Harry's Hut Road
Noosa
Great Sandy National Park (Cooloola)
A great little drive on gravel and sandy tracks to an historic hut previously used by loggers, as well as the launching point for other activities including kayaking, bushwalking, swimming and camping.
This moderately trafficked drive starts at Harry’s Hut Road, off of Cooloola Way in the Toolara Forest near Como (north of Noosa).
The drive makes its way through a range of forest types, including pine plantations, scribbly gums, paperbarks and rainforest, into the Cooloola Section of Great Sandy National Park, to the tranquil banks of the Upper Noosa River.
The drive consists of a range of rough gravel and sandy tracks and is relatively flat the entire way. There are a few small wooden bridges along the track also.
Along the drive, you’ll find the Boronia trail, a 3.6 km walk for those wishing to stretch their legs. The Cooloola Wilderness Trail also crosses the road a number of times.
At the end of the road is Harrys Hut and the day-use area. The hut was used by loggers in the mid-1900s, with a winch-and-crane set-up used to transport logs across the Noosa River.
The day-use area has toilets and picnic tables near the banks of the river, as well as a jetty on the river’s edge where you can take a refreshing dip in the warmer months.
This is also the perfect location for launching watercraft to explore the Upper Noosa River. Head downstream through The Narrows towards Fig Tree Point, or upstream to one of many camp sites on the banks of the river.
You can also set off on the Cooloola Great Walk or part of the Cooloola Wilderness Trail from here, both multi-day hikes into remote areas for experienced hikers only.
It is also possible to camp at Harry’s Hut camping area (with a permit).
Note, a vehicle access permit is not required to get to Harry’s Hut.
Difficulty: This is a beginners level drive. While a high-clearance 4WD is recommended, the sandy sections of track are typically not soft. The track is relatively flat for its entirety, with only some sections rutted out.
Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way it came. Note, while there are a number of side tracks that branch off the main drive, staying on the main track is quite obvious. Nonetheless, it is recommended that offline maps be downloaded onto your phone for navigation assistance.
getting there
The drive starts at Harry’s Hut Road, off of Cooloola Way in the Toolara Forest near Como (north of Noosa), about 2.25 hours north of Brisbane.
best time to go
The drive can be completed year-round, however like all 4WD tracks, conditions are likely to be considerably more difficult after heavy rain.
Always check the Queensland Parks website for updates on track closures.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.