Maroochy River Canoe Trail: Muller Park Paddle

Highlights

Muller Park at Bli Bli is a good launch site to experience the Maroochy River being very accessible from nearby Bli Bli and David Low Way. Paddling northward, for an 8km return journey, you will see richly vegetated banks with Paperbark trees, numerous mangrove species and native forest. You will paddle past the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary and the Bilai Environmental Education Centre. Wildlife may include over 200 species of birds such as the Eastern Yellow Robin, Brown Cookoo Dove and the White- Faced Heron, butterflies, reptiles and fish. Look out for mudcrabs and fiddler crabs along the banks. As you travel upstream you can paddle around smaller islands towards Stony Bridge Wharf.

You can also catch a glimpse of the turret of Bli Bli Castle while fishing in this area. It is a popular spot for kayak fisherman due to ease of accessibility to the boat ramp.

With this paddle it’s best to avoid days where the wind is blowing due south and north, and don’t let a tide change catch you out.

You can paddle downstream from here to the mouth of the Maroochy River.

Afterwards

Take a look around Muller Park as it has a rich natural and cultural heritage. It houses Aboriginal shell middens and has a unique modern playground inspired by the traditional Kabi Kabi people. There is a skate bowl, picnic shelters and wonderful playgrounds featuring play equipment based on Aboroginal culture including an Oyster Path, Fish trap, Black swan rockers and a Basket Swing.

Adjacent to Muller Park is Bli Bli’s Aqua Park where you can enjoy a fun-filled outing on inflatable slides, runways and bouncers all floating on a lake. There is also wakeboarding and fishing. The shopping Centre of Bli Bli is just across the bridge for IGA supermarket and takeaway food outlets.

The nearest paddle hire is at Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore.

About this place

Suitable for kayaking
Barbeque on site
Picnic table on site
Toilets on site
Playground 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

Boats and bugs

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

Kayaking around the wetland sanctuary at Bilai and northward is a tranquil escape from civilisation. On a calm day you can see reflections of overhanging trees and the splashes of birds fishing. Bring sun protection and a map to help you navigate around the small tributaries shooting off Maroochydore river.