History of Cooloola

An ancient history

The Cooloola region, now part of Great Sandy National Park, has a long and rich history stretching back thousands of years. Its ancient sand dunes are estimated to be between 33,000 and 45,000 years old, shaped over time by wind, rain and the sea.

Traditional owners

For thousands of years, the area was home to the Kabi Kabi people, whose traditional lands included the Cooloola Coast, the Blackall Range, Kin Kin and surrounding waterways. The region provided abundant food from forests, rivers, lakes and the coast, supporting a strong and thriving culture deeply connected to the land.

European settlement

Following European settlement in the early 1800s, the Kabi Kabi people experienced devastating loss of land, culture and population. Much of their history was poorly recorded, and many important cultural stories and traditions were lost. Today, their legacy remains through place names, shell middens, canoe trees and other cultural sites found throughout the region.

During the 1800s, Cooloola became an important timber-producing area. Large forests were cleared, and logs were transported along the Noosa River to sawmills and growing settlements. The discovery of gold in Gympie increased demand for timber and led to even greater logging activity across the region.

By the late 1800s, concerns about protecting the forests led to Cooloola being declared a Forestry Reserve. However, debates over logging, mining and development continued throughout the 20th century.

Cooloola controversy

In the 1960s and 1970s, large-scale sandmining proposals threatened the region’s unique landscapes and ecosystems. This sparked the famous “Cooloola Controversy,” a major environmental campaign led by local conservationists and community groups. Their efforts helped stop mining and played an important role in protecting Cooloola as a national park.

Protecting Cooloola for future generations

Today, Cooloola is recognised for its outstanding natural beauty, cultural heritage and environmental importance. While some areas have been changed by development, much of the region remains protected for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Many local place names still reflect the language and culture of the Kabi Kabi people, including:

• Cooloola
• Lake Cootharaba
• Tewantin
• Teewah
• Cooroy
• Cooran

The story of Cooloola is one of natural beauty, cultural significance, environmental challenges and community action. Its protection continues to depend on the care and commitment of present and future generations.

Reference: Discovering Cooloola – a complete guide & map 
by John Sinclair  1978

National Library of Australia