Cooloola National Park Vehicle Access Permits

Vehicle permits are required to drive along the beach from north of the north head of the Noosa River to Middle Rocks south-east of Rainbow Beach, inland along the Freshwater track between Bymien and the beach, the Kings Bore Circuit track (locally known as Pettigrew Road and the eastern and western firebreaks) and the Leisha track.

Permits are NOT required to access Inskip Point or for the beach from Rainbow Beach township to Middle Rock, the Cooloola Way, the 4WD track to Poverty Point, and the 3km unsealed Freshwater track from Rainbow Beach road turnoff to Bymien picnic area. About 2.5 km of beach between the First Cutting and Third Cutting on southern Teewah Beach will be a vehicle-free area.

Domestic animals are excluded from the national park and most beaches within the Cooloola Recreation Area.

Vehicle Permits:

• One-day pass for $15 (or $10 online)
• 7 day pass $25
• Monthly pass $39.35
• Yearly pass $197.20.

Vehicle access permits are available 24 hours a day seven days a week online at www.qld.gov.au/camping or by phoning 13 74 68, or during business hours at DERM's head office at 400 George St Brisbane, Great Sandy Information Centre at Tewantin, QPWS Rainbow Beach office, the Shell Garage Rainbow Beach, Manta-Ray Barge Rainbow Beach, and Rainbow Beach IGA. 

Rainbow Beach Triathlon 2011

The weekend of 3 and 4 September 2011 will see the launch of a unique triathlon event – the Goldcross Cycles Rainbow Beach Triathlon. The weekend offers triathletes the opportunity to race an Olympic distance triathlon over two days by completing 2 x ‘sprint distance’ events of 750m swim/20km ride/5km run in consecutive days.

This event has something for everyone. For the younger members of the family, the Active Kids Triathlon will enable them to ‘compete’ in their own, age appropriate event. The fun and friendly format of the Active Kids Triathlon is participation focused, with all competitors receiving a specially minted medallion and cap as they complete their race. For those who are a little older (14 years +) or young at heart and would like to have a go at a triathlon themselves, there will be the Active First Timers event.

The weekend comprises of:

Saturday 3 September 2011

·         Race 1: 750m/20km/5km

·         Active Kids Triathlon (race run in age groups)

·         Active First Timers Triathlon

Sunday 4 September 2011

·         Race 2: 750m/20km/5km

Gympie Music Muster 2011

A phenomenal experience, held over 6 action-packed days and nights, set in one of Queensland's most beautiful and normally peaceful National State Parks, the Optus Gympie Music Muster honors the true spirit of Country Australia.

Amamoor Creek Sate Forest Park, located just outside of Historical Gympie, creates a picturesque home site for one of Australia's largest outdoor Music Festival, entrenched in community spirit far removed from ties, clocks, suits and schedules. Thousands of festival goers are attracted every year by the smorgasbord of diverse programs rich with our country's finest musicians, the bush land setting laced with inviting whiffs of campfire cooking and fresh bush eucalypt, the easy camaraderie created by companionable patrons all set to simply enjoy themselves, "there are no strangers at the Muster, only friends you haven't met yet"

As well as traditional and modern country music, entertainment within 10 venues and 8 bars include an aural collage ranging from folk, bluegrass, balladeers, the gospel, blues, bush poetry, clogging, line dancing, music industry forums, a celebrity guest debate and the momentous competition of the Maton Talent Search where future careers are established.

Mary Valley Country Show, Rodeo & Woodchop

This year on 20th of August, Mary Valley Show Society hosts its annual show at the Imbil Showgrounds, Imbil in the picturesque Mary Valley, just west of Noosa and in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
In less than an hour from as far south as Caloundra, you can be joining in on the days festivities from 8am.

A full programme of rodeo timed events start the day, attracting a large number of competitors. You can be sure of thrills and spills for everyone. The Mary Valley Rodeo, NRA affiliated, is now one of the largest in Sth East Qld.

Ring events commence at 8.00 am with showjumping, led classes, hack classes and junior riding classes. Novelty events after the ring events finish are always very popular and attract many competitors.

The annual Woodchop Event is a major draw on showday. This attracts competitors from far and near. It is quite a coup to win at the Mary Valley Wood Chop Event.

The Show Pavillion is packed to the rafters with produce displays, school childrens art and writing skills are beautifully presented. Craft, cooking, horticulture and hobby competitions ensure that there is plenty for all to see.
Outside, Side Show Ally is brimming with rides and fun for all ages.
Market stalls, vintage cars and machinery, static displays, cottage craft, jewellery and ornaments and other displays that include live animals such as reptiles, farm animals, animal nursery to name a few fill the grounds to capacity.

There is always a fantastic choice of food and beverages and a licenced bar till late. The Strawberries and Cream stall featuring fresh fruit salad as well, is a must for everyone.

Live Entertainment starts with the 2nd Wind Orchestra at lunchtime near the Hall. Enjoy their music while you lunch under the marquee. Evening entertainment starts from 5.pm with the locally popular Duke Wilde Band supported by other local bands and artists. Listen to Duke Wilde and his band who will feature at the Gympie Music Muster this year, before they travel to the USA to perform there.

7.30pm sees the major fireworks display that is annual feature of the show. Definately not to be missed.

Kybong Rock & Mineral Fest

Every August, collectors, fossickers, friends and families gather for the 'Rockfest'. This is three days of fun for all those interested in our great hobby. 

Be sure to come and visit this year from 5-7 August. 

Entry is free to this fun filled three day event. Buy & sell rocks, gems, minerals, opals, fossils & much more from all over the World.

Food, cake stalls and entertainment throughout the day with demonstrations. 

Camping on site or at nearby caravan parks or motels. A weekend of food, fun and friendship!

Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic

Rainbow Beach Family Fishing Classic has prizes galore for everyone, in fact over AUD100,000 in cash and fantastic prizes. 

What an excuse for a holiday in one of the most pristine places on earth and anyone can participate! All people who would like to try, or already enjoy, the basic pleasures of salt water fishing, in particular families that want an excuse to holiday and enjoy their favourite family recreational activity. It includes a holiday program containing live entertainment, sporting activities, a carnival atmosphere and things to do regardless of weather conditions. 

There are three categories of fishing - Beach, Reef and Jew which includes a Big Fish species in the Reef category. Check out the web site for more details.

Mary Valley Art Festival

The Mary Valley Art Festival uses the theme 'helping hands' to celebrate the unbridled friendship, strength and demonstration of community spirit displayed in the face of mass devastation during recent natural disasters.

The festival continues to grow in quality with artist participation, painting sales and consequently public attendance. Organisers expect to maintain record participation with a festival prize pool totalling over AUD5,000.00. Generous sponsorship has enabled the addition of a new section called "Natural Flora" which has been introduced to allow the study of flora in its natural environment, as opposed to the static study of "Still Life".

The festival opens on Thursday 7 July with a wine and cheese gala event from 6.00 p.m., followed by viewing until Sunday 10 July. The People's Choice Awards are held on Sunday from 2.00 p.m.