In-the-know Australians are flocking to secret “fairy pools” located in a stunning national park near one of Queensland’s most famous beaches.
Noosa, 150 kilometres north of Brisbane, is home to two tidal pools with crystal-clear, “divine” blue waters that visitors have called the best in the country.
Perfect swimming spots are found at the Noosa National Park wildlife sanctuary, which can be found at the end of a 45-minute walk from the car park.
While the pounding waves of nearby Noosa are a popular destination for surfers, the sheltered pools offer an oasis of tranquillity carved into the rugged coastline.
The once-secret spot is now marked on Google Maps, but visitors warn that it’s easy to miss this hidden destination and that the directions read like a treasure map.
Travelers begin by following the winding coastal walk until they reach a place called Picnic Cove.
There is a bench in the cove and once you get there you will need to go off the path and pass a rope for a quick ‘scramble’ over the rocks, with the pools below.
Fans of this brightly colored swimming spot have said it’s important to time their visits to coincide with low tide, which is when the pools become accessible.
Visitors to Noosa’s ‘fairy pools’ have called the swimming experience ‘spectacular’
The famous Noosa Fairy Pools are located 150km north of Brisbane and 45km from Noosa National Park.
Others advise getting ahead of the crowds of other swimmers and arriving an hour before low tide in summer.
Those lucky enough to have been able to visit have said that floating in the serene waters is an “incredibly beautiful” experience.
“It’s the most magical place I’ve been in a long time,” one said.
“It was absolutely amazing to be right on the edge of the ocean in the pool watching the waves roll in and out, and yet somehow you were safe,” another added.
The two tidal pools are reached after a 45-minute hike through Noosa National Park, but you’ll have to venture off-trail to find them.
Although the “hidden” pools are marked on Google Maps, travelers warn that they can be difficult to locate since they are off the national park’s hiking trail.
“One of the most spectacular places to watch the sunset… a nice hike, beautiful scenery and outdoor trails, all culminating in a beautiful set of natural pools,” added a third.
Many were “keen” to find the hidden spot on their next visit to Noosa; others hoped not too many people would discover the local secret.
Sometimes you can see whales and turtles playing in the ocean, which makes the dip even more pleasant.
Swimmers lucky enough to visit the fairy pools when no one else was present said the experience was “unforgettable”.
“It’s like the world has created a swimming pool just for you,” one said.