Noosa History & Heritage

Noosa is the traditional land of the Kabi Kabi people, and its heritage includes many thousands of years of First Nations history, through the arrival of non-Indigenous people to the present day.

Noosa Council, through the Heritage Library, plays a significant role in collecting, interpreting and preserving this heritage to connect our community and visitors with Noosa’s past, and to inform current and future generations.

To discover more of Noosa’s history:

  • Explore Heritage with Noosa Libraries
  • Explore a Timeline of Noosa’s history
  • Explore Heritage Noosa, Noosa Council’s online digital library
  • Visit the Noosa Museum at 29 Factory Street, Pomona. Run by dedicated volunteers from the Cooroora Historical Society, the museum is in the former Noosa Shire Council Chambers – a local heritage-listed building.

Built Heritage

Many of our towns have retained significant numbers of heritage houses and businesses, including many unique ‘Queenslanders’, early hotels and industrial places that demonstrate the built heritage of the region.

The Noosa Council LGA has ten State heritage listed properties, including Cooroy’s Lower Mill Site Boiler House and Kilns which is a Council owned and managed property - open to the public daily. See below for further information on each of the Queensland Heritage Register sites.

Alfredson's Sawmill

Alfredson's Sawmill,
Pre-cut HouseWorkshop
and Joinery Complex
Cooroy Lower Mill
Cooroy Lower Mill
Site Boiler House
and Kiln  
Cooroora Masonic Temple
The former Cooroora
Masonic Temple
Cooroy Railway Station
Cooroy Railway Station
Halse Lodge

Halse Lodge
Kin Kin Sawmill
Kin Kin Sawmill
Majestic Theatre Pomona

Majestic Theatre
Noosa River Caravan Park

Noosa River Caravan Park
Mill Point Settlement

Mill Point Settlement
Police Station Pomona

Pomona Police Precinct

 

Protection and promotion of local heritage properties

In addition to the Queensland Heritage Register, Noosa Plan 2020 lists 63 Local Heritage Places and identifies character areas in Cooroy, Pomona and Cooran. Noosa Plan 2020 provides the statutory protection and development advice for heritage items and heritage character areas.

Noosa Plan 2020

A Local Heritage Review was undertaken by Council between 2019-2024 in response to an identified need by Council’s heritage and strategic planning staff, changing community expectations, increasing development pressures, and a condition from State government as part of the process of review and adoption of The Noosa Plan 2020.

Noosa Council’s Local Heritage Register sits within the heritage overlay provision of The Noosa Plan 2020 (see Table 8.2.7.4). Following the heritage review, recommendations are being developed for planning scheme amendments which will update the Noosa Plan 2020 heritage overlays and character area provisions, include additional heritage items and provide guidelines for development in character areas.

Heritage Trails

The towns of Cooroy, Pomona and Tewantin have signposted heritage walks. Download the trail walk guides from Noosa Libraries or pick up a copy at a Noosa Libraries branch, Noosa Museum, Parkyn Hut or Noosa Council Customer Service.

Heritage Advice

Noosa Council has a Heritage Advisor available for limited free consultation by appointment. The Heritage Advisor can provide advice relating to built heritage and to heritage character areas. Please email  for discussion or to arrange an appointment.

Heritage Levy

Noosa Council demonstrates its awareness and commitment to the heritage of the region through collection of a heritage levy. The key aims of the levy are to:

  • Preserve and protect the tangible and intangible history and cultural heritage of the Shire, including Indigenous heritage;
  • Implement heritage programs and projects across the Shire;
  • Identify, document, and record the history and cultural heritage of the Shire including its oral history, social history, built heritage, natural heritage, landscape heritage, and historical collections;
  • Increase community awareness of and access to Noosa’s heritage;
  • Establish and foster partnerships that have the capacity to enhance the preservation of heritage facilities and resources.

Heritage Levy Policy(PDF, 162KB)  

Heritage Reference Group

The Noosa Heritage Reference Group provides input and advice to Council on heritage related matters. The Group includes community group representatives and Council’s heritage staff.

Heritage Enquiries

For heritage library queries, including local history, complete the online form or phone (07) 5239 6199

For built heritage queries including heritage building advice, email or phone (07) 5329 6240

 

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