Do you live on the Sunshine Coast? Or are you visiting the Sunshine Coast this Easter? Below you will find a secret mini-road trip to discover little-known gems on the Sunshine Coast.
Dunethin Lake (& Dunethin Rock)
Dunethin Lake, Sunshine Coast. Image: Gary Guest
You may have heard of Dunethin Rock, but many who visit fail to see Dunethin Lake, just hidden behind thick mangroves, but a wonderful spot to drop a line, have a picnic or paddle in your canoe.
Total travelling time: 30 minutes
We start our mini-road trip in Mudjimba, at the North Shore. The dog-friendly beach is a great place to stretch your legs and those of your four-legged friends.
Travel west from Mudjimba along the David Low Way towards the Sunshine Motorway. At the roundabout, proceed under the motorway and continue on David Low Way towards Bli Bli.
Where Country Meets the Coast. Image: Gary Guest
Old sugar cane fields still line the road as you journey towards Bli Bli. On the right is the site for the new Maroochy River Golf Course that is relocating from Horton Park in Buderim.
A skate park, public toilets and a boat ramp are located on the left at Muller Park as you approach the bridge before Bli Bli.
Bli Bli Bridge. Image: Gary Guest
Refreshment Break
Directly on your left as soon as you cross the bridge and before the traffic lights, pull into
Quirky Circle for a coffee. You will be warmly greeted by Di, the owner, and her friendly staff who make excellent coffee will entice you to visit again. Quirky Circle offers old fashioned service with a smile that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy all over!
Onward Journey
Hop back into your car and head right at the roundabout at Sunshine Castle onto Nambour Bli Bli Road. Travel less than a kilometre before taking the right turn signposted "Yandina" onto Willis Road.
Travel 6km along Yandina Bli Bli Road enjoying the country smells and views to Mount Ninderry.
Turn right onto Pearce Drive (sign posted Dunethin Rock). You are nearly at your destination.
Stay left on Pearce Road - if you take the right turn onto Dunethin Rock Road you will miss the lake.
At the cross roads, take a right.
Dunethin Rock Scout Camp should be on your right. You can hire canoes for 2 people from as little as $10 from the scout camp.
Opposite the scout camp there is parking and a path that will lead to the lake. It is not easy to spot. There is a sign that explains how Dunethin Lake is part of the
Maroochy River Trail network. It's perfect for canoeing, kayaking or boating.
Dunethin Lake has one of the most impressive jetty and pontoons on the Coast. In normal weather conditions, the lake has a depth of only half a metre - so no diving!
The entrance to the lake from the river is obscured giving the effect the lake is enclosed. Dunethin Lake used to be a ferry stop when the scout camp was a school.
In 1916 the lake was used for a water sports festival, but now few people know it exists.
Dunethin Lake, Sunshine Coast. Image: Gary Guest
While the lake is truly beautiful, be sure to take mosquito spray as the mangroves provide the perfect breeding ground. Public toilets are located past the scout camp and the boat ramp is located at the end of Lake Dunethin Road.
It is best to walk up to the better-known Dunethin Rock as the road can be uneven, especially after rain. You will enjoy spectacular views of the river and north past Mount Coolum when you climb the ancient volcanic rock after visiting the lake.
Another gem has now been revealed. Check out my other posts to learn of other secret road trips on the Sunshine Coast.
Happy road tripping!
All but last image reproduced with permission from Gary Guest,
Deguest Photography.
