COOROY

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.

WHY WE LOVE IT HERE

Nature surrounds with mountains, hills, beautiful Lake Macdonald, and bird and forest trails. Access the Noosa Trail Network for horse-riding, cycling and hiking. The Noosa Bird Trail also traverses Cooroy, including the Jabiru Park and Fearnley Bird Hide. Cooroy comes from the local indigenous word meaning ‘possum’.

THINGS TO DO

Enjoy hinterland hospitality at cafés, restaurants, farm gates, a boutique brewery and clubs. Browse boutiques, homewares, galleries, gifts, antiques and vintage treasures – even play a game of golf! Wander through the Cooroy Mill Place Precinct in the heart of Cooroy with the Butter Factory Arts Centre, ceramics workshop, a state-of-the-art library, Cooroora Woodworkers and historic Lower Mill Site with an interpretive walk through restored boilers and kilns – it even has its own ghost! The Butter Factory Arts Centre showcases local and national artists.

HIDDEN GEM

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.