Boreen Point is located one hundred and sixty kilometres or two-hours' drive from Brisbane and considered one of the best relaxing camping spots for families and grey nomads as it is situated at one of Queensland's largest natural saltwater lakes,
Lake Cootharaba. The town's name comes from an Aboriginal word, referring to the pathway that led between two
bora rings.
Boreen Point Where Natures Greets the Water (Author's Photo)
Based in the
Shire of Noosa, Boreen Point is the gateway to the Upper Noosa River and is a favourite for kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, fishing or building sandcastles on the foreshore. Apart from the popular Council run Boreen Point Caravan Park, accommodation is available from local guesthouses, villas, rental homes and now at the historic Apollonian Hotel. These options can be found here and on the Apollonian Hotel Website.
Council Run Campgrounds (Author's Photo)
The
Boreen Point Caravan Park is situated in lovely bush settings with some powered and plenty of unpowered sites, camp kitchen, a self-serve laundry, septic dump point and amenities. You can hire water sports equipment from the on-site booking office, which also sells ice, ice-creams and other essentials. Although fires are permitted at times, due to the dry weather and no rain for some time, fires are banned.
Set Up for a Holiday Relaxation (Author's Photo)
The grounds are very safe for children to ride on pushbikes or scooters and if you are travelling with the family pet, dogs are allowed; however, a dog application form must be filled out prior to arrival. Adjacent to the campground is a sports and recreation area and kids of all ages will enjoy the safe sand hill BMX jumps. The sports area includes space for your dog as well, with walking tracks for everyone to enjoy.
Once you park your vehicle there is no need to use it again until you pack up for home. The Apollonian Hotel is a few hundred metres walk away and there is a well-used path from the campground to the hotel.
Historic Apollonian Hotel on a Sunday Afternoon (Author's Photo)
The
Apollonian Hotel was originally from
Gympie, where it serviced many a drinker through the Gympie Gold rush days. It was relocated to Lake Cootharaba in 1987 and now sits proudly on a hill in the lakeside town, providing a social hub for locals and visitors.
Roast Lunch, Get In Early Before Sold Out (Author's Photo)
On the weekend of my visit, the hotel was abuzz with people soaking up the sunshine, sitting on the lawns and using the picnic tables near the beer garden while enjoying the smoked roast catered meals or opting for the hotel's menu and sitting on the verandah around the colonial hotel. A small craft store was quite popular in one corner of the grounds selling unique homemade arts and crafts from local artisans. A motorcycle group were visiting that day with people hovering around to admire the quality of bikes and classy paintwork. From November to Christmas, there is talk of having local markets in the hotel grounds.
Local Artists Showcase Their Wares (Author's Photo)
Recently, hotel owners Neil, Lou & George have opened and remodelled the old back-packers accommodation to guest rooms. These rooms hail from
Maryborough, Queensland where they were once used as the old railway barracks.
Accommodation provides for budget Queen, Double, Single rooms and others with inter-joining family rooms. More information on prices and facilities of each room can be read on their website or by calling the hotel on 07 5484 3100. The Apollonian Hotel is open seven days a week catering for meals, tea, coffee, cakes and savouries. Address – 19 Laguna Street, Boreen Point.
Peaceful and Tranquil Boreen Point (Author's Photo)
To reach Boreen Point from Brisbane, you take the Noosa-Pomona exit and follow the easily directed signs to Boreen Point. If for a longer stay you need to stock up on supplies,
Pomona is only twenty minutes-drive from Boreen Point.
