Maroochy River Canoe Trail: Dunethin Lake Paddle

Canoeing1.6 kmEasyCircuit

A secluded lake offering a peaceful paddle or the starting point of your Maroochy River Trail experience.

SUITABLILITY

Because Dunethin Lake is very calm it is suitable for beginner paddlers. Those more experienced and adventurous can tackle part, or all, of the much larger Maroochy River Paddle Trail from here.

Highlights

Lake Dunethin is a quite a secret treasure on the Sunshine Coast and a small inlet on the southern side of the Maroochy River. Approximately half way between Yandina and Bli Bli, in what was once cane field territory, the Lake is also about half way along the 30km Maroochy River Canoe Trail.

As such, this experience can be a stepping stone up or down stream for longer excursions. Or simply enjoyed for what it is – a short, circumnavigation of the safe and small lake, making it a great place for beginner paddlers to practice or for families with little ones.

Of all the Maroochy river options this is generally the most peaceful paddle, rarely affected by wind, low water and tides. Keen birdwatchers may be able to spot Spoonbills and Ibis’s or even birds of prey such as Ospreys, Brahminy Kites, or White-bellied Sea Eagles.

Afterwards

If you decide to head upstream your closest stop is Ashtons Wharf, while downstream you will head to Lift Bridge.

Experienced paddlers can head all the way north to George Best Park or south to Coolum Creek, the Maroochy Wetalnds Sanctuary, and Mangrove Islands into the lower reaches of the Maroochy River.

There are a number of sections and access points to the Maroochy River Trail. More information can be found on Sunshine Coast and other websites.

Lake Dunethin Scouts, located nearby to Lake Dunethin on Lake Dunethin Road, offers camping on their grounds at low-cost. They also have canoes for hire.

There are no shops in the area, so remember to bring your own water and food.

After your paddling adventure you can enjoy a picnic lunch. If you are keen for more exercise you can hike up nearby Dunethin Rock and see panoramic views to the nearby coast and up to the Blackall Ranges.

How to get there

To the starting point: Access to Lake Dunethin is on Lake Dunethin Road off Peace Road. Entrance to Peace Road is via Yandina-Bli Bli Road, which runs from Yandina to Bli Bli. You can get to Yandina from the Bruce Highway (M1) or head to Bli Bli from Maroochydore.

Paddlers can access the Lake via the jetty which is across the road from the entrance to the Scouts grounds or you can launch at the boat ramp which is 500m away and accessed via a service road. The entrance to the service road is marked by a picnic shelter. There is limited parking along that road for vehicles and trailers.

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

About this place

Suitable for kayaking
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

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.