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Kawana Forest: River Trail

Kawana Forest: River Trail
Birtinya
walking icon walking icon black cycling icon cycling icon black
Trail type
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Skill Level
4.3km
One-way Length
direction icon direction icon black
One-way

Part elevated boardwalk/part unsealed road/part grassy track - a return walk though Wetlands and open areas.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers and recreational cyclists and is accessible for wheelchairs for some distance.

HIGHLIGHTS
Kawana Forest is a large conservation reserve on the western side of Kawana Way. The extensive elevated walkway meanders by a bend in the river before it shares an unsealed road and passing through a more open area. This way is eventually stopped by a fence and gate. At this point the track veers to the left and follows the fence line on the right and arriving at the Kawana Forest suburb a few hundred metres later. This grassy part of the walk can be boggy in places, but certainly not insurmountable – walk on the grass at the very edge.

If you walk or cycle quietly and don’t startle the birdlife you may sit Royal Spoonbills, purple Swamphens and Great Egrets. You could also come across skinks and lizards, butterflies and dragonflies as well as a variety of small crabs including the red-fingered marsh crab (mostly green with red pincers).

At this end of the walk, you can turn left on the path to join the Kawana Forest Nature Walk before returning by the same route.

AFTERWARDS
The Homemaker Centre offers all amenities – toilets, cafes and other distractions. There are also more walks to be had along the river just north of here, access from Technology Drive.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point. From Kawana Way turn into Premier Circuit and then turn left. Follow the circuit around and take the first left (Milieu Pl) - this brings you to the Kawana Football Club and the Information Board regarding the walk is clearly visible. The path starts to the right of the information. Oh yes, don’t forget the insenct repellent!
To the end point: The end point is the same as your starting point.

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Glossary
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for wheelchairsSuitable for wheelchairs
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for walkingSuitable for walking
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for recreational cyclingSuitable for recreational cycling
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for mountain bikingSuitable for mountain biking
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for horse ridingSuitable for horse riding
  • Icon showing this activity is suitable for kayakingSuitable for kayaking
  • Icon showing this activity has drinking water availableDrinking water available
  • Icon showing this activity does not have drinking water availableNo drinking water available
  • Icon showing this activity has a barbeque on siteBarbeque on site
  • Icon showing this activity has a picnic table on sitePicnic table on site
  • Icon showing this activity has toilets on siteToilets on site
  • Icon showing fires are permitted at this activityFires permitted
  • Icon showing fires are prohibited at this activityFires prohibited
  • Icon showing camping is permitted at this activityCamping permitted
  • Icon showing camping is prohibited at this activityCamping prohibited
  • Suitable for walking Suitable for walking black lines Suitable for walking
  • Suitable for recreational cycling Suitable for recreational cycling Suitable for recreational cycling
  • No drinking water available No drinking water available No drinking water available
  • Fires prohibited Fires prohibited Fires prohibited
  • Camping prohibited Camping prohibited Camping prohibited
Write a review

Review Date: 30/05/2019

Found the start easy enough and enjoyed the raised walkway through the wetlands and paperbark forest listening to the birds and frogs, accompanied occasionally by butterflies. The track turns to gravel and deviates from the original track which is overgrown and under water in places. Had to walk for a distance and found myself on Kawana Forest Nature Walk luckily as no signage to help. Still, really enjoyed the experience.

Reviewed By: Garry

Review Date: 20/04/2019

Easy to find start of trail. Causeway nice but very bumpy. Better for mountain bikes than racers! Path petered out after causeway and I found myself riding through Farmer Brown's paddock- multitudinous large steers which stampeded when I came near. Large Red belly black snake scuttled off as I stopped for a photo op. Last K to the farmer's house was through cow pats and boggy mire as I sank shin deep and wondered if I was going to lose my shoes. Finally made my back to the road. The council is constructing a new entrance point in Kawana Forest which is scheduled to open by the end of April but as a result of the rain over the last few weeks might be significantly delayed. Pity, the track I took is definitely one to write home about!

Reviewed By: Vic

Review Date: 28/11/2018

This is not the greatest trail in the region however it passes some interesting sights, and the elevated path at the start keeps you high and dry over the initial swampy areas. It starts in an industrial area and then passes by the waste water treatment plant. Definitely better on a southerly breeze than a northerly ;-) Recommended for bike riding over walking.

Reviewed By: David

Review Date: 20/11/2018

Interesting trail to explore. After you leave the concrete it can get very boggy after rain! Worth the adventure through to Meridan! Saw a giant leopard sitting on a pile of dirt last time I ran through there... :)

Reviewed By: Ange

Review Date: 01/11/2018

An interesting walk over swampy areas. Take note that this is a concrete boardwalk (not smooth concrete) - not suitable for small wheeled things such as scooters or even perhaps wheelchairs. Bring the aero-guard and 'haveagoodweekend'.

Reviewed By: Paul

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IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL '000'.

Always Adventure Safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/.
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn’t going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hike-safety/
  • Sunshine Coast Council does it’s best to maintain current information but things can change so always be aware that a trail may not be as listed in this guide, and report and issues via our feedback link.

Sunshine Coast Council

For any issues with this experience please contact:

Sunshine Coast Council via 07 5475 7272 or via e-mail: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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