Bits-n-bobs of historical information - Image: Elaine de Wet
Whether you're a landlubber or a water baby, Currimundi Lake has got you covered. The stunning Currimundi Lake and Surf Beach on the pristine Sunshine Coast is only one hour north of Brisbane between Caloundra and Maroochydore. The tranquil waters and golden sands of Currimundi Lake connect to the ocean at Currimundi Surf beach.
Doubly-blessed - where the lake meets the ocean - Image: Elaine de Wet
Currimundi's name was derived from the local aboriginal name for the area,
Girraman-dha, meaning 'Place of Flying Foxes'. Having the boasting rights to being doubly blessed with spectacular beaches
and the natural lake connected to a long, unspoilt stretch of surf beach, it surely deserves the accolade of being a gem in the crown of picturesque beach areas on the Sunshine Coast.
Start of our walk at Westaway Parade Boat Ramp at the Frank McIvor Park - Image: Elaine de Wet
We commenced our walk along the paved trails at Westaway Parade Boat Ramp at the Frank McIvor Park, on Gamban Esplanade, Currimundi - plenty of public parking facilities made it all too easy. Walking this route, we had the stunning lake on the one side and some very fortunate homeowners' properties on the right. The birdlife was plentiful with us managing to spot Rainbow Lorikeets, a crane, a pale-headed Rosella and even some pelicans - we won't mention the Brush Turkeys.
Posing Pelican enjoying the shallow water - Image: Elaine de Wet
This whole area lends itself to being an excellent family destination - plenty of mothers were out and about, picnicking with their little ones; shady trees on the beach meant no need to stress about leaving the umbrella at home; calm, shallow water for the littlies; plus the added bonus of heaps of sand for all that sand-castle building. The picnic areas had barbecue facilities with tables and seating, all very conducive to cooking a quick picnic brekkie while the children play in the playground. The playground area is lit until 9.00pm at night, so one can enjoy a BBQ dinner with the family at the beach too.
No need for an umbrella, picnic under the trees - Image: Elaine de Wet
We passed a couple, the gentleman was sitting in his canoe, fishing, whilst his partner was stand-up paddling around him -
love is…..doing things together. Whiting or bream are in abundance should you be lucky to catch something and not be the story-teller of the 'one that got away'.
Love is....doing things together - Image: Elaine de Wet
Perhaps a casual paddle is more up your alley, then you can follow the Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail up the lake.
Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail - Image: Elaine de Wet
Whether you're looking for a walk through the parklands, alongside the lake, with paved paths all the way, rowing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling or swimming, this is the perfect playground that caters to all these activities. No need to pack your own equipment,
Kite Thrills, is a beach hire centre right on the beach front and hires kayaks and stand-up paddle boards and at a pretty reasonable hourly rate too.
Walking or cycling, the paths take you right down to the beach - Image: Elaine de Wet
The day of our visit the tide was out and a sandy island forms in the middle of the lake - how much fun to play beach cricket here or to toss a ball with friends. We continued our walk over the dunes to the Currimundi Surf beach, which is patrolled by lifesavers on weekends and school holidays. We believe this is a popular area for sky divers to land, so please keep this in mind when setting up your beach gear - 'X marks the spot'.
Currimundi Surf Beach patrolled by lifesavers on weekends and school holidays - Image: Elaine de Wet
On the walk back we discovered
Kite Thrills Beach Espresso Cafe - the place to do all your equipment hiring - but also a very popular outlet to stop off for an iced coffee, milkshake, smoothie or light snack. One can then go and find a vantage point alongside the lake to enjoy all the goings-on.
Kite Thrills Beach Espresso Cafe - Image: Elaine de Wet
No motorised water craft or dogs are permitted on the lake - no problem, our furry family members are permitted on the walking trails with a leash.
Meet Oreo, like the biccies - Image: Elaine de Wet
On the northern shore of Lake Currimundi the area is protected from development and showcases the natural beauty of the area. The Currimundi Lake Conservation Park is an unspoilt area of coastline and wallum heath - in Spring one can see wildflowers a-plenty.
Beautiful views of the Lake - Image: Elaine de Wet
The first one hundred and thirty metres of the walking trail to the lake lookout is wheelchair-accessible. The Beach Espresso Bar even has a Beach Wheelchair which allows children and adults, free use, to access the lake and surroundings - how awesome is this? Contributions of any spare change is welcomed and goes towards the maintenance and insurance of the Beach Wheelchair.
Free use of the beach wheelchair for children and adults to enjoy the beach - Image: Elaine de Wet
For a day, a weekend or your next holiday trip, make sure Currimundi Lake and Surf Beach is on your 'to-do' list.
