The picturesque Coondibah Creek Bridge
The Coastal Pathway is the Sunshine Coast's longest shared pathway, stretching from Bells Creek, Pelican Waters, in the south, to Tewantin in the north. The Council's vision is for this shared pathway to be a world class scenic route connecting the coast. Visitors and locals are able to explore our spectacular coastline by walking, jogging or cycling, with the pathway running alongside pristine beaches, inviting parks and leisure areas.
Pristine beaches and leisure areas ...
The ninety-six kilometre Coastal Pathway has been divided into eleven sections, which makes it easy for keen adventurers to pre-decide which sections to tackle first.
Recently hubby and I decided to take on the easy grade five kilometre return, Dicky Beach to Currimundi Lake section of the Coastal Pathway and much to our delight discovered an easy walk, suitable for the whole family.
Starting in bushland at the Dicky Beach Surf Club ...
Starting in bushland at the end of Dicky Beach, at the Dicky Beach Surf Club, walkers and cyclists can enjoy the awesome shaded pathway, all the way to the eastern end of Currimundi Lake. Walkers have the choice of walking along the pathway, through stunning coastal bushland, with glimpses of ocean and beach or alternatively, to head down to the beach and walk and swim along the way.
The well-maintained pathway ...
The well-maintained path takes walkers through a coastal wetland ecosystem, which provides a valuable habitat for more than twenty-eight fauna species, including frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals. Commonly found in coastal rainforests and wetlands, the Monkey Rope vine can often be seen covering the canopies of large trees and shrubs.
Informative signage en route re local fauna and flora always adds to the fun of a walk
If staying on the paved path, walkers and cyclists will naturally cross the picturesque Coondibah Creek Bridge, offering spectacular views of the creek on both sides. Rumour has it that no matter when one visits this bridge, sunrise, sunset or anytime throughout the day, outdoor adventurers are always greeted with mesmerising water views. The Coondibah Lagoon offers calm waters to take our dogs swimming too.
Mesmering water views from the Coondibah Creek Bridge
The wetlands and sedgelands provide an important habitat for a number of endangered Acid Frogs. As suggested by the name, Acid Frogs, these frog species' have adapted to living in the acidic waters and muds of low lying wet heaths and paperbark swamps, such as those found in Coondibah.
A favourite swimming spot for dog owners
The waterways in the Coondibah Environment Reserve provide a beneficial home for a number of water birds, which may often be seen feeding and swimming in the calm waters of the lagoon or perching on a log or branch in the shallows. Birds to look out for especially are the Royal Spoonbill, White-faced Heron, Pacific Black Duck and the Pied Cormorant.
Imagine having an affordable family holiday so close to the beach ...
The Sunshine Coast Recreational Centre, providing
affordable family escapes boasts a secure entrance/exit directly to the beach, via the Dicky Beach to Currimundi Lake pathway.
To ensure everyone's safety, dogs to be leashed on pathway at all times
Please note that as this pathway is shared with cyclists, which may occasionally come whizzing past, dogs need to be leashed at all times, to ensure everyone's safety. Dogs can enjoy free time at the lake.
Reaching
Currimundi Lake is the halfway point, marking the spot for the return walk.
Welcome hydration before starting the return walk
On arriving at Currimundi Lake, take a minute to catch your breath (hypothetically speaking of course) and enjoy the calm waters of the aquatic family playground. For sustenance and hydration, an Iced Latte and Iced Coffee make for very good companions whilst sitting and enjoying the views. Alternatively, hire a kayak or three for the family and enjoy one of the most
scenic paddling adventure spots on the Sunshine Coast.
Hire some kayaks to explore a scenic paddling adventure spot
Park your car at Dicky Beach and then head towards the surf club where the pathway is visible, continuing past the club.
To the end point: The end point is the same as your starting point.
Enjoy the walk! Image courtesy of Google Earth Pro
