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.

We started our cycle at the Tui-wai/Tooway Creek boardwalk
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.

Tui-wai/Tooway Creek is a wildlife haven
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'

'Sails' by Angel Buj-Casanoves 1999
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.*

The Coastal Pathway makes impressive use of the shoreline and views
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.

"Queen of the Colonies"
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!

The views really are spectacular!
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.

A caffeine fix before the return journey?
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.

One of the 10 Storybook Seats scattered around the Sunshine Coast
Activities and facilities to enjoy along this section of the Coastal Pathway?
Suitable for walking and recreational cycling
Undercover picnic areas and BBQs
The all-important coffee van

Playgrounds, fearless fauna and the essential coffee van ...
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.

Views nearly forever ...
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