If you're looking for something to do this weekend, why not try one of the beautiful scenic walks around the Sunshine Coast. We know that it’s beneficial for our health to be in the fresh air and moving our body, but also choosing a walk where your pet can come along, makes it the perfect adventure for the whole family. We have put together a list of dog friendly on leash nature walks for you.
1. Ben Bennett Bushland Park
Queen Street, Caloundra West
WHERE: Entrances Queen Street, Caloundra or West Terrace, Caloundra
LENGTH: Multiple trail lengths 800m to 1.5km
SUITABILITY: Suitable for families.
Enjoy pathways and vegetation variety through this 21 hectare bush reserve in central Caloundra. This hidden gem is so close to town yet feels like a natural bushland track. There are about a dozen interesting trails through the park ranging from 800m to 1100m return. The park is a great place for bird watching and because of the botanical species in the park, it’s part of the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival held each August. All in all, this is a very family friendly and central piece of peacefulness with toilets, electric BBQ, tables and huts, medium grassed area and bitumen parking.
2. Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Walk
Corner of Mons Road and Telco Road, Buderim
WHERE: The comer of Mons Rd & Telco Rd, Buderim.
LENGTH: 4km return
SUITABILITY: Suitable for families, mostly flat, wheelchair access but some parts of the track are rocky.
Located just outside of town this 2km section of the old tram line offers a great walk through time and the natural rainforest environment. Take a walk back in time as you follow the track of the old Buderim-Palmwoods Tramway, with various information points along the way. The setting is beautiful with a natural environment that boasts towering trees, small mosses, and fern gullies. With a 2km space (4km return) flat track, this walk is a great hour or so spent exploring some of Buderim's local history.
3. Gary Evans Walkway
Petrie Park Road, Nambour
WHERE: Petrie Park Road, Nambour (look for the clubhouse)
LENGTH: 1.5km one way.
SUITABILITY: Suitable for families, mostly flat & paved.
Pleasant Surprise in the Heart of Nambour The paved walkway follows the banks of the Petrie Creek, with plenty of seating and large open green spaces to picnic along the way. Mostly shaded, the short walk provides the perfect setting for local families and visitors. There is a large off-leash park for them to run wild (please obey the signs). This can be found along Petrie Park Road, on one half of the sporting field. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the water dragons, who are often found relaxing in the sun along the pathways!
4. Mountain Creek Recreational Trail
Mountain Creek, Buderim
WHERE: Entrances Parklea Esplanade, Coho Court or Felicia Court, Mountain Creek.
LENGTH: 4.4km
SUITABILITY: Suitable for families, easy walk, mostly flat.
This nice little circuit in Mountain Creek (sometimes called Mountain Creek Recreation Trail) takes in a range of settings – creekside, wetlands and forest trails. This is a great option with kids as its roughly a figure 8 circuit so you need only do part. There are spots with seating to stop and rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Some areas even loop close enough to the creek banks for a watery view.
5. Noosa Botanic Gardens
Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald
WHERE: Lake MacDonald Dr, Lake MacDonald
LENGTH: Multiple trail lengths.
SUITABILITY: Suitable for families.
On the shores of Lake Macdonald, the Noosa Botanic Gardens consist of eight hectares of native and exotic plant species as well as an abundance of wildlife. With a children's playground, permaculture garden, picnic spots, sculptures, and even a Greek-style amphitheater, there is so much to experience amongst the gardens, for the whole family. The Noosa Botanic Gardens are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.