Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary

With more than 950 metres of boardwalks through eucalypt forest, rainforest and mangrove forest, the Maroochy Wetland Sanctuary is a great place to spend the day with friends and family.

Located in Bli Bli, the Sanctuary is just 1.5 hours drive north of Brisbane. Take the Dunethin Rock (Willis Road) turn off the main Bli Bli Road which links Nambour and Maroochydore.

The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary is a great place to learn about native Australian plants and wildlife. As you walk on the boardwalks through the forest, you should be able to spot over 200 species of birds, crabs, butterflies, reptiles, fish, and many other wildlife species that frequent the wetlands.

The boardwalk span approximately 1km and is considered an easy and leisurely stroll. There are site markers listed all along the boardwalk which will point to the sites at each location. You will come across a vast range of native fauna, including River Mangrove, Orange Mangrove, Swamp Oak, Milky Mangrove, Grey Mangrove, Native Wisteria, Flooded Gum, Bungwall Fern, Paperbarked Tea-Tree and Mangrove Fern, amongst many others.

Night tours are also run from 4.30pm each day, where you will be taught how to accurately collect data that will be used in a survey of the animals that use tree hollows in the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary. You will be allocated a data collection site, and at a predetermined time (between 6-7pm), you will join the rest of the group at the ‘Ballroom’ for a survey debrief, nibbles, wine and chat.

Please note that bicycles and scooters are not permitted within the sanctuary, nor are dogs or horses. The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary is open every day and is staffed by volunteers.

So come on down and spend a few hours at this unique wetland.