The Noosa hinterland town of Cooroy is a charming mix of history, nature, arts and country hospitality. Settled in the 1880s as a timber town, it now attracts creatives, artists, foodies, producers and nature lovers.
Enjoy hinterland hospitality at cafes, restaurants, farm gates, a boutique brewery, distillery and clubs. Browse boutiques, homewares, galleries, gifts, antiques and vintage treasures – even play a game of golf.
B&Bs, country cottages, rural retreats and RV stopovers dot the countryside around Cooroy so you can spend time discovering the town and beauty of the surrounding countryside.
Untouched natural surrounds and country-town vibes abound here, with towering mountains, rolling green hills, beautiful Lake Macdonald, and bird and forest trails all within reach. Access the Noosa Trail Network for horse riding, cycling, and hiking, while the quaint main street will transport you back in time. The Noosa Bird Trail also traverses Cooroy, including the Jabiru Park and Fearnley Bird Hide. Cooroy comes from the local indigenous word meaning ‘possum’.
There’s weekly live music at venues in town, and annual events include the Australian Body Art Festival, the nation’s premier body painting event. The annual Cooroy Fusion Festival has music, displays, workshops, food stalls, woodcarving, and more. And see a street full of racing Santas at Christmas in Cooroy each December. On the town's fringe, discover the burgeoning craft brewing and distillery scene at top-notch offerings including 2020 Distillery and Copperhead Brewery.
Families should head directly to the newly opened Hinterland Adventure Playground in the heart of Cooroy, a magical expanse of nature play spaces, winding splash pools, giant twisty slides, and open green parkland perfect for picnics, barbecues, and filling long days with children. Nearby, wander through the Cooroy Mill Place Precinct, with the Butter Factory Arts Centre, ceramics workshop, a state-of-the-art library, Cooroora Woodworkers, and historic Lower Mill Site.
On the way to Cooroy from Noosa Heads, see the Noosa Botanic Gardens on the shores of Lake Macdonald. A Greek-style amphitheatre on the waterfront is a venue for opera, live music and festivals. Pack a picnic and stroll through the native and exotic gardens that attract birds galore. Launch a boat or canoe on the lake from the nearby park.
Enjoy hinterland hospitality, farm gates, boutique breweries, vintage treasures and more.
This is Cooroy
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