Cooroy and Surrounds

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Walking down the main street of Cooroy in Queensland immerses you in the feeling of country town friendliness and a history founded on timber and dairy. Unfortunately, both those industries no longer support the town, yet the town's income is now coming from the tourism developed from the knowledge of the town's past.



The land around the old Butter Factory is now home to residential living and the former mill area is now called Cooroy Lower Mill Site . This site is now home to the Cooroy Library and parklands where many festivals are held, such as the recent Australian Body Art Festival .



The old butter factory building is home to the Butter Factory Arts Centre and is quite fitting for the artistic talents on display in the exhibitions and workshops provided within. A list of current and past exhibitions and forthcoming workshops can be found on their website. The mezzanine level can be hired as an art studio space with access to the space on set days. A very creative shop is at the rear of the building with interesting creations from various artists.

Only four kilometres from Cooroy on Lake Macdonald Drive you will come across the Noosa Botanic Gardens . The gardens were originally farm land before the Council resumed the site in the late 1950s to create not only the gardens but also the Lake Macdonald water supply.



The gardens can be hired for events and weddings and approval for this is made through the Council. A large Greek style amphitheatre overlooks Lake Macdonald; the lake making an awesome backdrop for any event held there.

The gardens are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week but the Fern House is only open from Monday to Friday. Dogs are allowed in the gardens, however they must be on a lead.



Adjacent to the entry into the gardens is Lake Macdonald Park which is run by Seqwater . Times for opening vary slightly between summer and winter yet there is enough daylight to enjoy the picnic area, fishing, canoeing and boating options available. A full list of permitted activities can be read on their website.



Another beautiful hideaway is Boreen Point on the shores of Lake Cootharaba. Lake Cootharaba is the largest lake in the Noosa River and is a great fishing spot for everyone who visits. Only 27.8 kilometres from Cooroy, Boreen Point is a retiree's dream with a well-known sailing club and sought after caravan park , especially in holiday season. The park is situated right on the water's edge and is available for long-term camping and day picnic travellers. A track leading up hill from the park takes you to The Apollonian Hotel where locals and travellers meet for scrumptious meals which can be served either in the dining room or outside under the colonial style verandah awnings.



An excursion to the area would not be complete without visiting the Sunday markets at the Noosa Marina near Tewantin. Tewantin is just fourteen minutes from Cooroy and the southward gateway to Noosa. The markets have been going for many years with some businesses also there as long. Each time I visit there is something new and exciting to tempt me.



After wandering around the markets there is nothing better than ending your shopping with morning tea. With that in mind, I chose Chocol'arte Café which not only provided a lovely cup of Cappuccinno with soy but also a gluten free friand as dessert. Chocol'arte Café is more than just your ordinary coffee house with homewares, artworks, varied assortment of bite sized handmade chocolates and gift ideas to look at or purchase while there.



Cooroy is a great place to start your weekend escape and as it is in close proximity to Tewantin, Boreen Point and the Noosa Botanical Gardens, a very enjoyable time away was had while becoming acquainted with new places and adventures.

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