Noosa Everglades
One of only two everglades systems in the world, with water so dark it mirrors.
Duration
6 hrs – 8 hrs
Difficulty
●●○○○
Best time
Early morning, in still weather
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The Noosa Everglades are one of only two everglades systems in the world, the other being in Florida. They occupy the upper Noosa river, inside Great Sandy national park.
The water is stained deep brown-black by tannins released by the swamp vegetation — melaleuca and ferns. That colour, combined with the absence of current, produces an almost perfect mirror: the river reflects the whole canopy. You go up it by kayak or flat-bottomed boat, on what is called the River of Mirrors.
Getting there
Departures from Elanda Point or Boreen Point, an hour's drive north of Noosa. Kayak or boat trips.
What the price covers
kayak hire or the cruise are charged; the park itself is free
What to bring
- Dry bag
- Board
Rules on site
The mirror effect only exists in dead calm, early in the morning: later the surface ripples and there is nothing to see. The water is brown but clean — it is simply loaded with tannins.
