Mt Cooroora

GPS Tracks

Become your own 'King of the Mountain'.
Mt Cooroora at 446m (Tuchekoi National Park), is probably the most famous of the Sunshine Coast climbs, due to the King of the Mountain race held annually in July since 1979. The fact that it is a race from the pub in town, and the best time is 22:43, gives you the false impression that this might be quite an easy climb, but you would be wrong!
Take time out as you climb to enjoy the stunning views south across the Sunshine Coast and the 360° vista from the top.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

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Getting there:

From the Bruce Highway follow the signs to Pomona. Once in Pomona turn into School Street and then turn into Mountain Street. Park near the sign at the beginning of the walk.

Maps:

Mount Cooroora

Route/Trail notes:

Follow the well worn track up through a wooded area, before a short descent and across a creek bridge. Easy!

Now the hard part as you start to climb along the path and up a series of concrete, rock chiselled and metal stairways. Watch your step, as in places the ground has been eroded.

About halfway up is a side trail with good views and a resting point. From here continue up three more sets of stairs and follow the chains. About 30m from the summit the chain ends and it is a scramble to the top. When the path levels out turn right and follow the track to the rocks at the true summit and fantastic views.

To return, just retrace your steps. It is recommended to 'abseil' the chains going down.

Permits/Costs:

None

Other References/Comments:

Take a picnic and plenty of water.

King of the Mountain

GPS Tracks

Comments

Good hike, the stairs and chain make it physically challenging but the views were very nice
Ines on 24 May, 2020

Third time doing this track. Must admit after being stuck inside for a while this time took the longest. Lots of people out today enjoying the sunshine and freedom but not enough to warrant and social distancing issues.

Looks like a few large rocks have been dislodged since I was here last. Track still good but makes these bits a little ‘taller’ to try to navigate.

I wear hiking boots for ankle support and don’t use poles for this one. Lots of people wearing sneakers so personal preference really.
Minnie on 16 May, 2020

Video of the climb! https://youtu.be/efDboQJhfeE

Such and underrated/little known climb for people living in Brisbane.
Jared M Stegman on 15 May, 2020

My new favourite hike on the Sunshine Coast. The climb is steep but worth it for the beautiful views of the Sunshine Coast. I got up in about 35 minutes, stopping multiple times on the way up to catch my breath and take in the stunning view. I would love to do it again in the late afternoon while the sun is setting. 10/10.
K8 on 25 Apr, 2020

Nice walk better company
Stoz on 25 Apr, 2020

First time up here and went up at dawn with a couple of ladies I met in the car park.
Really lovely climb. The steps and chains are a great help and going down, for me, is the more challenging part. 35mins to the top with photo stops and the ladies caught up 10 mins later. Such a magical experience and one to be undertaken with a level of reverence in my opinion. But mountains should always have our love and respect shouldn’t they ❤️
Jan Saunders on 5 Mar, 2020

My first time up this mountain and the photos of the steepness don't do it justice. Certainly the hardest climb I have done so far but well worth it for the view.
Darren on 22 Feb, 2020

Me, my wife and our kids (3 and 1) did the climb today. It was hot but we managed! 😊 My 3 year old daughter did it all by herself! Her most difficult climb so far. Not a lot of shade, neither during the climb or at the summit but the view is excellent!
Thomas M on 18 Feb, 2020

This is one of the best mountains the Sunshine Coast/Noosa Region has to offer, with spectacular views north, east, south, and west.

The ascent is immediate so be sure to do some stretches before you hike it if you drove over one hour to get here, as it will quickly catch up with you as you go up the mountain. Some stairs provided and a chain make this climb much easier before hitting some scrambler walls before the summit.

A highly recommended mountain and, in my opinion, the flora here is not entirely degenerated.
basalamant on 2020

4/5 stars, 2hrs return at a slow pace - did in a group with people that are not confident hikers. After about 10-15 minutes of walking the rest of the trail involves low scrambling with short sections of metal stairs every now and then, as well as metal chains running along parts of the scramble that you can hold on to. The rocks for the scramble are slippery in some sections due to being covered in a fine dust so shoes with good grip help. Most of the scrambling is also exposed to the sun with minimal shade so bring sunscreen. The peak isn’t quite free of trees, only a few spots offer clear views of the landscape (not 360 degree view at the peak), but fairly decent nevertheless. Overall, a nice shorter hike that involves more than just walking; somewhat comparable to tibro in that regard. I've done this hike 1 time.
Sam on 9 Nov, 2019

Hold on to the chains and bring good shoes!
★ sam ★ on 11 Oct, 2019

Great loved it

- 1:54
- 2.28km
- 312m
Anthony Gambino on 5 Oct, 2019

Lots of steps, scrambling isn’t too bad with the chains. Great area to explore at the top.
Linda on 1 Sep, 2019

Challenging walk but worth it for the view at the top!
Vicki on 25 Aug, 2019

My favourite walk by far to date. I’ve done this four times. I keep going back as this is absolute heart pounding. Stamina galore. It’s not dangerous at all. Light scrambling. There are three sets of stairs you need to get over then then about a 5 minutes scramble. Love it, love it, love it. It’s tough, but only on legs and heart.
Gabriel on 24 Aug, 2019

Absolutely love this mountain. Pushes the fitness and have to think on foot placement. Stunning views!!!
Deon Krahe on 24 Jul, 2019

This was our final climb in a day of 7 mountains. Definitely left the toughest til last! As with all of our climbs... TOTALLY WORTH IT!
Naomi Bradley on 2 Jul, 2019

Me and my 8 yr old daughter did this today 3rd time for me 1st time for her so proud she got to learn the basics of rock scrambling
mitchell baker on 22 Jun, 2019

The walk was interesting; harder than I thought and challenging at time but well worth it. My partner and I are fairly fit and it took us 90mins return with 10 mins at the top. A fairly good level of fitness is needed for this walk otherwise I would take it slow.
Danny on 16 Jun, 2019

Amazing views! Loved this mountain so much. It was a very steep walk/climb with some parts even a scramble. As long as you are moderately fit you'll be able to complete it as there are chains on the way and steps into the mountain. We went on a Monday to avoid the crowds. Spent about an hour up the top taking pics etc but otherwise only takes about 1.5 hours up and down.
Mon on Jun, 2019