Lake Cootharaba is Queensland's largest natural lake, stretching roughly 10–12 kilometres long and up to 5 kilometres wide, yet averaging less than a metre in depth.

Sitting on the Noosa River system about 30 minutes from Noosa Heads, it serves as the primary gateway to Australia's only everglades system and the Great Sandy National Park.

Its shallow, broad waters make it a popular destination for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, and the lake's southern entrance is a noted fishing spot for mangrove jack, bream, flathead, and trevally.

Elanda Point and Boreen Point on the lake's shores are the main car-accessible launch points for paddlers heading north into the upper Noosa River and the Noosa Everglades.

The surrounding bushland and waterways support abundant native wildlife, including kangaroos and diverse birdlife along the lake's edge.