Cycle or Walk: Tui-wai/Tooway Creek to Shelly Beach, Coastal Pathway

by Elaine (subscribe)

As outdoor adventurers may have read in my Golden Beach to Bells Creek cycle or walk article, the Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway stretches 73kms, all the way from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.



As I'm still very much in the 'newbie' stage of cycling, tackling small bite size sections of this mammoth pathway, feels very much more achievable, allowing me time to stop (and rest?) and to take photos of the spectacularly beautiful coastline of the region, we are fortunate to call home.



Starting our cycle at the Tui-wai/Tooway Creek boardwalk, the northern boundary of Moffat Beach, we happily discovered plenty of parking spots along the banks of the creek - perfect for unloading our new fold-ups.

'Three gently billowing monoliths in sandstone emerge from the earth like three sailboats slicing through the ocean'


According to those in the know, tall blue gums used to hug the banks of the creek, whilst cradling large nests of dead sticks. The local indigenous people knew the creek as 'Tui-wai', place of the Red-backed Sea Eagle. The creek was clean and alive with plenty of fish. Occasionally, a sand bar built up at the mouth, forming a small crystal clear lake, reflecting the tall blue gums along the banks - a spectacular spot for eagles and locals.*


This recreational cycle and walk provides adventurers with a more challenging and if possible, more scenic section of the Coastal Pathway, as it meanders around cliffs tops and alongside one of Caloundra's hidden gems, Shelly Beach. For fitness gurus, this section of the Coastal Pathway naturally provides a formidable route, with the 'ups' and 'downs' of very steep hills, adapting to the various cliff heights.



If you noticed someone pushing their electric bike UP a hill or two, it's almost guaranteed that it was yours-truly, who just couldn't fathom how to keep peddling when tackling a steep incline. In my defence, we weren't the only leisure seekers out and about, meaning: a narrower pathway for me and a considerable amount of angst, not wanting to knock a pedestrian off their feet. So, upward walking and pushing, I did!



Whether walking, jogging or cycling along this magnificent shoreline, one is continuously tempted to stop and enjoy the views; read fascinating memorial plaques; as well as delight in unusual modern pieces of artwork. On most days leisure seekers are spoilt with a cooling ocean breeze.



Shelly Beach's southern most point was our turnaround point. With public toilets, sheltered picnic areas, 'The Big Fish' Storybook seat, as well as an in-demand coffee van, it made perfect sense to take a 'breather', before our return cycle.



Activities and facilities to enjoy along this section of the Coastal Pathway?



How to get there?

Find a car park at the Tui-wai/Tooway Creek Bridge location in Kingsford Smith Parade, off Elizabeth Street in Moffat Beach. Head south towards the Eleanor Shipley Park.

We chose to end our cycle at the southern part of Shelly Beach, but eager beavers can increase the length of the walk and/or cycle by continuing onwards to the Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club at Kings Beach Park.



Aforementioned historical and geological information courtesy of an article by Stan Tutt, Sunshine Coast Daily May 29, 1987* and adapted by author.

All images courtesy of Elaine de Wet, author, unless otherwise indicated

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Why? To tackle a more challenging section of the Coastal Pathway

When: Whenever one feels the desire to take on a challenge with its ups and downs

Where: From Tui-wai/Tooway Creek to Shelly Beach, Caloundra, QLD 4551

Cost: FREE activities