Ewen Maddock Dam

Nestled in among 200 hectares of lush state forest at the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is Ewen Maddock Dam.

The dam itself is about three kilometres from Landsborough and not hard to get to by car.

Along with fishing and swimming, there are shared trails for mountain biking, walking and even horse riding.

Fishing from the water’s edge is a popular pastime with the dam stocked with Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Mary River Cod, Saratoga, Tandans, Spangled Perch and Eels.

At the starting (and finishing) point there is a small carpark where you will find playground facilities for the kids, picnic tables, shelters, free BBQ's and even a swimming area with a sandy beach are all there for you to take advantage of.

In total there are nine kilometres of trails in one direction and the path is generally pretty shady and can be muddy after rain and I would recommend taking some water with you.

We started out on a long walk - around 12km return for us – partially circumnavigating the dam.

The first part of the track starts with a wooden boardwalk and follows the edge of the lake before heading inland along what feels a bit like a fire trail. You pass through tall stands of Eucalypts and other forest trees as well as groves of palms and paperbark trees in wetlands that are buzzing with vibrant blue and burnt red dragonflies.

After a rainy period, I would probably prepare with some bug spray too.

The path itself undulates little but there aren’t too many big inclines making this is a pretty chilled out walk. With no powerboats allowed on the lake it’s a quiet, peaceful stroll and not too busy, especially the further you go.

There is plenty of bird life both on the dam and in the woodland, we spent some time admiring the small birds flitting through the trees.

There are a few tracks that branch and loop off the main route, but it is all well signposted and I think you would struggle to get lost.

I have also taken my niece and nephew for a bike ride here, there are a couple more hills at the beginning on bikes as you can’t head out on the board walk but then it evens out. The roped-off swimming spot was a great way to cool off after working up a sweat on the bikes.

As it is not a National Park, animals are allowed! We have taken our pup here for long walks on several occasions. Dogs have to be on-leash, but he did meet his very first horse along the shared trails.