Everglades Explorer Tour (4.5 Hours)

Noosa Heads, QLD

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of the unique ecosystem; Australia’s Everglades are a spectacular network of wetlands thriving with wildlife.

Found in the Northern end of the Noosa River and perched within the sand dunes of the Cooloola National Park, awaits a pristine wilderness area where over 44% of Australia’s bird species reside within this spectacular region. So grab a paddle or jump into our specially designed eco boats and experience one of the best canoeing adventures in Australia!

Inclusions

Exclusions

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Departure Location

Our tours depart from Habitat Noosa which is a campground located in Elanda Point. (Near Boreen Point)
Please enter “Habitat Noosa” into Google or Apple maps and this will bring you directly to our departure point.

Yes. For more information scroll down this page to “Courtesy Bus”

30km or approximately 25 minutes North of Noosa

Yes, there is plenty of free parking at Habitat Noosa

Yes, we have a full bar, bistro and micro-brewery onsite called Cootharabar & Bistro.

Low Tide Conditions

On rare occasions Lake Cootharaba and the upper Noosa River (The Everglades) may experience low tide conditions.

Every effort is made by our planning team to predict tides, however we occasionally find on the day of departure, tides have changed from what was predicted.

 As a result, we may anchor our tour boats further from the lakes edge than normal to ensure we stay in deeper water and are able to depart without delay.

What does this mean for our guests? 

  • You may be asked to walk in the lake to board our tour boats anchored approximately 50 metres from the lakes edge in water 15-30cm deep.
  • We may ask for volunteers to exit the boat and walk alongside as we manoeuvre past the Kinaba sand bar. This is normally no more than 50 metres in water 15-30cm in depth.

We recommend you wear appropriate footwear that can be easily removed, or you don’t mind getting wet.

 If your tour is planned to be operating during low tide conditions, we will make every effort to advise you via email or sms.  

Please ensure your up to date email address and mobile number is listed in your booking.

Check-in

Online check-in opens 72 hours before departure. Check-in opens 30 minutes prior to departure.

Our check-in  desk is located outside reception at Habitat Noosa

Departing Noosa on a Greyhound or schedule bus service on day of tour

Although we can not guarantee you will make this connection we normally return to Noosa by 4pm at the latest.  This can be impacted by traffic or weather delays on the lake or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.   We  would recommend you bring your luggage with you to store in reception, so you don’t need to return to your accommodation. We can drop you as close to the bus departure point as possible. 

Tour inclusions

Complimentary transfers from Noosa, Morning Tea, Commentary, Canoe experience, Bush Walk

No. This is a self guided canoe experience. Our skippers provide maps, a safety briefing and instructions on how to get to the next stop. This is an optional part of the tour and you can choose to stay on the tour boat which makes its way to the next stop, where we all meet up for morning tea. 

Morning tea is included in the Everglades.  This includes juice, water and a light snack such as a muffin or biscuit

    • Optional 10 minute bush walk in the Everglades
    •  Optional 4.7km canoe in Between Harrys Hut and FigTree Point (or vice versa)
  • Optional swim at Harrys Hut

Travelling with children or infants

All canoe participants must be seven years of age or older and be a competent swimmer

Tour Boats

We have two 36-seaters purpose built vessels

Life vests, fire fighting equipment, flares, first aid kits and all legally required equipment 

Weather conditions

We operate in all weather conditions.  Our tour boat cabins are equipped with sun protection and wind curtains for your comfort. 

On rare occasions, our skipper may choose to cancel a tour at any time if weather conditions are considered unsafe or if the National Park rangers close Lake Cootharaba or the Everglades. 

Yes, on rare occasions, if the wind is too strong our skipper may cancel the canoe portion for safety reasons. As this is a complimentary optional part of the tour no refund will be offered. 

No, we recommend you bring appropriate wet weather clothing.

Food

Yes, click here to book a table. We recommend booking at 1.30 or 1.45 pm table as the tour returns at 1.30pm

This tour is subject to the terms and conditions of both Australia Expert (the Travel Agency) and the Tour Operator. These terms can be found upon booking, in your Travel Voucher, and in the booking confirmation sent to your registered email address.

Please note that the most up-to-date Terms and Conditions, as stated on the websites and vouchers of both the Tour Operator and Australia Expert, will apply.

Please be aware that Credit Card Payment Fees are non-refundable.

To review Australia Expert’s latest Terms and Conditions, here. For further information about the tour policies, feel free to contact us at info@australiaexpert.nl

If guests do not want to purchase lunch from our CootharaBAR and Bistro, they are welcome to bring a picnic and take advantage of our beautiful local Eco Camp.

The Everglades Explorer Tour departs from Habitat Noosa at 9:00am sharp. If you are self driving, please check in for the tour by 8.30am at our Habitat Noosa office.

Address: Habitat Noosa Elanda Point Road, Elanda Point, QLD 4565
At the entrance, drive down the dirt road until you reach Habitat Noosa. Park in our designated guest parking spots and please proceed to the Habitat Noosa office for check in.

If you utilise our Shuttle pick-up, departure times may vary, so please confirm your departure time when reconfirming your booking. 

Don’t forget your: water bottle, swimwear, hat, camera, sunglasses and sunscreen. Dress casually and comfortably.

LUNCH
While a small snack for morning refreshment is included, lunch is not included. Guests can either bring a picnic lunch or dine in our award winning bistro and brewery. The boat will return to Habitat around 1.30pm allowing guests time to relax and each lunch, explore the National Park and check out our resident kangaroos.

You must reconfirm all booked date(s) and pick-up location(s) and time(s) 48 hours / 2 days before travel or in the manner stated on your ticket voucher or confirmation ticket.

Please make sure we have a working mobile number. If not we require clients confirmation by contacting us 48 hours before departure.

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