Sunshine Coast Council

A river paddle along the patchwork of sugar cane and small crop farms in the upper Maroochy river estuary.

SUITABLILITY
Suitable for all levels of paddlers from beginner to experienced.

HIGHLIGHTS
Paddle downstream along the Maroochy River from Ashtons Wharf to the Heritage listed Lift Bridge. Alongside the upper estuary, there are fields of sugarcane and other small crops. These farms occupy the floodplains that were once a mixture of eucalypt forest, paperbark forest and sub-tropical rainforest. Parts of the river can be quite exposed along the banks whereas others will have native woodland. This paddle can be wind affected. Expect to see a variety of birdlife such as cormorants, darters and more – hopefully you won’t be disappointed!

The Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River is a heritage-listed railway bridge at Store Road, Nambour. Built in 1921, it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2005.

AFTERWARDS
Accessing Maroochy River from the Yandina side provides the opportunity to do many adventures in this area. Top of the list would be climbing Mt Ninderry which is accessed off Ninderry Road at Yandina.

Popular tourist destination the Ginger Factory is also located in Yandina and has splendid ginger gardens on display as well as Buderim Ginger products for sale.

If you’re up for some finer fare, you can dine at the famous The Spirit House Thai restaurant. Further up the road is Eumundi, home of the Wednesday and Saturday morning Eumundi Markets, eclectic cafes and pub grub.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Ashtons Wharf is located at the end of Ashtons Wharf Road via Apps Road. Apps Road can be found on the southern side of Yandina Coolum Road between Ocean Vista Drive and Wants Road. There is a good ramp to put in.

To the end point:
The end point is where you started as it is not possible to put in or out at Lift Bridge, but you can go on land right to lift bridge.