Sunshine Coast Council

A diverse paddle upstream that starts at Muller Park, Bli Bli, and showcases river mangroves and the nearby Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary.

SUITABLILITY
Paddling on Maroochy River is suitable for beginner to experienced kayakers. Be mindful of tides and windy days.

HIGHLIGHTS
Muller Park at Bli Bli is a good launch site to experience the Maroochy River being very accessible from nearby Bli Bli and David Low Way. Paddling northward, for an 8km return journey, you will see richly vegetated banks with Paperbark trees, numerous mangrove species and native forest. You will paddle past the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and the Bilai Environmental Education Centre. Wildlife may include over 200 species of birds such as the Eastern Yellow Robin, Brown Cookoo Dove and the White- Faced Heron, butterflies, reptiles and fish. Look out for mudcrabs and fiddler crabs along the banks. As you travel upstream you can paddle around smaller islands towards Stony Bridge Wharf.
You can also catch a glimpse of the turret of Bli Bli Castle while fishing in this area. It is a popular spot for kayak fisherman due to ease of accessibility to the boat ramp.
With this paddle it’s best to avoid days where the wind is blowing due south and north, and don’t let a tide change catch you out.

You can paddle downstream from here to the mouth of the Maroochy River.

AFTERWARDS
Take a look around Muller Park as it has a rich natural and cultural heritage. It houses Aboriginal shell middens and has a unique modern playground inspired by the traditional Kabi Kabi people. There is a skate bowl, picnic shelters and wonderful playgrounds featuring play equipment based on Aboroginal culture including an Oyster Path, Fish trap, Black swan rockers and a Basket Swing.

Adjacent to Muller Park is Bli Bli’s Aqua Park where you can enjoy a fun-filled outing on inflatable slides, runways and bouncers all floating on a lake. There is also wakeboarding and fishing. The shopping Centre of Bli Bli is just across the bridge for IGA supermarket and takeaway food outlets.

The nearest paddle hire is at Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Muller Park is located off Muller Park Road, via David Low Way heading out of Bli Bli towards the Sunshine Motorway. There is plenty of parking at Muller Park.

To the end point: The end point of your paddle is the same as the starting point.