Top Five Bush Walks Near Yandina

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Magical destinations for going walkabout



From lush rainforest tracks to sparkling dam circuits, outdoor lovers will be rewarded with a myriad of bush walks, ranging from short rainforest tracks to lakeside strolls and multi-hour hikes with scenic views and all within a 15km radius of Yandina. There is a walk to be found to suit all abilities and these top five bush walking locations, showcasing pristine nature reserves, forests and parks, are all magical destinations for going walkabout.

COOLOOLABIN DAM



Starting with Cooloolabin Dam (only because it starts with the letter ‘C’ and is first up in alphabetical order), bush walkers will discover the Cooloolabin Dam recreation area approximately 10km west of Yandina. Follow the signage along quiet roads to emerge at Cooloolabin Dam’s 138 hectare shoreline, where the spectacular blue waters of the extensive reservoir glisten serenely in the light of day. Cooloolabin Dam is surrounded by Mapleton Forest Reserve as well as being a water supply area to parts of the Sunshine Coast.



Set out clockwise on the 3km Cooloolabin circuit track passing through blackbutt and flooded gum woodlands. Listen for birds overhead, especially the chatter of fantails. After about thirty minutes, walkers will reach the wide gravel dam wall itself, a huge structure holding back 24 billion litres of water. Continue around the reservoir, pausing to admire stands of red-flowering carrotwood or watch the ripples chase across the mirror-like water, until completing the circuit back to the picnic grounds, about an hour later.



Fishing is permitted from the shoreline at Cooloolabin Dam and luckily, no permit is required. Mountain biking is also permitted at Cooloolabin Dam - please stay on the trails and obey the signage, especially on the multi-use trails - giving way to horse riders, and mountain bike riders giving way to pedestrians.



Visitors will be pleased to discover the day-use area is equipped with a couple of picnic tables, a children’s mini playground and toilets on site. Unfortunately, no drinking water is available, so pack a picnic, bring your own water and put Cooloolabin Dam on as a ‘must-do’ family activity.



HOW DO WE FIND COOLOOLABIN DAM?
Take the Yandina exit off the M1 and head west through the first roundabout. At the second roundabout, turn left into Fleming Street. At the traffic lights, cross over Farrell Street and you will be on Old Gympie Road, which you follow to Cooloolabin Road. Keep driving along Cooloolabin Road until you see the dam day parking/picnic area on your right - it's about 10km from Yandina.

JACK HARRISON PARK AND WAPPA DAM AND FALLS



In a scenic pocket of the Mapleton Valley, just 8km northwest of Yandina town centre, outdoor adventurers will discover the very pretty Jack Harrison Park on the banks of Wappa Dam. The park is filled with endless green open space, picnic tables, playground, amenities, large parking areas and lawns which stretch right down to the dam - perfect for lounging and soaking up the sun.

In Autumn, the park is filled with red maple leaves, and after some heavy rain, Wappa Dam will quickly become one of your favourite places to visit to watch water flowing over the spillway. Unfortunately, as tempting as it may be, no swimming is permitted at Wappa Dam.



From Jack Harrison Park, follow a short walk through the bush to Wappa Falls. Whilst this is a popular swimming hole, swimming is not recommended as the rocks can be slippery and the currents unpredictable. Sadly in recent years, a few teenagers have lost their lives at Wappa Falls, so caution is paramount when visiting.



HOW TO GET THERE?
Take the Yandina exit off the M1 and head west through the roundabout. At the next roundabout turn left into Fleming Street. At a 4-way intersection turn left into Farrell Street. Follow this road over the South Maroochy River and take the third turnoff on your right into Wappa Falls Road. The falls are approximately 5km along this road. The walk starts in Jack Harrison Park aka Wappa Park.

MT NINDERRY



The panoramic Mt Ninderry peak rises distinctively just 5km east of Yandina. As one of the last remaining dry eucalypt woodlands on the coast, the Mt Ninderry summit rewards hikers with sweeping coastal and hinterland views. Suitable for walkers of intermediate fitness levels, Mt Ninderry is guaranteed to get your heart pumping and legs feeling as if they’ve had a workout of note.

Mt Ninderry Bushland Conservation Reserve is 304metres above sea level, but the good news is that hikers only need to ascend slightly more than 130metres, because the carpark start is high up on the ridge.



From the car park, follow the rolling fire road to a steep single track with a lot of calf-burning steps and occasional tantalising views, before the track opens out onto the prominent bluff, rewarding you for your efforts. The views of Mt Coolum’s summit to the east are visible from one of the two lookouts at the summit. Why not get up early and climb the trail as the day is breaking, to watch a spectacular sunrise.

The good news is that our furry family members are also permitted to do the hike, as long as they are leashed.



HOW TO GET THERE?
To the starting point: Travelling on the M1, take the Yandina Coolum exit towards the coast. After you cross the Maroochy River, turn left into Collins Road.

Travelling on the Sunshine Coast Motorway, take the Yandina Coolum exit towards Yandina and turn right into Collins Road just before the river (close to Yandina). Follow Collins Road to the end and at the T-junction with Ninderry Road turn right and follow it to about 500 metres before the end where the road forks. Take the right-hand road to Mount Ninderry car park.

POINT GLORIOUS



Still feeling the urge for more adventure, after visiting Cooloolabin Dam? Approximately 7.6km from Cooloolabin Dam are the two little-known lookouts of Point Glorious in Eerwah Vale.

I do realise that the whole point of this article is ‘bush walks’, but in saying that, Point Glorious gives you the choice of a walk or a 4WD all the way to the lookout points. I am sure you know which one would have been my choice. But … just in case you’re feeling really energetic, the lookout can be accessed via a 3.7km (return) hike along a gravel road. The walk itself is relatively flat with a slight incline, making it a moderately challenging but rewarding experience.



With plenty of picnic tables available and not too many sightseers, a romantic picnic with an awesome view would be perfect - all the other visitors that we came across at Point Glorious were young couples, no doubt all eager for some 'alone time’. Abseiling rings are available, so for those adventurous types who love to cliff dangle, Point Glorious ticks the box. Toilets on site make for a more comfy, longer stay, not that I’m too keen to stumble upon any local fauna. Children should be supervised at all times, as the cliff edge is marked as unstable with slippery rocks. And … did I mention the views? Despite the rough road to reach the Point Glorious lookouts, the views are spectacular and well worth the effort. One can truly understand the awe that explorers must have felt when discovering the raw natural beauty of this scenic Sunshine Coast ridge.



HOW TO GET THERE?
From Cooloolabin Dam head north-east on Cooloolabin Road towards Buckby Road. Turn left onto Buckby Road and travel for 3.7km; turn right and continue for 1.4km; another left for 1.7km and then at last! - bringing to mind another childhood memory 'are we there yet?' - a right towards Point Glorious Road. Travel along here for approximately 120m to an informal carpark.

Please note that the road from Cooloolabin Dam to the Point Glorious Lookouts is gravel/off-road and is only suitable for 4-wheel-drive vehicles with high clearance and the advice is not to attempt these roads during wet weather.

YANDINA CREEK WETLAND RESERVE



Whether you’re a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Yandina Creek Wetland Reserve offers a peaceful and inspiring retreat into the heart of the natural world and is less than 12km from Yandina. This hidden gem is a birdwatcher’s paradise, showcasing more than two hundred species of birds, as well as kangaroos, wallabies and other wildlife. One of the highlights is the rare and endangered Black-necked Stork, the largest species of stork in Australia.



The Wetland trail is an easy, level, gravel 1.7km return route, perfect for all ages and abilities, including visitors with prams and strollers. Limited shade on this bush walk means sun protection is important - bring a hat, add a bit of sunscreen and slop on the bug spray. Mozzies thrive in the wetland habitat, so make sure to cover up and use repellent. Domestic animals are not permitted at the Yandina Creek Wetland Reserve. Spend hours at the bird hide or along the waterway corridor identifying feathery friends in this very pretty natural setting, just waiting to be discovered and explored.

LOCATION : 362 River Rd, Maroochy River, QLD 4561



Grab your hat, water bottle and sturdy shoes, and get out there to explore the raw, natural beauty on our doorstep. Who knows, you may well discover a new favourite lookout or hidden picnic spot.

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