Mount Coolum

GPS Tracks

Mt Coolum (KML)

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, birdlife and geology feature here.

Lookouts

No Dogs Permitted

Maximum Elevation: 197m
Total Climb: 181m

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. Roads to the car park are suitable for all vehicles.

Maps:

http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/mount-coolum/about.html#things_to_do

Route/Trail notes:

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

Permits/Costs:

None

Comments

First time doing this on a weekend, car park was packed and a steady stream of people heading up. Pretty easy walk, can ascend in around 15 minutes if you walk at a steady rate. Good view for the level of effort required to walk it, can watch all the planes on approach to Runway 18.
Vonsnrub on 28 Apr, 2018

Loved this walk. The view was spectacular. Loved how we could watch the planes take off from Sunny Coast airport.
It is a little rocky closer to the Summit so be careful with younger kids. Does get busy !
Smitho on 12 Apr, 2018

Simple walk. My 3 and 5yo both did it easily. If you stand vertical and walk up a couple of flights of stairs then you could climb this. View from the top nice, wouldn’t say spectacular. Good way to wear your kids out.
iano on 11 Apr, 2018

A popular walk, not too challenging to hike up. It is currently Easter holidays so understandably popular, but still easy to escape the crowds at the top to get a good view point and your all essential ‘I made it’ photos! Incredible views in all directions (though more challenging to get to the western views) make the sweat well worth it. Wish more people would say thanks for you giving way to them...a little courteous behaviour goes a long way.
SparkySparkler on 9 Apr, 2018

EASY
3/5

A hike that I would do once if I was in the area, but probably not again. Mostly walking up stairs. Not fun for the knees. Minus 1 point for the stairs (I do not enjoy stairs).

Basically the same view of the ocean and beach the whole way up. Even at the summit, your view is restricted to the coastline. Due to the abundance of foliage at the summit, the inland view is mostly blocked. Coastline view is also ruined a little in my opinion by the housing scattered up and down the coast. Minus 1 point for lack of variety of scenery in terms of both the track and the surrounding landscape.

Doable for most ages including kids. Good activity for young families I guess? Might be interesting to go again for sunrise or sunset.
Sam on Apr, 2018

Beautifully curated walk with handbuilt stairs most of the way. Popular busy track, exposed at top so bring sunscreen. Fairly steep gradient, good for training.
Museum of Jus on 4 Mar, 2018

Easy walk to the top - stairs the whole way. Took the whole family and they loved the views. Quiet on a cloudy weekday.
Juiced Pixels on 1 Mar, 2018

Great walk with stunning views. Some steep sections but saw a two year old manage it so open to everyone.
Chantelle on 8 Jan, 2018

This was #6 of a 6 peaks in one day challenge I did with my daughter, daughter-in-law, and 12yr old granddaughter so we found it more challenging than if it was our only one for the day. Lots of formed steps and rocky sections with spectacular views of the coast. Highly recommend.
Lone Ranger on 8 Jan, 2018

Very popular walk. I will be taking extra water next time as it is quite exposed to the elements as you near the top of the climb. The view is well worth the climb!!
emjmit on 29 Dec, 2017

Where is the moderator seriously, the last two comments are just uncalled for, nobody else checks the comments for your ignorant wit and filth.
Bernie on 2 Nov, 2017

A nice short walk with great views and scenery. Not too easy but not very difficult. We encountered clouds of mosquitoes on a previous visit, although they were absent on this one.
meadharry on 30 Sep, 2017

Views are incredible.. lots of kids on the Mountain today being school holidays, will definitely be back (maybe when it's less busy) plenty of mosquitoes!
_Susan_ on 19 Sep, 2017

It's a must do, the views are stunning, the climb feels like an accomplishment.
The Lizard King on 1 Sep, 2017

Great walk for families with children who are able to walk independently up hills. Great views. Can be slippery on the way down, wear shoes with grippy soles.
Take a Hike on 12 Aug, 2017

As a full-time smoker this walk was a struggle up however with heaps of practice and to do this walk regularly it will be easy! Heaps of the locals do this daily before they even go to work. I remember walking down and I saw a pregnant woman with a heart monitor on her coming up for the second time. So if she can do it, anyone can do it. Gorgeous beach view on one side and some pretty breath taking Sunshine Coast hinterlands on the other. Well worth the climb.
bnotters on 13 Jul, 2017

First walk for the 4 of us on a wonderful winters afternoon, not a cloud in the sky. Not too difficult even for the 2 oldies (late 50's) who are getting over a very bad cold. Fantastic views and photo opportunities.
David H on 8 Jul, 2017

Did the whole thing in 30 minutes! Could have done it faster without all the hectic holiday/weekend traffic :)
kmgail on 8 Jul, 2017

Easy walk, great views
Pumpkin Peta on 4 Jun, 2017

The views are stunning. Quite an easy walk up hill with a few steep areas. Easy to navigate paths. You can see the coast quite easily and stay watching that view for hours. Wonderful views and worth the drive. Easy parking at the base.
Kristy-Lee on Jun, 2017