Mount Coolum

GPS Tracks

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

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Tick Walk

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.

GPS Tracks

Comments

This does not take 90 mins return! It was 38 mins return (not including break at the top) and I’m no athlete.
Holly O’Connell on 28 Jun, 2025

This whole walk is stone stairs going upwards. Pretty steep incline. I haven't done a bushwalk for a while and this was a real leg work out. It was a struggle for me and I had to take a couple breaks. But Im glad I pushed through. It was good but tough! There is barely any shade so I would advise a hat and sun protection and don't go in the middle of the day like we did lol.
Pagan Witch on 10 Feb, 2025

Steep but rewarding trek. Great view from the top of the mountain. Take care on climb as some rocks may be slippery, wear proper footwear, an hat, and sunscreen.
Kim on 6 Jan, 2025

This is generally a fairly busy walk but well worth it. Not a lot of cover from the sun so slip, slop slap!
Hogey Bear on 15 Apr, 2024

Such a good workout with awesome coastal view at the top!
Forbsey on 15 Apr, 2024

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