Family paddles are the best!
No matter the season, the Sunshine Coast's awesome
'beautiful one day, perfect the next' climate is an invitation to paddle any time of the year. Plan your next water adventure with a scenic paddle down one of our local streams, creeks or rivers or, for the more adventurous, ride an ocean wave at one of our spectacular local beaches.
Ride an ocean wave ...
2.4km circuit
Suitability : An easy paddle suitable for beginners and families
The Currimundi Lake Short Paddle is perfect for entry-level paddlers or for those who have busy lifestyles and are short on time … offering a tranquil paddle with native trees along the Currimundi Creek to the lake entrance and back.
A short paddle, perfect for beginners and families
The sheltered waters of Currimundi Lake offer an easy to navigate waterway for canoes,
kayaks and
paddle board adventurers. For newbies looking for something achievable, the short paddle is ideal and paddlers simply head downstream to the Lake entrance. The calm Currimundi Lake is usually protected from the wind and offers beginners and families a safe, clean paddle experience.
For the more adventurous and energetic,
Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail offers an approximate six kilometre paddle through urban and bushland areas. The creek provides a peaceful haven for wildlife and canoeists.
Currimundi Lake Canoe Trail image at Westaway Parade launch ramp
Whilst paddling, nature lovers will be spoilt for choice with a variety of native flora along the banks that include the Pink Bloodwood, Coastal and Wallum Banksia, Black She-Oak, Broad-leaf Paperback, the Apple Berry Vine plus the vibrant cerise flowers of the Purple Tongue. Paddlers may be fortunate and catch a glimpse of Glossy-black Cockatoos in the She-Oaks or spot a honeyeater or two in the Banksias. White-faced Herons, Royal Spoonbills and pelicans can usually be seen in the lagoon area.
Currimundi Lake is a fabulous family destination with undercover
picnic facilities and BBQ's on the foreshore of the lake. Families can enjoy walking or biking along the coastal pathways where
dogs, on a leash, are permitted too.
Families love the safe, sheltered waters of Currimundi Lake
On the south side of Currimundi Lake, Gamban Esplanade has a launching ramp, in an area where it is usually easier to find a parking spot as it is further away from the beach. Frank McIvor Park, along Westaway Parade, also has parking and a canoe launching area.
On the north side, water craft can be launched at Noel Burns Park, at the end of Mulloka Esplanade or at Crummunda Park, where the parking and canoe launching area will be found at the junction of Coongarra Esplanade and Bareki Street.
Paddle downstream towards the Lake entrance at Currimundi Beach and return to your starting launch point.
Our leashed furry pals are permitted in certain areas in and around Currimundi Lake
Currimundi Lake can be reached from the north or south, by driving along Nicklin Way.
Tip: Currimundi Lake is a very popular recreational spot, so make sure to get out early, to avoid the crowds.
🛶 Maroochy River Canoe Trail : George Best Park to River Junction Paddle
3.9km one way
Suitability : Ideal for all level kayakers
The Maroochy River Trail is about thirty kilometres long with the upper reaches of the Trail commencing at
Dunethin Lake. From the trail head, paddlers have the option 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.
Paddle the upper most section of the Maroochy River close to Yandina
The George Best Park to River Junction Paddle offers water adventurers the opportunity to paddle the upper most section of the Maroochy River close to Yandina. Paddlers will enjoy paddling this section of the river by following the current to get over some of the shallower sections. Kayakers can also paddle down the river to the join between the north and south arms of the Maroochy River, just past Coulson's Wharf Park.
Discover a new world on water
There is so much to do in this area for those adventurers wanting to make a day of it -
Top of the list would be to climb to the summit of
Mt Ninderry, which can be accessed off Eucalypt Crescent at the end of Ninderry Road in Yandina. The summit coastal views are well worth the climb. Mt Ninderry is also doggy-on-a leash friendly.
Every Saturday the very popular Yandina Markets are on, offering market lovers a variety of local produce, plants and food stalls.
The recently opened 1.7km return
Trail Walk and Bird Viewing Hide at Yandina Creek Wetland is a spectacular location to visit, especially for bird enthusiasts. The Yandina Creek Wetland can be accessed via River Road in Yandina.
The family-friendly
Ginger Factory is also in Yandina, offering a variety of fun activities.
A stunning location, even if somewhat muddy after the rains
Drive to George Best Park on Ninderry Road in Yandina, offering a rough ramp to get into the river.
To end?
If paddlers choose to do an out and back paddle, you will finish at George Best Park. If paddlers want to do the section to the River Junction, the paddle can be finished at Coulson's Wharf Park on the southern side of Yandina Coolum Road at Yandina. Another option is to go further downstream to finish at Ashtons's Wharf. Pick-up transport may need to be arranged for these latter options.
Rough ramp at George Best Park on Ninderry Road
No swimming is permitted at this section of the Maroochy River. On our visit, just after the rains, the Maroochy River water was extremely muddy and was in no way a temptation, so the '
no swimming' ban was an easy one to adhere to.
Tip: A longer paddle, ideal for experienced paddlers, but worth every dip of the paddle to explore the upper reaches of the Maroochy River.
🛶 Mooloolaba Paddle
4km length
Suitability : An ideal paddle for intermediate kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders
Choose your own adventure in Mooloolaba! The Mooloolaba Paddle opens up a whole new world, showcasing exquisite waterfront homes, desirable watercraft and a glimpse into sought-after lifestyles.
An ideal paddle for intermediate kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders
Head up river for a more natural paddle and some of the best bird viewing on the coast. Once you leave the hustle and bustle of inner suburbia behind and paddle under Kawana Way, canoeists will be spoilt for choice, with national park on one side and bush reserve on the other.
Down river, paddlers have canals flowing into the mouth of the river, wharfs and parks and the beaches of Mooloolaba to explore. Even better, why not paddle to a favourite lunch spot located somewhere along the water.
Paddle to a favourite lunch spot ... somewhere along the water
The Mooloolaba Paddle is slightly longer in distance and will suit more experienced paddlers. In saying that, the tranquillity and beauty of getting to the upper reaches of the river, is well worth the effort.
How to get there?
One of the best spots to launch your watercraft, in either direction, is the boat ramp off Brisbane Road. Head to Mooloolaba and then Kawana, along Brisbane Road, taking the left hand turn, just before the last bridge into Kawana.
Tip: The longer length of this paddle will suit more experienced paddlers.
Choose your next water adventure!
Escape the hustle and bustle of suburbia and plan your next exciting outdoor water adventure. Paddling provides a different aspect to the natural beauty of our local waterways, enabling water lovers to discover a whole new world on water.
All images courtesy of author, except for maps, which are courtesy of www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
