Adventure time: Pincushion Island Beach Walk (1.2km one-way)
A short easy walk along the beach to a small outcrop that once was an island at the mouth of the Maroochy River and offers amazing views in all directions.
A short easy walk along the beach to a small outcrop that once was an island at the mouth of the Maroochy River and offers amazing views in all directions.
Suitability
Suitable for walkers of most abilities. Plus, the beach is part of council’s off-lead dog zone in Mudjimba, North Shore which is also an important shorebird habitat this time of year. Our migratory shorebirds are here for the summer, after flying 10,000 km form the arctic. Please give them space to rest and recover and keep your dogs under control.
Highlights
Pincushion Island has for over a decade been landlocked since the Maroochy River mouth shifted southward and a permanent sandbar joined it to the Northshore. In the process, a large swathe of Maroochy caravan park foreshore was drowned. This sandstone mound is now covered with vegetation and is an idyllic rest point after the beach walk.
The beach is accessed via North Shore Road and there is plenty of space for all to enjoy. When the weather conditions are suitable, this end of Mudjimba Beach attracts surfers and jet ski riders – the island is perfect for observing their watery acrobatics!
From the carpark walk southward and along the colourful beach. Then it’s a little scramble up the rocks for great views in all directions. Down below are fascinating pools – just don’t get caught unawares by any waves. Swimming is NOT recommended as there are no patrols and the currents get extreme. Better to go for a dip back by the carpark on the river side, but note: this stretch of water can get quite rippy with the tides also.
Afterwards
On the right tide you can walk back along the river. While you are in the area pop into the Novotel Twin Waters Resort and enjoy a walk around their lagoon. There are water sports and refreshments to be had here. The local café and restaurant at Twin Waters shopping village also offer exceptional food and drinks.
How to get there
Take the David Low Highway off the Sunshine Motorway and head to Ocean Drive Twin Waters. Follow the road towards the beach and just before you get to the coast, turn right into North Shore Road. About a kilometre along is the end of the road and the carpark. Follow the trail through the bush to the beach and along the shore.
Trail
For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding trails on the Sunshine Coast #chooseyournextadventure with Adventure Sunshine Coast at https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
