
How long is the Cooloola Beach Drive?
Australia, oceania
60 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along one of the world's *longest* beach drives, right here in Queensland's Gympie Region! We're talking about Cooloola Beach Drive, nestled inside the Great Sandy National Park.
This isn't just any drive; it's a 60 km (37 mile) one-way adventure stretching from Noosa North Shore all the way up to Rainbow Beach. Imagine endless white sand beaches and the ocean breeze as you make your way up the coast.
Now, heads up: this is strictly 4x4 territory. We're talking high-clearance vehicles only because the track can get sandy, rough, and prone to washouts. Also, you'll need to snag a Cooloola Recreation Area vehicle access permit (VAP) to legally drive these awesome beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable Aussie road trip!
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 60 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
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