Cooloola Great Walk - Litoria Walkers' Camp to Dutgee Walkers' Camp

 https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola

Day 3 Statistics

Distance: 15.11km

Total time (including breaks): 4 hours 49 minutes

Total Ascent: 269.4m

Total Descent: 374.6m

 

13 July 2022

We chose a slow start to the day today for two reasons; firstly, we knew we had a much shorter walk today, and secondly, it gave our gear some time to dry out, reducing its weight. As a result, we were the last to leave camp and the last to arrive at the next campsite.

The blue sky was a complete contrast to yesterday, but welcome. Today we hiked through open bushland with plenty of wildflowers.  As we got closer to the Noosa River we came into low lying heath plains.  Much of the track approaching the campsite was boggy or underwater after yesterday’s rain. We opted to remove our boots and walk in clogs for the last kilometre or so.

Tonight’s camp was Dutgee Walkers’ Camp on the banks of the upper Noosa River.  On arrival the others already had set up and had gear spread everywhere to dry.  We set up our campsite and soon had it too looking like a Bedouin camp with wet clothing and pack covers, tent fly and raincoats spread all over the surrounding area to dry out.  Tonight, we were able to have extended conversation with our fellow travellers – we have been lucky to camp with the same group of people from last night, a like minded crew who were a pleasure to share a campground and conversation with.  I always learn something new from other campers. We did not have any campers travelling the opposite direction, either tonight, or last night.

Dutgee campsite being directly on the Noosa River allowed for some beautiful reflections and lovely sunset reflections – an enjoyable quiet space to enjoy nature’s glory. We were also blessed with a full moon and a clear night – meaning a very cold night.

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola/camping/dutgee-walkers

Cooloola Great Walk - Freshwater Campground to Litoria Walkers' Camp

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola

Day 2 Statistics

Distance: 25.81km

Total time (including breaks): 8 hours 6 minutes

Total Ascent: 638.1m

Total Descent: 555.2m

 

12 July 2022

Today was another big day for distance, primarily through the rainforest, with plenty of up and down.  Rain was forecast and we encountered this for the second half of today’s walking, necessitating pack covers and raincoats.  As we were in the rainforest, we had some coverage, and this was the best day of the hike for having rain.  The combination of wet weather and rainforest provided more interesting fungi and plants to enjoy, with lovely soft light.

We camped for the night at Litoria Walkers’ Camp, where we met up with three other hikes travelling north to south.  After brief introductions we all disappeared into our own tents when the rain resumed.  The rain continued through until early evening.

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola/camping/litoria-walkers

Cooloola Great Walk - Rainbow Beach to Freshwater Campground

 

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/great-walks-cooloola

Day 1 Statistics

Distance: 27.25km

Total time (including breaks): 9 hours 4 minutes

Total Ascent: 467.2m

Total Descent: 463.7m

This morning we were packed up and on our way before 7am.  As we were choosing to do the extended version of the Cooloola Great Walk, including Double Island Point, today was always going to be a big day.

When crossing Carlo Sandblow, we could see two other multiday hikers ahead of us. At the far side of the sandblow, you are incredibly high above the ocean.  

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/journeys/carlo-sandblow-walk

Then on into the bushland, where I found a few interesting Fungi.

The track emerges onto the Rainbow Beach side of Double Island Point.  The beach here was smoother and wider than I have previously seen it.  The coloured sands were, as always, beautiful.

We climbed up to Double Island Point, where we stopped for lunch. It was quite cool as there was a strong wind blowing.  

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/journeys/double-island-point-lighthouse-walk

Once we got down onto the beach on the Noosa North Shore side of Double Island Point, we discovered the wind was very strong.  Walking South along the beach was hard work and very cold.  I had on my jumper even though we were in full sun in the early afternoon.  The beach was also quite narrow here from the erosion, combined with an incoming tide.  Twice I needed to stop to rinse my glasses of salt spray as I could not see where I was going even with my glasses on – not great when you are mixing it with 4WD’s.  According to the Bureau of Meteorology the windspeed got up to 61km/h today – a very solid and tiring headwind.

We set up camp for the night at Freshwater campground. When we arrived, I was done – I did not think I even had the energy for a shower.  However, after a bit of food and setting up the tent, I felt up to a nice hot shower (worth carrying a $2coin for).  As predicted, it was a big day!

https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/cooloola/camping/freshwater