Noosa Everglades: Harry's to campsite 3

Launch from the canoe landing at Harry's, the day-use area on the Upper Noosa River in the Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park, and paddle upstream. Above Harry's the river narrows and darkens, stained the colour of tea by the tannins of the paperbark and banksia country it drains, and on a still morning it holds a perfect reflection of every tree, which is why people call it the river of mirrors. The line winds north through melaleuca swamp and heath to Upper Noosa River campsite 3, with its jetties on the eastern bank. Rest there and float back down.

It is 15.8 km there and back, close to the Queensland parks service's 7.7 km each way; allow about 3½ hours in a canoe or kayak and 4½ on a paddleboard. The grade is Easy: still, sheltered water all the way, but a long day.

Harry's is reached only by a very rough four-wheel-drive sand track, which can close after heavy rain: check the park alerts. Motorboats may use the river as far as campsite 3, at no more than 6 knots and without wash; above it, only paddlers and electric motors are allowed. The campsites need booked permits if you stay. Wear a lifejacket and check the conditions before you set off.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap waterways (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.