A 400-metre-long boardwalk on Australia’s iconic Sunshine Coast has reopened to the public having undergone substantial refurbishment.

Situated in Noosa, the updated boardwalk offers seating, viewing points and LED lighting with movement sensors and timers, to maximise the pedestrian experience and complement Noosa’s World Surfing Reserve and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. It is complete with a surfboard-shaped shower, hand-carved locally using Accoya wood.

Architect Grant Calder of Flexure was commissioned by Noosa Shire Council to oversee the design and construction phases, with minimal environmental impact both during the build and post completion – a deciding factor in the replacement strategy.

The existing boardwalk, handrails and public seating were replaced with an all-new wider, curving structure. All decking, seating and stairs are constructed from Accoya – a world-leading high-performance wood product that offers significant environmental and performance benefits.

Its superior dimensional stability, durability and reliability mean it’s not susceptible to rot, warp, shrink or swell. It’s lightweight yet able to withstand harsh coastal climates with minimal maintenance. Thanks to its high thermal break in direct sunlight and warm conditions, Accoya remains barefoot-friendly, reducing the risk of splintering and making it ideal for pedestrian pathways.

Accoya is sourced from FSC®-certified forests and is Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold, recognising its sustainability credentials and making it an environmentally sound choice. The Accoya boardwalk has been secured using SPAX fixings.

The boardwalk was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. It retained 99% of the existing coastal rainforest and has already received the Regional Green Space Award from the Australian Institute of Horticulture.

This section of coastline is home to koalas and other native wildlife, serving as the gateway into Noosa National Park. Accoya is non-toxic and 100% biodegradable, helping to protect the delicate environment surrounding the boardwalk.

Completed below budget and two months ahead of schedule by Hutchinson Builders, the structure features over 60m³ of Accoya wood supplied by Britton Timbers through sub-distributor Gowan Lea Timbers.

Noosa Heads is renowned for its surfing beaches and pristine natural beauty, alongside the scenic 40 km² Noosa National Park. The boardwalk connects Little Cove to the park entrance, offering visitors panoramic views of the beaches and ocean.

Architect Grant Calder of Flexure said:

“Our primary focus for this project was quality; we wanted to design a boardwalk built to last, that curves between the trees and offers many places to stop, rest and enjoy the natural setting and views. Accoya was the natural choice – the product combines durability in a softwood that is better than the highest durability hardwood, and therefore it’s very easy to build with. Its 50-year guarantee offers peace of mind and reduced maintenance requirements. In addition to that, its sustainability is important to us – this boardwalk showcases our environment whilst protecting it too.”

More than seven years after completion, the Noosa Park Road Boardwalk remains a standout example of successful, forward-thinking infrastructure.

The Accoya wood, design, and construction continue to deliver on their original promises of durability, amenity, environmental respect, and aesthetics. While the timber has naturally weathered as all wood does, the boardwalk’s structure, functionality, and visual appeal remain exceptional — a testament to the material’s long-term performance in a challenging coastal environment.

Investing in high-quality, durable timber like Accoya has proven its worth in harsh climates, with minimal maintenance and enduring community value.

• Completion: Late 2018.
• Length: 420 metres, replacing an older deteriorating section between Little Cove and Noosa National Park.
• Distributor: Britton Timbers
• Sub-distributor: Gowan Lea Timbers
• Accoya Volume: 60 m³
• Builder: Hutchinson Builders.
• Consultants: Structural & civil engineers, arborists, and environmental specialists.
• Awards: Recognition for environmental performance, tourism and leisure, and green space – including the Regional Green Space Award, IPWEAQ Engineering Excellence, and Australian Institute of Horticulture.