Ewen Maddock Dam Main Track (Gympie Street North Entrance)

The Ewen Maddock Dam Main Track is a shared bush trail through eucalypt forest and paperbark wetland along the dam's western edge, with the Gympie Street North entrance giving Landsborough locals a quiet southern access point. It is on-lead the whole way, and dogs cannot go in the water, so come for the walk rather than a swim.

The walk. From the Gympie Street North end you can pick your own distance out-and-back; the full run north to Maddock Park is around 9km one way. The surface is dirt with gentle undulations, easy going and suitable for walking, running and mountain bikes.

Leash status. Dogs must be on lead at all times. This is not an off-leash area, and the trail crosses environmental zones. To protect the drinking-water supply, dogs are not permitted in the dam or on the foreshore, so keep them out of the water entirely.

What's there. The Gympie Street North entrance is a small gravel car park and little else, no toilets or taps, so this end is a walk start rather than a picnic spot. The toilets and picnic facilities are up at Maddock Park on the northern end. The trail is shared with bikes and horses, so keep your dog close and give way to horses.

Watch-outs. This is real bush. Snakes are about in the warmer months, and the area carries paralysis ticks, so check your dog thoroughly after the walk. There is shade but the humidity bites, and there are no water points on the track, so carry enough for both of you. Keep dogs away from the dam water, which can carry blue-green algae, and expect low sections to get muddy after rain.

Getting there. Exit the Bruce Highway at Steve Irwin Way toward Landsborough, then follow Gympie Street North to its end. Landsborough train station is a short drive away.

When to go. Early morning in the cooler months is best, before the heat and humidity build. Good for a fit dog who is steady on lead around bikes and horses.

Sources

• Bush walking at Ewen Maddock Dam - Seqwater · seqwater.com.au
• Ewen Maddock Dam Main Track - Adventure Sunshine Coast · adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
• Ewen Maddock Dam - Trail 1 - Aussie Bushwalking · aussiebushwalking.com

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