Sunshine Coast Council

A sea adventure where you can paddle on open water out to Old Woman Island and back.

SUITABLILITY
This paddle is suitable for medium to experienced paddlers only, preferably with sea kayaking experience. Only do on calm days and with a seaworthy craft. Total distance is around 4km return.

HIGHLIGHTS
This is an out and back open water sea kayak, once there you can circumnavigate Old Woman Island.

Look for the channel just north of the beach access and once out on the open water look for sea turtles. This can be a very rewarding kayak trip with views up and down the coast on the return journey including views to Mt Coolum, Marcoola and Maroochydore. Landing on the Island is not permitted but you can fish, snorkel and spearfish when out there.

At the island you may be lucky and see terns, cormorants, egrets, tattlers, and ospreys. In the right season there are wedge-tailed shearwaters nesting in burrows.

Old Woman Island is actually Mudjimba Island, of which the nearby beach is also named after. The name Old Woman Island is from an Aboriginal legend about two women who lived on the island.

Back at Mudjimba Beach there are amenities, cafés and a variety of accommodation options.

AFTERWARDS
Enjoy the serenity of Mudjimba Beach with a spot of surfing, beach fishing. There are playgrounds for the kids and a choice of cafes. Further afield you can enjoy the Aqua Parks at Twin Waters, Bli Bli or Coolum. Nearby is Mt Coolum, a strenuous return hike of approximately 1 hour (return) to the summit where you will be rewarded with whole of Sunshine Coast views.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: The starting point for this is Mudjimba Beach directly opposite the island. Drive to Mudjimba Esplanade where you will can access the beach near Power Memorial Park or Beach View Lookout. Be mindful of getting out over the surf break.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.