Gyndier Drive
Gyndier Drive was originally the main road into Noosa from Cooroy before the modern highway was built. Today, it’s a popular recreational trail and key location for two major events: the Noosa Hill Climb, a 1.5 km motorsport event with 14 corners held twice a year, and the Noosa Triathlon, where it forms the notable “Garmin Hill” climb on the bike leg. Closed to vehicles year-round, it’s now used by walkers and cyclists enjoying the scenic bushland.
Historical Significance of Gyndier Drive
- Originally part of the old main road entering Noosa from Cooroy, Gyndier Drive was the primary access route before newer highway realignments were built (Noosa Today).
- As motor traffic shifted to the modern Cooroy–Noosa Road, Gyndier Drive fell into disuse—becoming overgrown and occasionally used for waste dumping—until local car enthusiasts saw potential in 1996 (Noosa Today).
From Neglect to Motorsport Icon — The Noosa Hill Climb
- In 1996, Rob van Wegen drove up the neglected Gyndier Drive and envisioned a motorsport event on the route (Noosa Today).
- Following community and council support, the road was rehabilitated, cleaned up, and upgraded. A 1 km section initially hosted events, which expanded to the current 1.5 km hill climb featuring 14 challenging corners through national park bushland (Noosa Today).
- Today, the Noosa Hill Climb is held twice a year (Winter in June, Summer in November), drawing historic car lovers and competitors from across Australia. Spectator areas, seating, and shuttle services along Gyndier Drive make it a fan-friendly motorsport spectacle (Noosa Today).
Gyndier Drive on the Noosa Triathlon Route
- In the annual Garmin Noosa Triathlon, Gyndier Drive is nicknamed “Garmin Hill”—a key climb approximately 10 km into the 40 km bike course (TriMonkey).
- The undulating route starts in Noosa’s town centre, passes along Gympie Terrace, then onto Gyndier Drive—where riders encounter this scenic, forested ascent before continuing onto Cooroy–Noosa Road (TriMonkey).
- It’s a serene yet mentally tough stretch—quiet forest surrounds, no spectators, and an opportunity to catch your breath and soak in the bushland before the rest of the ride (Trizone).