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Ten Places to Kayak on the Sunshine Coast

Home > Sunshine Coast > Adventure | Boating | Day Trips | Fun Things To Do | Lakes | Lists
by Elaine (subscribe)
Impromptu adventuring, exploring our backyard and then putting pen to paper, hoping to entice you to try one, if not all, of our escapades, is my true reward!
Published January 3rd 2017
Traverse The Hidden Natural Beauty Of Waterways
Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Allow the sounds of nature to embrace you - Image: Pixabay CCO Public Domain


Peace and tranquillity…the only sound…your paddle slicing through the calm water as your kayak glides quietly along the glassy surface of a winding river. If kayaking in the wilderness, embracing the sounds of nature is your idea of heaven, these ten kayaking destinations are sure to get you on your way.

🚣‍♀️ 1. Noosa Everglades

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Noosa Everglades - Image: www.visitnoosa.com.au


The still, peaceful waters of the Noosa Everglades provides a serene and beautiful experience in one of the most spectacular waterways of the Sunshine Coast. These waters wind through wild natural landscape allowing paddlers to get up close and personal with all the native flora and fauna that make South East Queensland such a unique destination.

Listen for the chorus of cicadas while the fish leap out of the water, breaking the mirror-like waters all around you, giving you a truly meaningful insight into what makes Noosa and its surrounds so special.

🚣 2. Mudjimba Island aka Old Woman Island

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Old Woman Island - Image: Elaine de Wet


If you would rather experience a bit of ocean spray on your kayaking trips, why not paddle over to the Old Woman Island from Mudjimba Beach. Once you've negotiated the waves, you can usually expect a gentle paddle to the Island and with a little bit of wind, can make for a real fun trip.

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Stunning Mudjimba - Image: Elaine de Wet


You'll not only get up close and personal with Old Woman Island, you'll also experience an ocean teeming with marine life. Paddlers adventuring in this section of water are treated to sights of jellyfish, turtles and sometimes, dolphins. If you're really onto a winning streak during the whale migration season, humpback whales might be spotted too.

🚣 3. Bribie Island

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Try an easy paddle from Golden Beach to Bribie - Image: Elaine de Wet


Planning a picnic after a good paddle? Why not be adventurous and paddle from Golden Beach over to Bribie Island. This is a fun and easy paddle across to Bribie, so ideal if you're planning on taking the children with on this excursion. Once reaching Bribie Island, paddle along the shore and explore the coastline, go fishing or set up your beach picnic.

A fantastic adventure on a sunny day and Bribie Island is a great place to while a few hours away, playing games with the children or relaxing in the sun before paddling back to Golden Beach.

🚣 4. Sunshine Cove Lakes

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Just you and nature - Image: Pixabay CCO Public Domain


The Sunshine Cove Lakes are a superb area for inland residents as well as being a new addition to the waterways of the Sunshine Coast. Boasting twenty-five hectares of lake and wetland, it's the perfect spot for beginners or those out for a relaxing paddle away from the sea spray and strong currents.

Sunshine Cove is just off the Sunshine Motorway and not far from the Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore. The lakes are very popular with residents and locals, all taking advantage of the spectacular surrounds.

🚣 5. Currimundi Lake

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Heaven for kayakers - Image: Elaine de Wet


I've only done the Currimundi Lake from a walker's perspective but judging from the amount of kayakers I saw on the Lake, feel sure that Currimundi Lake is a paddler's heaven! You can follow the Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail for a sheltered six kilometre paddle through urban and bushland areas fringed with paperbarks and she-oaks. The creek provides a serene haven for wildlife and paddlers and is ideal for newbie paddlers and family groups as it's a very easy area to navigate your way through the sheltered waters.

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Currimundi Canoe Trail - Image: Elaine de Wet


There are three launching canoe facilities:-

Noel Burns Park
Turn right into Piringa Street from Nicklin Way, left into Pimpala Street and right into Mulloka Esplanade. The canoe launching area is at the end of Mulloka Esplanade;

Crummunda Park
Turn right into Gayandi Street from Nicklin Way, right into Mandara Drive and left into Coongarra Esplanade. The parking area and canoe launching area is at the junction of Coongarra Esplanade and Bareki Street; and

Frank McIvor Park
Turn right into Gannawarra Street from Nicklin Way, left into Lara Street and right into Westaway Parade. Frank McIvor Park has parking and a canoe launching area.

🚣 6. Lake Baroon

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Even on a cloudy day, Lake Baroon is magnificent - Image: Elaine de Wet


Lake Baroon is positioned between Maleny and Montville in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Paddlecraft are permitted on Lake Baroon with two designated launch points:-

Northern Recreation Area (Narrows Road, Montville); and
Southern Recreation Area (Baroon Pocket Road, Maleny)

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Visitor information at Lake Baroon - Image: Elaine de Wet


The ramps are open seven days a week from 6.00am to 6.00pm.

After a blissful day on the water, why not pop into Secrets on the Lake for a meal - a beautiful venue overlooking Lake Baroon.

🚣 7. Lake MacDonald

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Kayaker at Lake MacDonald - Image: Elaine de Wet


Lake MacDonald is located near Cooroy on the Sunshine Coast. Paddle craft are permitted on Lake MacDonald and with a catchment area of 49km2 provides plenty of water for kayakers to get some action. There are three designated launching points on Lake MacDonald:-

* Lake Macdonald Park (Lake Macdonald Drive)
* Mary River Cod Park (Collwood Road)
* Jabiru Park (Grange Road) – paddle craft only

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Lake MacDonald - Image: Elaine de Wet


With the Noosa Botanic Gardens adjacent to Lake MacDonald Park, why not make a family day of it - a bit of kayaking, picnicking and barbecuing.

Acknowledgement to The Kabi Kabi people as the original owners and custodians of the land and water around Lake Macdonald.

🚣 8. Ewen Maddock Dam

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Fantastic outdoor recreational facilities at Ewen Maddock Dam - Image: Elaine de Wet


We came across Ewen Maddock Dam purely by accident, when out ad-hoc adventuring and what a truly spectacular spot it is. Only non-motorised craft are permitted on the dam which ensures kayakers can relax and enjoy the ambience of this serene area.

Plenty of water to paddle with the Ewen Maddock Dam measuring 660 metres in length across Addlington Creek. With a range of outdoor recreational facilities available for you and your family to enjoy (including our furry members, on a leash), this is definitely a spot to bookmark.

Need to cool down after a paddle, there's even a designated swimming area at Maddock Park.

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Pristine spot to kayak - Image: Elaine de Wet


The status of traditional owners as the original owners and custodians of the land and water around Ewen Maddock Dam is acknowledged.

🚣 9. Lake Cootharaba

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Image: Pixabay CCO Public Domain


Lake Cootharaba is the largest lake on the Noosa River and is the perfect spot to go sailing, kite surfing and paddling. This lake is part of the Noosa River system that leads to the gateway to the upper Noosa River, the Everglades and the Great Sandy National Park.

Enjoy paddling in a pristine, untouched natural environment that is home to an array of spectacular wildlife.

🚣 10. Dunethin Lake

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Bli Bli's well-kept secret, Dunethin Lake - Image: Elaine de Wet


Dunethin Lake is Bli Bli's well-kept secret, a small inlet on the southern side of the Maroochy River. The Maroochy River Canoe Trail is approximately thirty kilometres long with the upper reaches of the Trail commencing at Lake Dunethin. From the trail paddlers have the choice to paddle north to George Best Park or south to Coolum Creek, the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary and Mangrove Islands into the lower reaches of the Maroochy River.

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Views from Dunethin Rock - Image: Elaine de Wet


A family day out here will be perfect with picnic tables, a jetty and boat ramp all available. In addition, there's Dunethin Rock for the more adventurous in the family, who might be keen to scramble up this humungous Rhyolite rock. Dunethin Rock is the dominant feature of this area offering panoramic views from the Blackall Ranges to the coast.

Kayaking on the Sunshine Coast, peace, tranquillity, Noosa Everglades, Old Woman Island, Mudjimba, Bribie Island, Golden Beach, Sunshine Cove Lakes, Currimundi Lake, Crummunda Park, Frank McIvor Park, Lake Baroon, Maleny, Montville, Sunshine Coast hinterland, Lake Macdonald, Cooroy, Noosa Botanic Gardens, Ewen Maddock Dam, Lake Cootharaba, Dunethin Lake, Dunethin Rock
Kayaking rates amongst the best of activities on the Sunshine Coast - Image: Pixabay CCO Public Domain


When it comes to Sunshine Coast activities kayaking rates amongst the best. Kayaking is an excellent way to exercise, sightsee, nature watch and traverse the hidden natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast and its waterways. Grab your kayak and get out there and allow the sounds of nature to embrace you.
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Why? Kayaking is an excellent way to exercise, sightsee, nature watch and traverse the hidden natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast and its waterways
When: Any day of the week
Where: Sunshine Coast surrounds
Cost: Free to kayak
Your Comment
Congrats on your gold! Such beautiful photos too :)
by Sue W (score: 3|1798) 2358 days ago
Great article Elaine, I learn so much reading them!
by Brooke. A. R (score: 2|405) 2358 days ago
So many great places Elaine! Never realised Bribie was so close.
by Barry (score: 3|3279) 2357 days ago
Such stunning photos in this article, it's gorgeous.
by Former Writer (score: 3|1221) 2332&nb