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Dunethin Rock Explore

Maroochy River

Walking Cycling2.0 kmEasyCircuit 4

A short hike to a rocky boulder with great views over the Maroochy River, cane fields and mountain monoliths to the north. (*on Road Route)

Suitability

Suitable for walkers.

Highlights

While it’s possible to drive right to the top, walk this little loop instead through tree- lined roads to stretch your legs and earn the view.

Dunethin Rock has been a landmark tourist destination for over a century offering peaceful views over the Maroochy River, it’s mangroved banks, cane fields and Mount Coolum and Ninderry to the north.

Meaning place of swimming trees, its name reflects the region’s timber-logging past. In the 1860s, logs were rafted down the Maroochy river to this point, where they were loaded onto boats bound for Brisbane sawmills. Today, the rock is still appreciated for the vistas from the summit and is part of the Maroochy River paddler’s trail.

Afterwards

While here make sure you visit the lake and walk on one of the most impressive pontoons on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a great spot for sunsets though you might want to protect yourself from bities. Because of the mangroved banks, it’s also a great place to fish for mangrove jack, bream and flathead.

There is a boat ramp here for launching and doing the Maroochy River Canoe Trail or for enjoying a paddle around Dunethin lake. Canoes are available for hire (starting at $10) from the scout camp opposite the lake entry. It’s a perfect spot to learn to paddle as the waters in the lake are shallow.

Lake Dunethin connects to the Maroochy River providing access to Yandina upriver, and Cotton Tree downriver.

How to get there

To the starting point: Take the Yandini Bli Bli Road that runs between the Bruce Highway and Bli Bl Road (Turn off on Bli Bli Road is Willis Road).

The park is approximately halfway along the road in either direction (6 km), on the northern side, accessed via Pearce Drive. Head to the Dunethin Rock Scout campground to park your car. Walk along Lake Dunethin Road and then Right in to Dunethin Rock Road to get to the summit of the rock.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point. Stretch your legs and make it a circular route.

About this place

  • Suitable for walking
  • Suitable for recreational cycling
  • Picnic table on site
Walking track grade
Grade 2
A formed track with gentle hills and the occasional step. Clearly signposted, and no walking experience needed.

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

On road sections

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.

1 rating
Review by John7 years ago

Good suggestion to park in the spots available near the scout hut rather than drive right up to the rock. From here you can take a short walk on a long pontoon to view Dunethin Lake. Plenty of bird life including a whip-bird. The walk to the rock delivers great bang for buck, that is, a great view after only a short walk.