Cooran

Sometimes there is more to little country towns than first meets the eye. About 3 km from the Bruce Highway, Cooran is one country town that offers more than holiday makers might think. Close to the Sunshine Coast towns of Pomona, Nambour, Cooroy and popular surfing beaches at Noosa, Cooran is a pretty hamlet in a lush valley. However, for those touring the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane, which is less than two and a half hours drive away, there is much more to discover about Cooran than just its beauty. The town has a well-stocked general store and an interesting restaurant for anyone keen on a delicious and inexpensive meal. Overlooking Cooran are the Cooran Tablelands and Mothar Mountain State Forest areas that have walking tracks and swimming holes. Take care, as access to these often requires a four-wheel drive. From the Cooran Tablelands Lookout, the scenic view along the Sunshine Coast is magnificent. In addition, for lovers of the bush, Noosa Council has established the Noosa Trail Network that includes trails around Cooran. For example, Trail two or The Scenic Trail is 26 km one-way and starts at Tablelands Road, Cooran and moves along to the Cootharaba Views Lookout. This trail takes approximately 5 hours to complete on horseback and 2 days to walk one way. There are four lookouts along the trail providing fantastic views of the hinterland and coastal areas. Be warned, the steep hill climbs along the trail require courage and a high level of fitness. Locals say it is worth camping overnight at either Middle Lookout or Cootharaba Views Lookout and leave a car at each end of the trail. If curiosities get the blood flowing, then look at Cooran Lagoon, not far from the train bridge on James Street. When it was full, the Aboriginals used the lagoon as a source of Water-lily bulbs and Muscles for food and called it Guran. In 1870, the lagoon was also the site of the Half Way Hotel on the original Tewantin-Gympie Coach route. Sadly, only a faded plaque marks the site now.