Sunshine Coast Council

Dip your toes in the Maroochy River and enjoy a short but worthwhile loop around the iconic Picnic Point parkland area.

SUITABLILITY
Suitable for all walkers. If you stick to the path then suitable for wheelchairs, scooters, prams and push bikes. Paddle boards and kayaks can easily access the river from several locations.

HIGHLIGHTS
The Maroochy River is easily accessible from this section of Maroochydore – only 1km from the CBD, and is a perfect location for all to enjoy kayaking or swimming along the canal and foreshore.
This section of the river pathway takes you past the boat ramp and to picturesque BBQ huts which overlook Goat Island and North Shore. Sunrises and sunsets come alive with the lorikeets that swarm the trees in this section and there’s an opportunity to watch them being fed every afternoon by a dedicated local.
Picnic Point lives up to its name as it is certainly a beautiful spot to relax, fish and enjoy a lovely picnic with family and friends. There’s a playground at the southern end of the Esplanade – Adolf Blank Park and sheltered water in the canal section of the river near Anzac Avenue which is perfect for toddlers and beginner paddlers.
Be sure to take mosquito repellent as there can be mossies and sandflies in the afternoons.

AFTERWARDS
If you want to walk further south along Duporth Avenue you’ll reach the famous Ocean Street food and entertainment precinct and Big Top shopping centre. A westward path will take you across the bridge and onto Bradman Ave towards Chambers Island.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Turn off Bradman Avenue and on to Broadwater Avenue. Turn left onto Schirrmann Drive to find a parking space along this quiet stretch of residential road. Kayaks and paddle boards can be unloaded on the grassy bank of the canal. Head up the path and over the bridge, taking a sharp right on the other side and back under the bridge to continue.
If parking on the other side of the canal, turn off Duporth Avenue onto Philipp Street. This quieter location has more parking and is less busy than the Esplanade. It’s also right next to the grassy banks of the canal.
Alternatively, you can park along the esplanade or Duporth Ave if it’s a public holiday or busy weekend.
To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.