🔍

Cootharaba

QLD 4565 • Queensland

866
Population (2021)
N/A
Median Personal Income
65.73 km²
Area
N/A
Median Rent
RuralBushlandLakesideSemi-RuralPeaceful
Advertisement

About Cootharaba

Cootharaba is a low-density rural locality in the Shire of Noosa on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, situated approximately 161 kilometres north of Brisbane and around 18 kilometres north-north-west of the tourist hub of Tewantin. Covering over 65 square kilometres, the locality had a 2021 Census population of 866 people, reflecting its scattered, acreage-style settlement pattern. Median household incomes are modest at approximately $38,378, and residents are typically drawn by the appeal of a quiet hinterland lifestyle close to the natural beauty of the Noosa region.

The locality sits alongside the southern shores of Lake Cootharaba, the largest lake in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, which offers superb fishing, kayaking, and access to the Noosa Everglades for those who enjoy the outdoors. The nearby township of Pomona, about 16 kilometres to the south-west, provides basic shopping and services, while the towns of Noosa Heads and Tewantin are within easy reach for more comprehensive amenities. Cootharaba appeals strongly to nature lovers and those seeking large residential blocks surrounded by bushland and waterways.

Cootharaba falls under postcode 4565 and is governed by the Noosa Council (Local Government Area). For federal elections, residents vote in the electorate of Longman, while state elections fall under the Noosa electorate.

📍 Location

State
Queensland
Postcode
4565
Urban Area
N/A
LGA / Council
Noosa
Federal Electorate
Longman
State Electorate
Noosa
Type
Locality
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-26.16°, 153.04°
Statistical Area
N/A
Area
65.73 km²
Population Density
13 /km²
Elevation
0m

📣 Ad

💰 Income

ATO taxable income Postcode 4565

Median taxable income for individual taxpayers in postcode 4565, comparing the 2019–20 and 2023–24 financial years.

Median 2019–20
$38,378
Median 2023–24
$47,639
▲ 24.1% increase
Average taxable income (2023–24)
$63,228

Source: ATO Taxation Statistics 2023–24, Individuals Table 8 (median & average taxable income by postcode). Covers all individuals who lodged a return in postcode 4565; postcodes with fewer than 200 lodgments are suppressed by the ATO.

🚌 Transport & Commute

Nearest Train Stations

Cooroy
24 km
N/A (drive only)

Bus Services

  • Translink local services via Noosa/Cooroy — Tewantin / Cooroy Variable — limited services

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
161 km
By Train
No direct service; drive to Cooroy station (~24 km) then train to Brisbane (~2 hr)
By Car (Peak)
1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min
By Car (Off-Peak)
1 hr 40 min – 2 hr

🛣️ Car essential; closest town is Pomona (~16 km) and Tewantin (~18 km) for services

Walkability Almost All Errands Require a Car

A car is essential for all daily errands; no walkable retail or services within the locality

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
0
Census 2021
866
▲ 0% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021

🚔 Crime Statistics LGA-wide

These are the latest rates for the Noosa Local Government Area, which contains Cootharaba. Rates are per 100,000 residents for calendar year 2025; trends compare 2 and 10 year periods.

Break & enter (dwelling)
212.7 / 100k
2yr Down 39.2% 10yr Down 34.1%
Motor vehicle theft
144.5 / 100k
2yr Down 34.1% 10yr Stable
Non-FV assault
360.5 / 100k
2yr Down 21.2% 10yr Up 63.4%
Robbery (unarmed)
6.6 / 100k
2yr Down 51.5% 10yr —
Steal from vehicle
262.5 / 100k
2yr Stable 10yr Down 25.9%
View all offence categories for Noosa →

Source: Queensland Police Service via data.qld.gov.au

📣 Ad

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cootharaba known for? +

Cootharaba is best known for its stunning position alongside Lake Cootharaba, the largest lake in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. The area is popular with nature lovers for fishing, kayaking, and access to the Noosa Everglades waterway system.

How far is Cootharaba from Brisbane CBD? +

Cootharaba is approximately 161 kilometres north of Brisbane CBD, making it around a 1 hour 45 minute to 2 hour drive depending on traffic and route taken.

Does Cootharaba have public transport? +

Public transport in Cootharaba is very limited. There is no rail service; the nearest train station is Cooroy, approximately 24 kilometres away. A car is essential for getting around.

What is the population of Cootharaba? +

According to the 2021 Census, Cootharaba has a population of 866 residents spread across over 65 square kilometres, giving it one of the lowest population densities in the Noosa Shire.

Is Cootharaba a good place to live? +

Cootharaba suits those seeking a peaceful, nature-focused rural lifestyle close to the Noosa region's lakes and waterways. It is best suited to residents who are comfortable with rural living, car dependency, and travelling to nearby towns like Pomona and Tewantin for daily services.

What is the postcode for Cootharaba? +

The postcode for Cootharaba is 4565, which it shares with several other nearby localities in the Noosa Shire including Boreen Point and Ringtail Creek.

Is Cootharaba a safe area? +

Crime statistics are recorded at the Local Government Area level. Cootharaba is part of the Noosa LGA — see the Crime Statistics section on this page for the latest recorded offence rates per 100,000 residents, along with 2-year and 10-year trends.