Mount Coolum

Sunshine Coast

Enjoy a steep trek to the summit of one of the Sunshine Coast’s ancient volcanic domes. Created about 26 million years ago, Mount Coolum is a laccolith, formed when a dome-shaped bulge of magma cooled below the Earth’s surface.
Spectacular coastal views, rare and threatened plants, wildflowers, bird life and geology feature here.

Lookouts
Scrambling or Climbing
No Dogs Permitted
No Camping Permitted
Rainforest
Eucalypt Forest
197m
Maximum Elevation
181m
Total Climb

Getting there:

Turn off the David Low Way 6 km south of Coolum Beach township or 3 km north of Marcoola township into Tanah Street (West). The car park entrance is near the junction of Tanah Street (West) and Jarnahill Drive.

Maps:

Mount Coolum

Route/Trail notes:

Follow the signs and stick to the track. Due to erosion from so many walkers, about 3/4 of this track has now been paved and stepped.

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

None.

Comments

Mostly pathed all the way to the top. Easy climb

Everestdunc on 25 Feb, 2024

very exposed to the sun

Rach on 4 Nov, 2023

Did the sunrise walk today. Nice heart starter but once the legs kicked in it was okay. Loads of people. Good track with a nice view at the top.

ian parker on 16 Jun, 2023

Well maintained bouldertrail all the way to the top. A bit slippery when wet or even when you are out balanced you can easily slide, so you need to be extra careful.
The view going up was stunning but when you are at the top, you can't see anything due fogs. I have waited for so long to get a better view but was disappointed not to get one. It was 9am already but fogs were present. Drones are not permitted in this mountain.

Inna on 20 Jan, 2023

Did this in the late arvo to see the sunset from the top. It was a little cloudy but still beautiful, with the sun rays shining through the clouds. I would have stayed for the full moon too if it wasn't so cloudy.

Suz on 6 Jan, 2023

Well maintained track. Excellent views. If you were a local this would be a great daily walk.

Cfizzle on Jan, 2023

It’s really excellent track. You can spot whales on the top.

Penny on 24 Sep, 2022

Well I did no research about this walk, my brother told me it would take 20 minutes and it was pretty easy. The sign at the front said it would take 2 hours. It took me half an hour to get up the top and it seemed like such an effort, but now 20 hours later it is but a distant memory and I’d do it again. Definitely challenging but so worth it.

Kay on 20 Sep, 2022

Easy, pretty walk with rock stairs with Judy, from Steve's flat while he was in Gladstone. The track was very busy, with runners from dawn, and walkers for sunset. We even did the sidewalk that Steve showed me, to the quarry face.

Kaz Manley on 11 Jul, 2022

Amazing views

Gayle Snyders on 7 Jul, 2022

Mount Coolum is a nice, reasonably quick, but challenging hike for the general public and should be researched by infrequent hikers before attempting. Steps have been formed for ease of access through the entirety of the easterly facing climb with exception only for areas where the rock face provides natural step treads. Whilst there is a rope barrier on iron uprights alongside the path it would be a stretch to call it a handrail or supportive in any meaningful way. Upon reaching the summit you'll be treated to vistas reaching to the ocean's horizon in the East, Northern Moreton island, the Glasshouse mountains, and lovely bird's eye views of the sunshine coast overall. Stick to the track and you'll encounter more than a handfull of folks who make this experience part of their daily routine. Highly recommended.

Swingsloth on Jun, 2022

They have upgraded the track since I was here. View is beautiful as always

TrinaAtley on 5 Feb, 2022

Hit on the way down by a huge heavy afternoon storm which we watched head towards us - it was awesome!! Good fitness tester with all those stairs

Kyles73 on 3 Feb, 2022

Beautiful view of different beaches in Sunshine Coast

Julio on 27 Dec, 2021

Quite a steep walk - exposed for final third - takes sun protection - good family walk with great views

Boofy king on 15 Dec, 2021

It's a nice walk. Pretty much all steps though so wasn't my cup of tea.

Carla on 3 Oct, 2021

Father's Day Hike

Jana on 5 Sep, 2021

Track has been majorly upgraded since my last visit and a new lookout amphitheatre has been constructed, providing a place to sit at the top. Climb with Liliana, Jasmine and Brianna(in a baby carrier).

David Findlay on 29 Aug, 2021

Always a great view of the coastline and a calf workout with the stairs.

Hayley Nicholson on 28 May, 2021

Quite technical under foot, worth the view.

Melody on 12 Apr, 2021

Where

Click here to load this map.

Nearby Walks

Done this walk?

This walk has been ticked 970 times

Aussie Bushwalking can keep track of your bushwalks.

Login/signup to tick this walk off.

Tick walks to keep track of where you've been. You must Login to tick walks. Accounts are 100% free so sign up if you don't have one.