The Noosa River in Queensland, Australia, flows through the Great Sandy National Park and connects a series of lakes — Lake Weyba, Lake Cooroibah, and Lake Cootharaba — before reaching the coast near Noosa Heads. The river system divides broadly into two distinct paddling environments: the lower tidal section near Noosaville and Noosa Marina, and the upper freshwater reaches known as the Noosa Everglades, located roughly 25–30 minutes' drive north of Noosa township.

The upper river is accessed primarily from Elanda Point or Boreen Point on Lake Cootharaba, with a canoe launch area and car park at Elanda Point. From there, paddlers cross Lake Cootharaba (approximately 7 km to Kinaba) before entering the Upper Noosa River. The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service provides a mapped series of campsites numbered 1 through 15 along the upper river, with distances between key points well documented: Kinaba to Fig Tree Point is 2 km, Fig Tree Point to Harry's Hut is 5 km, and Harry's Hut to Campsite 1 is 3.5 km. Multi-day trips are possible using these designated campsites. Campfires are prohibited throughout the area. Paddlers are advised to wear life jackets at all times and to stay close to riverbanks to avoid powerboats, which have limited manoeuvrability in the channel. Strong winds can make lake crossings difficult, and morning paddling is recommended to avoid afternoon wind.

The upper river narrows into a section called "the Narrows" or "River of Mirrors," where the water is so still it reflects the surrounding vegetation. The banks are a mix of swampy grassland, subtropical forest, and patches of rainforest, with banksia and tea-tree (Melaleuca) prominent. Tannins from tea-tree leaves stain the water a deep brown. The Noosa Biosphere, which encompasses this area, supports more than 40 percent of Australia's bird species, including black-necked storks (Jabiru). The water in the upper reaches is fresh and described as therapeutic due to its tea-tree content.

The lower river near Noosaville is more developed, with guided kayak tours operating from Noosa Marina. This section includes small islands such as Goat Island, mangroves, and residential waterfront areas. Informal sandy boat ramps exist on both the north and south shores near the river mouth, with the south-side ramp being free to use. The lakes in the upper system are noted as relatively shallow, and staying between navigation markers is advised for motorised vessels.