Hiking & Mountain Biking at Ewen Maddock Dam

Hiking & Mountain Biking at Ewen Maddock Dam

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Posted 2020-01-08 by Roy Chambersfollow
Ewen Maddock Dam, located on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland near Landsborough, is a popular summer destination for its great picnic area and swimming beach. There are also over 20 kms of trails suitable for strolls, walks, hikes, mountain biking and horse riding. Then, of course, there is the added benefit of a swim afterwards.



About Ewen Maddock Dam

Built-in 2 stages in the 1970s and 1980s and is an integral part of South East Queensland's water supply. The dam features freshwater wetlands and even has an ornamental wetland park. The dam has other recreational facilities, with picnic facilities, swimming and kayaking at Maddock Park. The reservoir is stocked with fish and you can fish here with a licence. It also attracts walkers, mountain bikers, trail runners and horse riders.

There is not a lot of clear information about the facilities at Ewen Maddock Dam, and I can't find an official hiking map for the area except on the trails themselves. However, it is being discovered by more and more people and it is a great spot for a relaxed hike.

Walking & Hiking Ewen Maddock Dam

The main track is a 13 km return walk that starts at either Maddock Park or Gympie Street North. If you include all the side paths and loops, you can walk up to 23 kms through the bushland bordering the lake. The 13 km walk along the lakeshore is mostly flat and is clearly signposted.



Starting at Maddock Park, you follow the boardwalk and walking tracks along the shorefront until you connect up to the Main Track. This track is a shared path and will encounter horse riders and mountain bikers. Many people out for a stroll might stop there, or return via the Main Track to make a loop.



The walk goes through bushland and riparian environments, crosses 2 causeways and ends at Gympie Street North. Though you might want to stop at the end of the second causeway. The track is well signposted and there are plenty of maps. The best thing about the walk is the cool breeze off the lake will bring down the temperature even on a warm summers days.



You can also add more kilometres to the walk by doing the various loops, including the Black Loop which has the steepest paths, the Pink Loop which heads back towards the lake, the White Loop which parallels the main track, as well as the little Brown Loop. Each of the loops returns you to the main track.



At Maddock Park

There are picnic and barbecue facilities at Maddock Park, and of course, on a warmer day, there is the swimming beach where you can cool off and soak your weary muscles. It is not a huge park, but there is plenty of parking places here.



After the Walk

The nearest place to go after the walk is the town of Landsborough. The main choices here are the Landsborough Hotel, which has outstanding food at a great price, and the 3 Divas Cafe, if you are looking for coffee and cake.



Overall

Ewen Maddock Dam is popular among families looking to escape the summer heat, but few people beyond trail runners and mountain bikers explore the tracks far beyond Maddock Park. With the main track making its way along the lake and with numerous side paths, it is a great walking and hiking destination.

#day_trips
#family
#family -attractions
#nature
#outdoor
#sunshine_coast_hinterland
#swimming
#walks
%wnbrisbane
123161 - 2023-06-13 00:29:48

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