Adventure Time: EJ Foote Sanctuary – Botanic Track Loop (Buderim)
This gorgeous hidden gem is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of Buderim as you walk any of the four trails in the nine-hectare Foote Sanctuary on the eastern slopes.
Suitability
Suitable for walkers of varying fitness levels as there are a choice of trails. People in wheelchairs or prams can enjoy the paved section of this loop. Dogs are allowed on-leash.
Highlights
This reserve is rich in bird and plant life with a variety of walk options. At the Park Lane entrance, you will find a map of the walking paths, as well as information on how this Sanctuary was donated by a local farming family in honour of their son who was killed during WWI.
There’s also a stunning new timber stairway leading down from the carpark entrance to the picnic area.
Throughout the park are information signs identifying the various trees such as the pink bloodwood and Bunya pine and other woodland and eucalyptus species
The most popular walk is the Botanic Track (608 m. Easy to Moderate). This sealed loop path meanders through the rainforest with three bridge crossings over creeks. If you’re with littlies or oldies, this is the easiest little loop in this quiet reserve, with benches to sit and relax along the way. Approx 20 mins return.
Other walks in the Sanctuary include:
- Cascade Circuit. (Moderate) A side circuit and steep descent off Botanic Track, to the flowing cascades. Approx 40 minutes.
- Eucalyptus Track. (Moderate)
- Boundary Track (Moderate - Difficult)
There are over 80 recorded species of birds in the Foote Sanctuary including Red chested King Parrot Male, Noisy Pittas, Fan Tails and Green Catbirds Plus, you can often see swamp wallabies.
Afterwards
Do one of the sidewalks – they are not too long – or relax in the park where there are picnic shelters, playground, BBQ, and toilet facilities. The Buderim township with its many cafes is also close by.
How to get there
Make your way to the Buderim main shopping precinct (Main Street). Continue along Main Street (which turns in Kings Street) and continue through the roundabout towards Mooloolaba Road. Travel a short distance before turning left into Foote Avenue. Proceed through the first roundabout to Fountain Road and take the first left into Park Lane. Travel to the end of Park Lane and have reached the official Sanctuary entrance. There is plenty of parking and facilities to enjoy – walk under the beautiful entrance archway and begin your journey!
Trail
For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding trails on the Sunshine Coast #chooseyournextadventure with Adventure Sunshine Coast: https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
NB – For those who have a four-legged friend they wish to take on their adventures – be sure to check out council’s handy interactive off leash dog map to help identify the current dog off-leash, on-leash and prohibited areas when you’re out and about across the Sunshine Coast local government region: https://pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
