Explore Ewen Maddock Dam & Dularcha Tunnel on Electric Mountain Bikes

Nestled alongside the picturesque Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park offers a wealth of outdoor activities perfect for families, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. Located off Mooloolah Connection Road in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, this park is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. With ecoTekkSC’s e-MTB rentals, you can explore the beauty and excitement of Maddock Park and its surroundings with ease.

Key Features and Activities

Scenic Trails and Natural Beauty

• Mountain Biking: Maddock Park is a gateway to some of the best mountain biking trails in the area. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, there’s a trail for you.
• Bushwalking and Hiking: Enjoy over 9 km of multi-use trails that traverse through lush forests and offer stunning views of the dam and surrounding landscapes.
• Picnicking and BBQs: The park is equipped with picnic tables, shelters, and free BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing day out with family and friends.

Water Activities

• Swimming: The designated swimming area features a sandy beach and clean water, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Paddle through the serene waters of Ewen Maddock Dam. Only non-motorized craft are allowed, ensuring a peaceful and eco-friendly experience.
• Fishing: Try your luck at fishing from the shore or your paddle craft. The dam is home to various fish species, providing a great spot for anglers.

Family-Friendly Amenities

• Playground: A well-equipped playground keeps the little ones entertained while you enjoy the surroundings.
• Facilities: Ample parking, restrooms, and accessible pathways make the park convenient for all visitors.

Explore the Dularcha Railway Tunnel on Electric Mountain Bikes

Nestled within the picturesque Dularcha National Park, the heritage-listed Dularcha Railway Tunnel offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and outdoor adventure. Built-in 1891, this former railway tunnel is located about 1.5 kilometres south of Mooloolah township and is a fascinating destination for mountain biking enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Tunnel Features

• Length and Structure: The tunnel is approximately 93.5 meters long with semi-elliptical, concrete-lined portals measuring about 4 meters high and 4.2 meters wide. The slight curve towards the northern portal adds to its unique construction.
• Interior: Inside, the tunnel is cool and moist, providing a habitat for small bats, including the large-footed myotis. Safety bays are recessed into the walls and historical graffiti from as early as 1910 can be seen.
• Historical Significance: As one of only two tunnels along the old narrow-gauge North Coast Line between Brisbane and Gympie, the Dularcha Railway Tunnel played a crucial role in Queensland’s railway expansion during the late 19th century.

Mountain Biking Trails

Dularcha National Park boasts several trails suitable for mountain biking, offering a mix of historical exploration and natural beauty.

• Tunnel Track: This 3 km trail is perfect for families and suitable for walkers, recreational cyclists, mountain bikers, and horse riders. It takes visitors through the heritage-listed tunnel, providing a unique experience amidst eucalypt forests and riparian areas.
• Tunnel Bypass Track: A 220-meter track designed for horse riders who prefer not to pass through the tunnel, ensuring all visitors can comfortably enjoy the park’s features.
• Roses 8.8 km Circuit: A longer trail that allows for extensive exploration of the park’s natural and historical features, suitable for both mountain bikers and walkers.

Visitor Information

• Access Points: The Tunnel Track can be accessed from the northern side via Paget Street through Dorson Drive or from the train station on Bray Road. The trail starts at the corner of Beech Road and Cunningham Avenue in Landsborough.
• Safety and Etiquette: Cyclists and walkers should give way to horses and alert others when approaching. Bringing a torch is recommended for those concerned about tunnel darkness or interested in observing the bat colony.
• Facilities: After exploring the trails, visitors can enjoy a picnic at Pioneer Park in Landsborough, which offers amenities such as shaded picnic shelters, BBQs, and a playground.

Dularcha National Park offers a rich blend of historical intrigue and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for e-MTB enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Whether you’re riding through the historical Dularcha Railway Tunnel or exploring the scenic trails, this park promises a memorable and exhilarating experience.

Tools to plan your MTB Adventure:

• Visit Sunshine Coast Ride On map
• MTB Trail Difficulty Rating Systems  explained by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
• Adventure Sunshine Coast Mountain Biking
• MTB trails Bikemaps  by @ecoTekkSC
• Sunshine Coast Mountain Biking Trails by Trailforks (detailed track information)

What We Offer: 

• Beginner-Friendly Bikes: Ideal for those new to mountain biking.
• Family & Group Adventures: Bond over shared trails and experiences.
• Couple Activities: Make your date unique with an e-MTB ride.
• Own Your MTB? So bring a friend(s): Invite a friend to join the fun by hiring our e-MTBs for them to join you on the trials.

Important Tips:

• There are no food or water facilities at the trails, so it’s essential to bring sufficient water and snacks. Packing these in a backpack will make your cycling trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
• A Change of clothes for the return trip home would be advantageous.

Getting There:

Getting there by Car

Getting there by Public Transport

MTB Trail Difficulty Guide

Important: ecoTekk e-MTBs rentals are:

• • • for use on Very Easy, Easy and Intermediate-rated trails only.
    • Prohibited on Difficult and Extreme-rated trails.
    • Prohibited from riding through deep water. Water depths (8 cm) that touch or submerge peddles are regarded as deep

Difficulty	Symbol	Description
Very Easy		Wide trail with a gentle gradient, smooth surface and no obstacles. Suitable for beginner cyclists with basic bike skills, and most bikes.
Easy		Wide trail with a gentle gradient, smooth surface, and some obstacles such as roots, logs, and rocks. Suitable for beginner cyclists with basic mountain bike skills, and off-road bikes.
Easy with Intermediate Sections		Likely to be a single track with a moderate gradient, variable surface and some obstacles. Suitable for mountain bikers with mountain bikes.
Intermediate		Single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles. May include steep sections. Suitable for skilled mountain bikers with mountain bikes.
Intermediate with Difficult Sections		Suitable for competent mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes. Expect large and unavoidable obstacles and features.
Difficult		Suitable for experienced mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes. Navigation and personal survival skills are highly desirable.
Extreme		Suitable for highly experienced mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes. Severe constructed trails and/or natural features.

Getting There: Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park

Destination: Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park, 221 Connection Rd, Mooloolah Valley QLD 4553

Google Maps Link: Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park

Driving Directions:

From Brisbane:

1. Head North: Take the M1 northbound towards the Sunshine Coast.
2. Exit at Steve Irwin Way: Take exit 188 toward Steve Irwin Way/Glass House Mountains.
3. Turn Left onto Steve Irwin Way: Follow signs for Landsborough/Beerwah.
4. Turn Left onto Mooloolah Connection Road: Continue for approximately 6 km.
5. Turn Right onto Connection Road: Follow the signs to Ewen Maddock Dam.
6. Arrive at Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park: The entrance is on your left, 221 Connection Rd, Mooloolah Valley.

From the Sunshine Coast:

1. Head South: Take the Bruce Highway (M1) southbound.
2. Exit at Steve Irwin Way: Take exit 188 toward Steve Irwin Way/Glass House Mountains.
3. Turn Right onto Steve Irwin Way: Follow signs for Landsborough/Beerwah.
4. Turn Left onto Mooloolah Connection Road: Continue for approximately 6 km.
5. Turn Right onto Connection Road: Follow the signs to Ewen Maddock Dam.
6. Arrive at Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park: The entrance is on your left, 221 Connection Rd, Mooloolah Valley.

From Noosa Heads:

1. Head South: Take the Sunshine Motorway (Route 70) south towards the Sunshine Coast.
2. Merge onto Bruce Highway (M1): Head south on the M1 towards Brisbane.
3. Exit at Steve Irwin Way: Take exit 188 toward Steve Irwin Way/Glass House Mountains.
4. Turn Right onto Steve Irwin Way: Follow signs for Landsborough/Beerwah.
5. Turn Left onto Mooloolah Connection Road: Continue for approximately 6 km.
6. Turn Right onto Connection Road: Follow the signs to Ewen Maddock Dam.
7. Arrive at Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park: The entrance is on your left, 221 Connection Rd, Mooloolah Valley.

Points of Interest Along the Way:

• Steve Irwin Way: A scenic drive with potential stops at the Australia Zoo and Glass House Mountains.
• Landsborough Museum: Learn about local history and culture in this charming town.
• Mooloolah Valley: Experience the quaint local village atmosphere with cafes and small shops.

Enjoy your visit to Ewen Maddock Dam, where outdoor adventure and nature await you!

Ewen Maddock Dam, Maddock Park is conveniently accessible by public transport, making it easy for visitors who prefer not to drive. Here’s how you can reach Maddock Park using Translink routes.

From Maroochydore:

Catch a Bus to Landsborough Station:

• Bus Route 615: Board the bus at Maroochydore station heading towards Landsborough station.
• Duration: Approximately 40 minutes (21 stops).
• Disembark at Stop ID 315130: Steve Irwin Way at Mooloolah Connection Rd.

From Brisbane:

Catch a Train to Landsborough Station:

• Board a train servicing Landsborough Station, such as routes from Brisbane City.
• Disembark at: Landsborough Station.

Catch a Bus to Mooloolah Connection Rd:

• Bus Route 605: Board the bus at Landsborough station, stop A, heading towards Caloundra station.
• Duration: Approximately 4 minutes (non-stop).
• Disembark at Stop ID 315130: Steve Irwin Way at Mooloolah Connection Rd.

Tickets and Information:
For detailed route information and to plan your journey, visit Translink or call Translink at 13 12 30.

Convenient e-MTB Rentals with ecoTekkSC:

Option 1: Walk to Maddock Park from Stop ID 315130:

• Distance: About 2.5 km.
• Duration: Approximately 33 minutes.
• Destination: Maddock Park on Ewen Maddock Dam, 221 Connection Rd, Mooloolah Valley QLD 4553. ecoTekkSC will meet you there with your e-MTB(s) at the agreed time.

Option 2: Contact ecoTekkSC to meet you at Stop ID 315130 with your rented e-MTB. You can then enjoy a ride 2.5 km along Mooloolah Connection Rd to Ewen Maddock Dam.

Enjoy the convenience of public transport combined with the beauty of Ewen Maddock Dam for an unforgettable outdoor adventure.