Noosa River Sandbanks

The Noosa River flows across a low-gradient coastal plain in southeast Queensland, bordered by the Cooloola sandmass to the east and sandstone hills to the west. The system includes a complex mosaic of permanent and seasonal freshwater, brackish, and saline lakes, marshes, heathlands, and estuarine wetlands. Fringing mangroves, swamp she-oak forest, and saltmarsh are prominent along the river and lake margins. Extensive intertidal flats, sedgelands, and heathlands support a diverse range of habitats. While urban development has impacted parts of the estuary, water quality remains generally high throughout the lakes and lower reaches. During flood events, broad areas of the floodplain become inundated, creating valuable temporary wetlands for waterbirds and shorebirds.

The site is of national significance for Double-banded Plover. It is a good place to also see: Eurasian Whimbrel, Pacific Golden Plover, Red-capped Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit, Sanderling.