The Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast has three paddle trails, with launch points at Bli Bli, Maroochydore and Yandina. They are part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Maroochy River Canoe Trail, and the water suits beginners as well as experienced paddlers.
This guide to the Maroochy River covers the three trails, where to launch, what to watch for and where to hire a kayak.
Paddle the Maroochy River from Muller Park, Bli Bli
This is the main upstream paddle. It is a 4.6 km one-way trail, rated intermediate, and suits beginners to experienced kayakers. Starting at Muller Park, you paddle north past mangroves, paperbarks and native forest, past the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and the Bilai Environmental Education Centre, towards Stony Bridge Wharf. An out-and-back trip is about 8 km.
Over 200 bird species can be seen, and mud crabs and fiddler crabs live on the banks. You can also paddle downstream from Muller Park to the river mouth.
Avoid days with a due south or due north wind, and do not let a tide change catch you out.
Eudlo Creek from Lions Park, Maroochydore
For a first paddle, Eudlo Creek is the easy one. It is rated easy and is very suitable for beginners because the water is calm. It is a 5.3 km trail through Eudlo Creek Conservation Park, starting and finishing at Lions Park off Fishermans Road. Expect egrets and other waders, and mirror reflections on a calm day.
It is a tidal creek, so be careful at low tide. Powercraft and skiers are listed hazards, and Lions Park is the designated launch point for waterski and paddlesports, so it can be busy on weekends. Parking is ample, and it is often quiet on weekdays.
The upper river near Yandina
The upper section is a 3.9 km paddle from George Best Park on Ninderry Road, Yandina, to the junction of the north and south arms of the river. It suits all levels, and going with the current is best to get over some shallow sections. There is a rough ramp at the start, and the Bruce Highway is close enough that road noise is noticeable at first.
Nearby, the climb to the summit of Mt Ninderry (304 metres) has coastal views, and the start of that walk is at Eucalypt Crescent, at the end of Ninderry Road. Yandina is close by for a wander afterwards.
Hiring a kayak
The nearest paddle hire is at Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore. Check each operator’s website for current prices and times before you go.
Facilities at Muller Park
The Muller Park launch site has toilets, a barbecue, a picnic table, a playground and plenty of parking. The park has Aboriginal shell middens and a playground inspired by Kabi Kabi culture, with an Oyster Path, a fish trap, black swan rockers and a basket swing. There is also a skate bowl and picnic shelters.
Which trail should you choose?
For a first paddle with kids or a new kayak, start with Eudlo Creek, the one rated easy. For a longer day with wildlife and a playground at the start, take the Muller Park trail. The upper river near Yandina suits all levels and is the shortest at 3.9 km, but it is shallow in places, so go with the current.
Whichever you pick, tell someone where you are going, and check the tide times before you leave.
Planning your visit
- How long: the Muller Park trail is 8 km out and back; Eudlo Creek is 5.3 km.
- Best time: avoid strong north or south winds and watch the tide; weekdays are quieter at Lions Park.
- What to bring: water, sun protection and a way to tell someone where you are going. Carry more water than you think you need.
- Cost: launching is free; hire is extra.
- Emergency: call 000.
Getting there and parking
Muller Park is off Muller Park Road, via David Low Way heading out of Bli Bli towards the Sunshine Motorway, about 95 minutes by car from Brisbane CBD without traffic. Lions Park is off Fishermans Road, Maroochydore, and George Best Park is on Ninderry Road, Yandina. See the council’s Muller Park paddle page for directions.
Nearby
- Cotton Tree – river swimming, a playground and parks near the river mouth.
- Cotton Tree Markets – the Sunday markets by the river.
- Maroochydore Beach – the surf beach next door.
- Yandina Markets – Saturday country markets.
- The Ginger Factory – a family stop at Yandina.
- More in Paddling spots and Lakes and rivers.
You might also like
- Currimundi Lake – another calm-water paddling spot.
- Golden Beach, Caloundra – sheltered Passage foreshore further south.
- Carbrook (Logan)
Quick answers
Where can you launch a kayak on the Maroochy River?
Council lists Muller Park at Bli Bli, Lions Park off Fishermans Road in Maroochydore, and George Best Park at Yandina.
Is the Maroochy River good for beginners?
Yes. Council says paddling the river suits beginners to experienced paddlers, and rates the Eudlo Creek trail as easy with calm water.
Where can you hire a kayak?
Council says the nearest paddle hire is at Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore.
Are there toilets at the launch site?
Yes at Muller Park, which also has a barbecue, picnic table and playground.
What are the hazards?
Tides, wind, boats and bugs at Bli Bli, powercraft and skiers at Eudlo Creek, and shallow sections near Yandina.
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