Big Day Out Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach

Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach

One Way Fat Tire Bike Ride

About 54ks and 6.5 hrs

First up you have to pick the right day to do this ride, if the wind is a South-Easterly that is the number one thing you need, old mate of mine Chris is along for the journey (it was actually his idea) a Rainbow Beach local and knows the Great Sandy National Park like the back of his hand.

8am and after a quick check in at Rangers Station armed with our two Reid Boss Fat Tire Bikes, music, four Litres of water (each), UV protection and a bit of tucker we ride up to the ferry.

Bloke manning the ferry has been working the back and forth across the Noosa River for 30 years he tells us (that's a lot of back and forth), it's a weekday and we are the only ones on the ferry, the ride costs us a dollar each, on the other side is a camping park and a combo pub/shop, we ride straight past and follow the bitumen as far as it goes to the Beach.

The tide has just started to run out as weatherman Chris has factored perfectly in to the ride

with a view of Noosa to the South, the tunes are on and we head north with a solid wind at our backs.

After settling in to the ride, about 10 clicks later you see Teewah Village hidden in the dunes we go in for a quick look and don't see a soul, apparently most of the 20 odd houses are holiday rentals with a few permanent residents that have traded solitude for convenience with no sealed roads or guaranteed access to the wider world if the weather turns bad.

Back on the beach again we dabble with riding ten metres to the south just to see how hard it is, yep it's hard alright, ah that is better, onward to the north, with really only the beach, us and the occasional whale we can see out in the Pacific Ocean.

We knuckle down into the riding and punch out 15 kilometres at a guess, then stop for a break, it was at this point Chris admires the upgraded gel seat on my bike, I had noticed earlier he was starting to stand on his pedals quite a bit.

With Double Island Point now starting to come into view, we see a Beautiful Schooner (South Passage) out in the Pacific, a Ranger Lady pulls up beside us to check in with us, which was nice, looking at us like we were a bit strange, after a little more cycling we see the Freshwater Track and Chris knows exactly where we are, saying that in a few kilometres we will take the Leisha Track into the Park to cut off Double Island Point which is not able to be cycled.

After a couple of kilometres with a little pushing in the real soft sand on the Leisha Track we arrive to the calmness of the Rainbow Beach side of Double Island Point and have our lunch fuelling up for the last part of the ride.

By this time Chris asks how much the seats were, and although we did not have the wind at our backs and physically we were a bit on the jaded side, with the famous coloured sands of Rainbow Beach on our left, the time seemed to float by and we beat the incoming tide arriving at Rainbow Beach at 2.30 ish. (Beer O'Clock)

A Great Day out in The Great Sandy National Park

Recommended if you would like to tackle this Trek

Do it with another nutter

Time the ride with the tides

Let the Rangers know what you are up to 

Make sure the wind is a South Easter

Download Maps Me so you can check your progress

Ring Rusty if you would like to hire bikes for this ride 

Get a soft seat :-)

Wheels to you 

Rusty

South Passage Schooner off Teewah

One soft seat one not so

Coloured Sands of Rainbow Beach

Coloured Sands and Old Mate in his riding gear (Great Shirt)

Mooloolaba to Mt Coolum, Cycle, Dine & See

Cycle, Dine and See

Mooloolaba to Mt Coolum Bike Ride.

23.2 kilometres cycling one way according to google maps via Twin Waters and Mudjimba and Marcoola.

Starting at the Loo with a View at Mooloolaba we snake our way northbound up what locals call the Alex Hill.

The first point of interest is at the very top of the hill/headland where you will see a Ships Mast, This Mast points in the direction of the Marine Conservation Park and Dive Wreck of the old HMAS Brisbane Guided Missile Destroyer, Launched in 1966 and Decommissioned and sunk in 2005 along with over 200 tons of concrete.

Down the hill into Alexandra Headland past another of our Surf Life Saving Clubs, or maybe stop, this one a great spot for a coffee with a view or an afternoon or evening beverage of choice, watching beachgoers and the world go by.

Back on the steed of steel and keep hugging our coastal path past the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, home club of the great Australian kayaker and surf life saver Clint Robinson OAM who has won a full set of Olympic medals, as well a host of Surf Life Saving Medals, including induction into the Surf Life Saving Hall of Fame in 2004.

On we go to Cotton Tree, take a sneaky right turn behind the Cotton Tree Swimming Pool/Basketball Hoops Area and I know we are only a few K's into the ride but this is a good place to park, lock and go for a walk along the beach to the river mouth for great views south and north where the river meets the sea, also a nice sunset spot here to watch the sun disappear behind the Maroochy River with Mount Coolum also in view. (pretty good fish and chip shop behind the pool as well)

Follow the path through Cotton Tree Park, this is a very much used park with free use electric barbeques, a cenotaph, swings and slides for the kids.

Turn right over the bridge after the Park and you find yourself  close to the Maroochydore Ocean St entertainment precinct, here there is a free filtered water station opposite the Big Top Shopping Centre entrance, a host of eateries and very well maintained public toilets.

The name Maroochydore comes from our indigenous Yuggera language word 'Muru-Kutchi' meaning red-bill: The Yuggera name for the black swans commonly seen in the area.

We restart our ride back towards the Maroochy River and take a left to head north up Duporth Avenue, getting off Duporth Avenue by turning right and Picnic Point Esplanade

Picnic Point is exactly as the name suggests a great spot for a Picnic away from traffic and great river views, from here we keep riding past the boat ramp and follow the path around under the bridge so you can go over it and along Bradman Avenue where you come to a set of traffic lights and Chambers Island, worth a trip across the bridge for a walk about where they have a 70 member strong rowing club and also a New Area for an Artist in Residence on top of the rowing club

If you have an artistic side you can apply to be the artist in residence for a 3 month stay in the Islands Studio.

When you get to the next set of traffic lights (Maroochydore side of the bridge), go across the road and over the Sunshine Coast Motorway bridge. 

A beautiful stretch of cycling infrastructure through the old cane fields takes you to Twin Waters go via Ocean Drive, take North Shore Rd for small detour if you wish park up your bike and go for a walk out to the beach and Pincushion Island which is the northside of the Maroochy River mouth

Back on the Iron Horse along North Shore Rd turn right back Ocean Drive towards Mudjimba where there is a nice Bakery Style Cafe called The Island this is a nice spot for a dip in the briny, with views of Mudjimba Island also known as Old Woman Island because legend is that an old important indigenous woman was buried on the island way back when

Once in Mudjimba tis north to Marcoola named so, because it is halfway between Maroochydore and Coolum.

Marcoola is split into two parts by the Airport on the south side (Marcoola) where it is a nice stop at Surf Air Hotel for a beverage

And on the Northside (Marcoola Beach) it is a BYO Eatery called Bulli for me, A Reuben Sandwich by day or Pizza at night.

After Marcoola, you ride through the Yaroomba Bushland Park, Yaroomba meaning "Surf on the Beach" in the local Kabi Aboriginal language, Although only a small part of the ride, The Bushland Park is one of the most enjoyable, pretty and in the shade.

After the Bushland Park and the Mount Coolum National Park appears, lock up the bike and you can take the 1.6 kilometre round trip walk to the top and you are rewarded with 360 degree views of our beautiful Sunshine Coast.  They say two hours on the Government website (but what do governments know), I think for the generally fit individual, having a go, it can be done in a lot less time than this (eg. 58 year old male not that fit 25 minutes either way.)

Other favourite eats

Envy Cafe in Cotton Tree for Breakfast

Sneaky Baron in Ocean St for Beer and Burger $15 Deal also Happy Hour 4-6pm

Tome in Ocean st for Coffee and Cake  

Cuba St Marcoola for Coffee  

Whiptail Wallaby on Mt Coolum  

Yaroomba Bushland Park

Black Swans with their young on the Maroochy River

Maroochydore to Sunshine Beach

Rusty’s Bike Hire

Bicycle Delivery Service

Sunshine Coast

Maroochydore to Sunshine Beach via Twin Waters and Mudjimba.

40 Kilometres One Way according to Google Maps.

Wednesday 12 September 2018.

As Jimmy Buffett sings "Fast enough to get there slow enough to see".

Starting on Duporth Ave, Maroochydore, through Picnic Point, along Bradman Avenue and over the Motorway bridge. 

A beautiful stretch of cycling infrastructure through the old cane fields takes you to Twin Waters via Ocean Drive, worth a quick stop and walk out to the beach along Ocean Drive with views to the south and of Mudjimba Island also known as Old Woman Island, Legend had it that an old important indigenous woman was buried on the island way back when.

Staying on Ocean Drive once in Mudjimba tis north to Marcoola with the beach on one side and the Airport on the other.

After Marcoola, It’s  at this point you can take a side trip to Mount Coolum National Park, the 1.6 klm round trip walk up Mount Coolum rewards you with 360 degree views of our beautiful Sunshine Coast.

They say two hours, but I think for the generally fit individual, having a go, it can be done in a lot less time than this. For more information go to the following link:

http://www.npsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-coolum/about.html - things_to_do

On we go to Yaroomba, which translates in Aboriginal to "Thick Vine Scrub" which if you stop in the Yaroomba Bushland Park you will understand. Although only a small part of the ride, it is one of the most enjoyable, pretty and in the shade.

I imagine a lot of the Sunshine Coast was like this area historically.

Onward to Point Arkwright, with coastal views to the North and South this is a must see on this ride

From the lookout, if the time of year is right, you can spot Humpback Whales on their migratory journey up and down the Queensland Coast.

The Sunshine Coast had the best whale watching season ever in 2018, when from early May, an estimated 20,000 Humpback whales began their annual migration north. Escaping the cold Antarctic waters, these magnificent creatures make their way up past Point Arkwright, to the warmer subtropical waters which offer a more comfortable mating and birthing environment. From August through to October, they make their way back south, with their new babies in tow!

Back on the bike with some beautiful beach views riding to the next stop Coolum Beach, a nice spot for a little rest or stroll, maybe a coffee or lunch with plenty of Cafe's and Restaurant’s on offer.

Further on to the delightful Perigian Beach, also a good place for a break with a nice beach community feel to the main square.

Next stop Sunshine Beach..

Wheels to you

Rusty

Yaroomba Bushland Park

Mudjimba or Old Woman Island 

Maroochydore to Mooloolaba Spit, Cycle, Dine & See

Rusty’s E-Bike & Bicycle Delivery Service

Cycle, Dine & See

Bike Ride from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba Spit (Easy).

7 Kilometres one way according to google maps.

The name Maroochydore comes from our indigenous Yuggera language word 'Muru-Kutchi' meaning red-bill: The Yuggera name of the black swans commonly seen in the area.

Starting on Ocean St at the free filtered water station and the Big Top Shopping Centre we go towards the Maroochy River onto Duporth Avenue southward just hugging the coastline going through Cotton Tree Park, this is a very much used park with free use electric barbeques, a cenotaph, swings and slides for the kids, toilets, (Ocean st or the Big Top a nicer option though) magic views of the Maroochy River taking in Pin Cushion Island on the left of the Maroochy River mouth.

Go left behind the Cotton Tree Swimming Pool/Basketball Hoops Area and I know we are only a few K's into the ride but this is a good place to park, lock and go for a walk along the beach to the point out from the Caravan Park where the river meets the sea, also a nice sunset spot here to watch the sun disappear over the Maroochy River with Mount Coolum also in view.

Back on the steed of steel and keep hugging our coastal path past the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club home club of the great Australian kayaker and surf life saver Clint Robinson OAM who has won a full set of Olympic medals and a host of Surf Life Saving Medals including induction into the Surf Life Saving Hall of Fame in 2004.

Along another great little stretch of Cycle infrastructure to Alexandra Headland past another of our Surf Life Saving Clubs, or maybe stop, this one a great spot for a coffee with a view or an afternoon or evening beverage of choice.

The next point of interest is at the top of the Headland where you will see a Ships Mast, This Mast points in the direction of the Marine Conservation Park and Dive Wreck of the old HMAS Brisbane Destroyer, Sunk in 2005 along with over 200 tons of concrete.

Next Stop down the hill, the brakes will get a workout here, to the Iconic Mooloolaba Beach, Coffee Shops and dining everywhere but the big attraction is really the beach, stop at the Loo with a View, get wet, get some sand between the toes, stroll the esplanade or just sit for a while and enjoy. You could make your way to the nearby Wharf Precinct on Parkyn Parade and visit Sea Life Aquarium or look over the Mooloolah River at the luxury homes and yachts.

Onward toward the Mooloolaba Spit down Parkyn Parade as you are not allowed to ride on the boardwalk. Keep following Parkyn Parade then the path all the way out onto the rock wall until you come to the beacon at the river mouth for great views of Mooloolaba Beach and to the North.

Oh!!! don't forget on the way back or on the way to, on the riverside at the end of Parkyn Parade are some seriously good Fish and Chip eateries with the fresh and famous Mooloolaba prawns and reef fish.

Note: King Street in Cotton Tree has a quaint market every Sunday morning

Favoured eateries and coffee on this ride.

Glass Cafe on Sixth Ave, Maroochydore for coffee and breakfasts.

Orleans on Duporth Ave, Maroochydore for fine dining lunch and dinner.

Dinner or Long Lunch at the Boatshed Restaurant. (Behind the Cotton Tree Pool)

Tome for terrific cake and coffee on Ocean St, Maroochydore.

Elliott's Bistro Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland for a tasty lunch or dinners.

Your Place on Brisbane Rd, Mooloolaba for craft beer, wine and pizzas.

Rice Boi at The Wharf precinct Mooloolaba for Asian fusion dishes.

Sneaky Baron Ocean st, Maroochydore for craft beer and burger lunch special

Pums Thai (Takeaway/Food Court) Big Top Shopping Centre Maroochydore

Wheels to you

Rusty 0418989511

Maroochy River mouth, Mount Coolum and Pin Cushion Island 

Black Swans with their young on Maroochy River

HMAS Brisbane Mast with Point Cartwright and Mooloolaba Beach in the background 

Mooloolaba Wharf on the Mooloolah River