Ewan Maddock Dam Main Track, Yellow and Blue

The main track at Ewen Maddock Dam runs 8.5 km of gravel through eucalypt forest and paperbark wetland in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, with the Glass House Mountains showing through the gaps. Seqwater runs a declared dog on-leash area here, and the rule that catches people out is the water: dogs must not enter the lake at any time.

The walk. AllTrails logs 8.5 km at a moderate grade, around two and a half hours. The surface is gravel and multi-use, mostly gentle with a few short steep pitches, undulating along the edge of the dam rather than climbing anything serious. The full main track runs about 9 km one way from Maddock Park to the Gympie Street North entrance at Landsborough, so you can walk a section and turn back, or leave a car at each end.

The rules. Seqwater's wording is clear: dogs on leashes are permitted at Maddock Park and on all of the surrounding trails, and they must remain on a leash at all times. Dogs are prohibited from all foreshore areas and boat ramps, and must not enter the lake at any time. There is a maximum of two dogs per person. Bring waste bags and use the bins provided. Service animals are exempt. If you were picturing a hot walk finished with a swim, that is the part that does not happen here.

Hazards. Lace monitors and snakes are about in the warmer months, so keep the lead short through long grass. The track is multi-use and everyone gives way to horses. It holds mud after heavy rain.

Getting there. Maddock Park on Connection Road is the main trailhead, reached off Steve Irwin Way, with parking, toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and a playground. The Gympie Street North entrance at Landsborough is the other end. Public transport does not usefully serve either, so drive. Drinking water on site is limited, so fill up before you arrive.

Nearby with the dogs. The full main track and the Gympie Street North entrance cover the rest of the network, and Maddock Park is the trailhead itself. Pioneer Park at Landsborough is fenced for an off-lead run, Didi's Coffee Haus is close for coffee, and the Landsborough Pub takes care of the rest.

When to go. Before 9am. Maddock Park is busiest on Sunday mornings and the trail stays quiet on weekdays. The cooler months are better here than most trails, precisely because there is no swim to cool a dog down at the far end. Good for big runners who cope with a lead for the full distance.

Sources

• Dog on leash area at Maddock Park - Seqwater · seqwater.com.au
• Bush walking at Ewen Maddock Dam - Seqwater · seqwater.com.au
• Ewen Maddock Dam Main Track and Brown Loop - AllTrails · alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.