Lake MacDonald: Gumboil Road Trail to the Lake

Highlights

Lake Macdonald is one of the starting points for access to the Noosa Trail Network, which caters for walkers, runners, horse riders and mountain bike riders.

This walks takes you through bushland to one of the quieter reaches of Lake MacDonald where you spot water birds such as Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana , the Australasian Grebe and a variety of ducks.

The trail can get overgrown at times – best after it has been cleared by Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service. Also be careful not to venture onto private property.

Boating is a popular activity at Lake Macdonald for fishing and nature lovers. Electric powered watercraft, sail craft and paddle craft are permitted on the lake. Canoe trails commence at Mary River Cod Park, and lead to Lake Macdonald Park and Jabiru Park, where you can spot Jabiru from a hide vantage point on a rare day!

Afterwards

Kookaburra Park located on Lake Macdonald Drive (where Collwood Road starts) provides car parking for the entrance to the Noosa Trail Network. Have an explore in there while you are here. Another trail starts opposite the Mary River Cod Park on Collwood Road.

In Cooroy there are lots of cafes and pubs on either side of the railway and if you have hankering for duck, try the Copperhead Brewery.

How to get there

To the starting point: From Cooroy follow Lake MacDonald Drive past Noosa Botanical Gardens (also worth visiting) and then along a little further turn right into Collwood Road. Go to the end of Collwood Road and take Gumboil Road to the right. Continue on for about 1.4 km and the trail will be on your right. It heads towards Lake MacDonald

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point as it’s a short there and back route.

About this place

Suitable for walking

Walking track grade: Grade 2; A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by

Seqwater

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Safety

Hazards on this trail

Dont go too far onto private property

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.