Sunshine Coast Council

A serene paddle through the upper reaches of the Maroochy River through native wetlands and around mangrove islands.

SUITABLILITY
Suitable for beginner kayakers however be mindful of tides and windy days where it will make your paddle in one direction more difficult.

HIGHLIGHTS
Launching at Stony Wharf is an alternative paddle and entry point near Bli Bli (your other option is Muller Park). The paddle is part of the Maroochy River Trail. Heading north you will paddle towards Coolum Creek, paddling south you will go under the David Low Way, pass Muller Park and the river will begin to widen. There are a number of mangrove islands near Stony Wharf to circumnavigate and heading south you can paddle directly past the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and the Bilai Environmental Education Centre. Wildlife may include over 200 species of birds, crabs, butterflies and reptiles including water dragons. You may be lucky and see mudcrabs and fiddler crabs along the banks and cautious swamp wallabies.

AFTERWARDS
Why not explore the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary, located on Sports Road, Bli Bli – a nature preserve with over 950 metres of boardwalks through eucalypt forests and mangroves. It’s a great place to learn all about native plants and wildlife in this area. You can even do night tours to see animals that use tree hollows as homes.

Also close by is McMartins Strawberry Farm – open during strawberry season from May to October, 7 days a week.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Stony Wharf is located on Stony Wharf Road, off Lefoes Road at Bli Bli. There is ample parking and modern boat ramp and kayak launch facilities.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point – however you could choose to paddle one way to Muller Park, Bli Bli, and be collected there.