Sunshine Coast Council

A short hike to a rocky boulder with great views over the Maroochy River, cane fields and mountain monoliths to the north. (*on Road Route)

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers.

HIGHLIGHTS
While it’s possible to drive right to the top, walk this little loop instead through tree- lined roads to stretch your legs and earn the view.

Dunethin Rock has been a landmark tourist destination for over a century offering peaceful views over the Maroochy River, it’s mangroved banks, cane fields and Mount Coolum and Ninderry to the north.

Meaning place of swimming trees, its name reflects the region’s timber-logging past. In the 1860s, logs were rafted down the Maroochy river to this point, where they were loaded onto boats bound for Brisbane sawmills. Today, the rock is still appreciated for the vistas from the summit and is part of the Maroochy River paddler’s trail.

AFTERWARDS
While here make sure you visit the lake and walk on one of the most impressive pontoons on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a great spot for sunsets though you might want to protect yourself from bities. Because of the mangroved banks, it’s also a great place to fish for mangrove jack, bream and flathead.

There is a boat ramp here for launching and doing the Maroochy River Canoe Trail or for enjoying a paddle around Dunethin lake. Canoes are available for hire (starting at $10) from the scout camp opposite the lake entry. It’s a perfect spot to learn to paddle as the waters in the lake are shallow.

Lake Dunethin connects to the Maroochy River providing access to Yandina upriver, and Cotton Tree downriver.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Take the Yandini Bli Bli Road that runs between the Bruce Highway and Bli Bl Road (Turn off on Bli Bli Road is Willis Road).

The park is approximately halfway along the road in either direction (6 km), on the northern side, accessed via Pearce Drive. Head to the Dunethin Rock Scout campground to park your car. Walk along Lake Dunethin Road and then Right in to Dunethin Rock Road to get to the summit of the rock.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point. Stretch your legs and make it a circular route.