Canoeing

Explore the Sunshine Coast's waterways with Adventure Sunshine Coast, our online guide to kayaking and canoeing trails in the Sunshine Coast.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful paddle on a lake, an estuary adventure, or a full-day river journey, Adventure Sunshine Coast makes it easy to discover and plan your next trip.

Adventure Sunshine Coast allows you to:

browse more than 20 canoeing and kayaking experiences
filter trips by location, waterway, distance, conditions and other criteria
create a profile to save completed and future paddles
share reviews and tips with other paddlers
view photos and trail information before you go
access the latest information on Sunshine Coast paddling opportunities.

Paddle the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast offers a diverse range of paddling experiences for locals and visitors alike.

From coastal waterways and estuaries to rivers, lakes and dams, our region is home to unique landscapes, abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery that is often best experienced from the water.

Paddling is a great way to stay active, connect with nature and discover the history, culture and communities that shape the Sunshine Coast. Whether you have an hour to spare or want to spend a full day exploring, there are options to suit all ages, abilities and experience levels.

Maroochy River

The Maroochy River canoe trail is around 30 km long with 5 access points in the lower reaches and 5 in the upper. Starting in the middle at Lake Dunethin (suitable for disability access), paddlers can head north to George Best Park, or south to Coolum Creek, the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary and Mangrove Islands.

Currimundi Lake

Currimundi Lake canoe trail is a safe, sheltered, six kilometre trail along residential and bushland areas fringed with paperbarks and she-oaks. The creek provides a peaceful haven for wildlife and canoeists. You can even go further into the Pangali and Baroona Canals. The course is highly suitable for beginners and family groups.

Noosa River and the Everglades

Three canoe trips in this area let you explore the tea-tree stained tannin waters, the magnificent migratory birds and our stunning blue kingfishers as you glide through the pristine wilderness. The Elanda Point to Kinaba Kayak at Cootharaba is a 10 km return paddle with glimpses of the Cooloola sandblow to the north.

Islands off the Coast

For experienced paddlers Old Woman Island off the coast at Mudjimba is a gem when conditions are right. Take the channel north of the beach access then look for sea turtles as you paddle towards the island. Landing is not allowed, but you can fish, surf or snorkel or just take in the ocean scenery.

Islands in the stream

In the Maroochy River, paddle around Chambers Island, with its sand beaches all round. Close to the mouth of the river is Goat Island where you will likely see stingrays, several size fishes and of course seabirds. There are lots of islands to be explored in the Noosa River and Weyba Creek as well.

Dam good paddling

Nestled in the middle of the main range, between Maleny and Montville is the peaceful Baroon Pocket Dam. With no powercraft and high green hills all around, it's a beautiful protected place for a paddle. Further north you can take a lovely quiet loop around Lake MacDonald where you'll see plenty of geese and ducks.

Lakes with bountiful birdlife

Weyba Creek and Lake Weyba is a large lake close to Noosa. Follow the creek to go under old and new bridges and see sea eagles soaring above. Further upstream, in the lake you might see a Jabiru. It's sometimes call the black-necked stork but on closer inspection the feathers are iridescent greens, purples and blues.