Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the stunning Cottonwood Walk, a shared walk and cycle path just a stone's throw from Deception Bay. This easy, 2.8km trail offers remarkable views of Moreton Island, accessible beach spots, and historical landmarks like the Bancroft Baths. Perfect for an afternoon stroll or bike ride, the trail's excellent surfaces, boardwalks, and viewing platforms provide a top-notch outdoor experience.

Length:

2.8km

Duration:

1.25 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 15m

Min elevation: 2m

Total Ascent: 53m

Start: 147 Esplanade S

End: 11 Beach Rd

Deception Bay

Queensland

Nearby town: Deception Bay

From state capital: 36.4km

Latitude: -27.19696388

Longitude: 153.03761154413223

Overview

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Hike overview

Cottonwood Walk is a shared walk and cycle path offering a quality experience with excellent trail surfaces, boardwalks, stairways down to the beach and viewing platforms with extensive views over Deception Bay to Moreton Island. This walk and cycle path offers a beach experience. Interpretive signage along the way indicates historical sites such as the Bancroft Baths. This is a shared walk and cycle path offering a quality experience with excellent trail surfaces, boardwalks, stairways down to the beach and viewing platforms.

You can return via the same route.

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Walk map and GPX file
Cottonwood Walk (2.8km)

Total distance: 2695 m
Max elevation: 15 m
Min elevation: 2 m
Total climbing: 53 m
Total descent: -53 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Deception Bay.

Deception Bay is a suburb in the Moreton Bay Region, Queensland, Australia. It is approximately 32 kilometres (north of Brisbane CBD in the south-eastern corner of the bay of the same name which separates the Redcliffe Peninsula and Bribie Island. Deception Bay is a 40 minute drive from Brisbane, travelling along Gympie Road (which becomes the Bruce Highway). There is accommodation, public transport, a shopping centre and dining options available for those wanting to take a weekend to explore all the bay has to offer.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Burpengary, Kippa-Ring, North Lakes, Redcliffe, Rothwell

About the region

Deception Bay, contrary to popular myth, earned its name due to a mix-up by its discoverer, Lieutenant John Oxley. Initially Oxley had assumed the shallow bay was a river, upon standing corrected (much to his surprise) he named the area Deception Bay. Over the years, the area has gone from being used predominantly as farming land, to housing a WWII army camp, to becoming a residential hub and peaceful holiday destination for those looking to avoid the crowds.

Though Deception Bay is regarded as primarily a residential area, with suburbia occupying most of the suburb, unbeknownst to many, it's also a great place to bring furry four legged best friends for water play at the dog beach, or to enjoy serene waterside & parkland strolls and a spot of dog-friendly bayside dining.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Queensland.com

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Deception Bay? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Track grade

Grade 2 (Easy) - A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews
Cottonwood Walk (2.8km)

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Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.

Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Cottonwood Walk (2.8km)