Pincushion Island Beach Walk

Highlights

Pincushion Island has for over a decade been landlocked since the Maroochy River mouth shifted southward and a permanent sandbar joined it to the Northshore.

In the process, a large swathe of Maroochy caravan park foreshore was drowned.

This sandstone mound is now covered with vegetation and is an idyllic rest point after the beach walk. The beach is accessed via North Shore Road and is part of the council’s off-leash dog zone in Mudjimba. If you’re a dog-lover then take your canine friend with you. There is plenty of space for all to enjoy. When the weather conditions are suitable, this end of Mudjimba Beach attracts surfers and jet ski riders – the island is perfect for observing their watery acrobatics!

From the carpark walk southward and along the colourful beach. Then it’s a little scramble up the rocks for great views in all directions. Down below are fascinating pools – just don’t get caught unawares by any waves. Swimming is NOT recommended as there are no patrols and the currents get extreme. Better to go for a dip back by the carpark on the river side, but note: this stretch of water can get quite rippy with the tides also.

Afterwards

On the right tide you can walk back along the river. While you are in the area pop into the Novotel Twin Waters Resort and enjoy a walk around their lagoon. There are water sports and refreshments to be had here. The local café and restaurant at Twin Waters shopping village also offer exceptional food and drinks.

How to get there

To the starting point: Take the David Low Highway off the Sunshine Motorway and head to Ocean Drive Twin Waters. Follow the road towards the beach and just before you get to the coast, turn right into North Shore Road. About a kilometre along is the end of the road and the carpark. Follow the trail through the bush to the beach and along the shore.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.

About this place

Suitable for walking
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site

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

Sunshine Coast Council

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

Safety

Hazards on this trail

Waves

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.

1 rating

Raeleen7 years ago

Lovely beach walk, it is an off leash beach and you can make a lots of furry friends! Would be great if their owners could take their dog poo bags to the bins provided in the carpark, instead of hanging them in the trees........

Mark7 years ago

From the carpark (with loos), take a stroll through the trees to the sandy shoreline. Hang a right and paddle through the waves until you get to the rocky outcrop of Pincushion Island. Kids (of all ages) will want to scrabble over the rocks and get a panoramic view of the top. Fun for at least an hour or two and who knows, you may even get to see the end of the rainbow!