Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary
The wetlands are accessed by extensive walking tracks and boardwalks leading from the Bilai Environmental Education Centre to the landing jetty on the Maroochy River
While council has increased cleaning of many facilities, being COVIDSafe is everyone's responsibility. We remind residents and visitors to observe social distancing when using public spaces which includes:
- Stay at home if you are sick
- Keep 1.5 metres away from others
- limit outdoor gatherings
- Avoid overcrowded areas
- Wash or disinfect hands regularly
- Avoid touching high use areas
Visit Queensland Health for the latest health advice and information on Social Distancing.
In the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary at Bli Bli, you can explore wet and dry eucalypt forests, rainforest, melaleuca forest, casuarina woodland, salt marsh and mangroves. You can watch over 200 different types of birds, as well as crabs, butterflies and other animals and organisms that make the wetlands their home, as detailed in the fauna and fungi species list[197KB].
Within this wetland, life thrives in land on the edge of the sea, flooded by freshwater and salty tides. One of south east Queensland's largest groups of Mangrove Ferns grow in these wetlands.
The fiddler crab, with its distinct large orange pincer claw, is the logo for the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary support group..
New boardwalk
Take a stroll along the 2 metre-wide boardwalk, suitable for prams and wheelchairs. The 900m long boardwalk meanders through different vegetation communities until it reaches the Maroochy River. Grab a self-guided walking brochure from the Environmental Visitor Centre that points our key highlights along the way. Or for a little more engaging experience, download the free ClimateWatch app and contribute your sightings, or follow the poetry trail and listen to poems inspired by the Sanctuary.
How to get there
Take the Dunethin Rock (Willis Road) turnoff from Bli Bli Road which links Nambour and Maroochydore. Take Lefoes Road, the second right turn, and then turn right again into Sports Road. The Wetlands Sanctuary is at the end of the bitumen road on the right.
You can also access the sanctuary from the jetty by doing a Maroochy River boat cruise with a guided walk in the wetlands.
Visiting the sanctuary
Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Centre
The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Information Centre houses an array of interactive interpretive displays designed to share with visitors some of the hidden treasures of the wetlands.
The wetlands are accessed by a boardwalk from the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Visitor Information Centre down to the landing jetty on the Maroochy River.
Wetlands Sanctuary Reserve [763KB] information sheet and map.
What to bring
Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary is home to many mosquitoes. Wear clothing that covers you and bring insect repellent.
What to do
Help maintain this important plant and animal sanctuary by staying on the paths and boardwalks. All plants and animals are protected. Enjoy a walk to the Maroochy River along the extensive boardwalk. To help protect this area no pets or domestic animals are allowed at any time.
Support
The Wetlands Sanctuary is managed by council, Education Queensland and the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Support Group, a community volunteer group. The historic canecutter's barracks features wetland displays. It is open and staffed by the Support Group each Sunday and by Sunshine Coast Council Education Queensland on weekdays. The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary Support Group also conducts educational walks and activities on request.
To find out about joining the Support Group, visit the Maroochy Westland Sanctuary Support Group website.
How to volunteer
For more information on volunteering at this reserve please contact council.