Maroochy River Canoe Trail: Goat Island

Highlights

A pleasant if somewhat urban and busy lap that can be the clearest water of all the Maroochy river paddles. You may see stingrays, fish of various sizes and of course seabirds. Choose your paddle by watching the weather and tides as that can severely affect your mileage, including currents.

Look out for the wreck of the "Gneering", a steamer that serviced the river and was wrecked on the Maroochy River bar and later towed to Goat Island and left as a wreck.

If it’s an adventure with your canine friend you’re after, then launch your paddle from the leash free dog section of North Shore and paddle down to the Twin Waters boat ramp and back. This area is perfect for training your dog to paddle with you.

Afterwards

If you start your paddle from the North Shore side you can enjoy the serenity of Mudjimba Beach with a spot of surfing or beach fishing. There are playgrounds for the kids and a choice of cafes. Further afield you can enjoy the Aqua Parks at Twin Waters, Bli Bli or Coolum

If you start your paddle from the Maroochydore side, there are amenities and cafes at Maroochydore as well as surf beaches to enjoy. You could walk from Cotton Tree to Mooloolaba and return.

How to get there

To the starting point: There are a number of starting points for this paddle – all very accessible:

Northshore Carpark, North Shore Road, Mudjimba (not far from Twin Waters)

Nojoor Road Boat Ramp, Twin Waters

The Esplanade, Cotton Tree

You could also start from Picnic Point Esplanade, Maroochydore.

All entry/exit points have sandy beaches, wash down taps and parking.

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 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

The main thing to watch are tides and wind directions as they can effect paddle times, always head into the wind to start with so you can drift back when the arms give out.

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.

Regi7 years ago

On an incoming tide this paddle delivers th goods with crystal clear water where you can see stingrays moving about beneath you. Avoid this route after heavy rainfall as the water will most likely be murky from sediment upstream. A tap at the Nojoor Road boat ramp is available to hose down on your return, so be sure to bring some garden hose and fittings. We’ve enjoyed dressing up to kayak to some of the restaurants at Cotton Tree for lunch.