Maroochy River Canoe Trail: Ashtons Wharf to Lift Bridge

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.

About this place

Suitable for kayaking

Walking track grade: Grade 3; A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

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

If it gets windy

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.