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QUEENSLAND Noosa National Park Headland Section Noosa National Park on Queensland's Sunshine Coast provides an important refuge for native plants, animals and people from the urban development of the surrounding area. As early as 1879, early settlers had the foresight to declare Noosa Town Reserve. Additions and amalgamations over many years has resulted in a 454ha national park - small by comparison with many park, but valuable for nature conservation. Today, we appreciate Noosa National Park for many reasons, including its scenic beauty, the range of vegetation types and its protected wildlife. Tracks through the national park offer an experience quite different to that of resorts and beaches. Visitors can explore rainforest, open forest, wallum heathlands, shrublands and grasslands. Quiet observation will allow people to see some fascinating birds and other animals, especially in the early morning and at dusk. Access Noosa Heads is 24km from the Bruce Highway via Cooroy and Tewantin. From the south, travel 40km from Maroochydore by the coast road. From Noosa Heads business centre, road signs direct visitors 1km to the park entrance. Use the walkway from Hastings Street to the park to enjoy beautiful ocean views and avoid parking problems at this heavily used national park. The carpark may be closed at times during unfavourable weather conditions. Facilities The national park has a day use and picnic area with free electric BBQs, drinking water and public toilets. Toilets and tap water are also provided at Tea-Tree Bay. To protect the natural values of this relatively small park, camping is not permitted. Larger national parks to the north - Cooloola, Woodgate and Fraser Island - are most suited for those seeking a coastal camping holiday. Visitor safety You are entering an area where some natural hazards may be present. For your own safety and enjoyment, please read the following sections carefully: Swimming Patrolled beaches at Noosa Heads (next to the Hastings Street shopping area) are ideal for swimming. All beaches accessed from the park are unpatrolled and not recommended for swimming. An emergency radio-telephone is located on the northern access track to Alexandria Bay. Walking Details of walking tracks are given over the page. The coastal track to Tea-Tree Bay is well graded. Remaining tracks have occasional rocky sections and are suited for the physical fit. Substantial footwear is recommended. The coastal track leads to beaches and offers some excellent views. Take time to wander around the rock pools at low tide, which abound in unusual wildlife. On hot summer days, the track through the rainforest provides a cool alternative to the beach. Longer tracks lead out through open forest and heath, where a great variety of wildflowers can be observed in spring. Be prepared for your walk, especially in hot weather. Bring a hat, suncream and water, and allow adequate time to complete the walk. For your own safety, stay in sight of other groups if walking alone. Caring for Noosa You can help protect the park by following these regulations. Dogs, cats and other domestic animals must not be taken into the park. People who bring their pets onto national parks may be fined. Avoid disturbing or feeding the animals. Goannas and brush turkeys can become dependant on being hand-fed and can become a nuisance to park visitors. Some people have been bitten while hand-feeding goannas. Keep to designated walking tracks and obey all warning signs; short cutting may be dangerous and cause erosion. Stay well clear of all cliff edges. Bicycles are prohibited on all tracks within the park as they are dangerous and cause erosion. Stay well clear of all cliff edges. Bicycles are prohibited on all tracks within the park as they are dangerous to other park visitors and can cause erosion. Leave flowers, ferns and all other plant material undamaged. What is easy for you to pick may take years to replace. Care for the environment. Place all rubbish in bins provided, or take it out of the park. For further information The Ranger Noosa National Park Park Road NOOSA HEADS QLD 4567 Tel: (07) 5447 3243