinbarren and into the rainforest and tall eucalypt forests of Tewantin National Park.
The trail joins the Yurol Trail, which you can follow for another 5 km before it ends at the Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald – a suitably peaceful ending after a big day on the trail.
Best for: Fit walkers looking for a full-day adventure, skilled mountain bikers and advanced horse riders.
Good to know: Bushwalking experience isn’t essential, but the distance and steep climb near Kin Kin mean you’ll need a good level of fitness.
Yes. Combine the Woondum and Wahpunga trails.
For a bigger Noosa Country adventure, travel from Lake Macdonald to Kin Kin on the Wahpunga Trail, stay overnight in Kin Kin, then continue to Cooran on the Woondum Trail.
It’s a chance to experience rainforest, eucalypt forest, rural landscapes and hinterland villages at a slower pace – with a country meal and a comfortable bed in between.
Plan your accommodation and transfers before you set out and allow plenty of time for both trails.
Try the Kurui Trail – Trail 8 on older wayfinding.
The Kurui Trail is a flat, easy journey between Pomona and Cooroy, with views towards Mount Cooroora and Mount Cooroy along the way.
It’s a good option if steep climbs aren’t your thing, or if you’re looking for a relaxed trail experience that connects two of Noosa Country’s best-known towns.
Best for: Beginner bushwalkers, mountain bikers with basic skills and moderately experienced horse riders.
Good to know: Some older trail signage and maps refer to this route as Trail 8. Horse riders should start or finish at the float parking area on Mary River Road rather than riding into Cooroy township.
Absolutely. You don’t need to complete a full point-to-point trail to experience the Noosa Biosphere Trails.
Try a short out-and-back section from a trailhead, walk part of the Kin Kin countryside trails, or explore one of the shorter local loops.
Want rural scenery without organising a pick-up at the other end? The Kin Kin Loop takes you through the countryside surrounding the village, past farms and classic green hinterland landscapes.
Allow around four hours to complete the full loop on foot, or simply walk part of the trail and return the way you came.
Best for: Walkers wanting a half-day hinterland experience and those who prefer a loop rather than a one-way trail.
Starting around Cudgerie Common on Blueberry Drive, the route passes through open countryside, forest, quiet residential streets and wetland landscapes.
Best for: A shorter walk, casual walkers and anyone wanting to dip a toe into the trail network.
Good to know: Look for older Trail 6 wayfinding along this route.
The Pinbarren Link is another option for exploring a shorter section of the hinterland trail network and connecting into the wider Noosa Biosphere Trails.
Good to know: This section has not yet received upgraded wayfinding, so older trail numbers and signage may still be in use. Check the current trail map before setting out.
Yes – but choose your trail carefully.
The trails are shared with walkers and horse riders, and difficulty varies considerably. Cooroora and Yurol are better options for riders with basic mountain biking skills, while Woondum and Wahpunga are more suited to experienced riders who are comfortable with steep climbs, descents and natural surfaces.
An e-bike can make longer distances more achievable, but natural terrain, creek crossings and trail conditions still require good bike handling skills.
Always slow down when approaching walkers and horses and give other trail users plenty of space.
Many of the Noosa Biosphere Trails are open to horse riders and travel through landscapes that are particularly well suited to exploring on horseback.
Trail suitability varies. Cooroora, Yurol and Kurui are suitable for riders and horses with moderate skills and fitness, while the steep terrain of Woondum and Wahpunga is recommended for advanced riders on highly skilled, fit horses.
Check the trail map and current conditions before setting out, particularly if you need float parking, hitching rails or horse troughs.
The Weyba Trail is a future trail connection through a changing mix of national park and urban landscapes.
The route includes tunnels, bridges and a steep climb towards Mount Tinbeerwah, with spectacular views across Noosa from the top.
However, the trail is still in concept and trail markers have not been installed. Some sections follow or cross busy roads.
Best for: Experienced, confident navigators with a full day available.
Good to know: No horse riding is permitted. Because wayfinding is not yet installed, check the latest information before attempting this route.
The cooler, drier months are generally the most comfortable for longer walks and rides. After heavy rain, natural surfaces can become muddy and creek crossings may be affected.
For a supported multi-day experience, keep an eye out for the Great Noosa Country Trail Walk. The annual event covers 56km of the hinterland over three days, with guides, camping accommodation and transfers organised for you.
It’s popular, so plan well ahead.
These are natural, shared-use trails through forests and rural landscapes, so a little planning goes a long way.
Download the current Noosa Biosphere Trails maps before you leave and save an offline map to your phone. Carry plenty of water, sun protection and food, and allow more time than you think you’ll need on the longer trails.
Mobile coverage can be patchy. Trail conditions and access can also change due to weather, maintenance and upgrade works, so check current Noosa Biosphere Trails updates before setting out.
And remember – you may be sharing the trail with walkers, runners, mountain bikers and horse riders. Slow down, say hello and give each other space.
Then all that’s left to do is choose your trail.
