PDF download in progress

Please wait...

Mt Coolum National Park: Summit Walk

Mount Coolum
0.8km
Trail type
Skill Level
One-way Length
One-way

NOTE: This adventure is in Mount Coolum National Park for current Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service parks information, maps and essential park alerts click here

One of the best vantage points on the coast to see the coastline in both directions and the canefields and other developments of the hinterland.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for experienced walkers, take your time – there is no rush.

HIGHLIGHTS
This iconic ascent of an ancient volcano core (laccolith) for great views of the coastline is an awesome option, in good weather, for the view, and for safety (slippery enough as it is). Stairs aside, steep rocky sections and exposed vantages mean children MUST be closely supervised. It also can be busy!

That said it is a fabulous family adventure. Fascinating geological features abound and glimpses of wildlife such as resident rare and endangered falcons can be more common than you might expect. And of course a feeling of accomplishment from climbing over 200m!

From the top you can easily spot Old Woman Island off the coast of Mudjimba, the Sunshine Coast Airport and runways, solar farms on the west side, and distant Glass House Mountains! You’ve got to do it.

AFTERWARDS
For your next summit give Mount Ninderry a shot – either today or another time.

If you are after a caffeine fix, Wagtail on David Low, just opposite Boward Close, is always reliable and popular with the locals. Or head to Coolum Beach for a cool dip and icecream or something more substantial at the Surf Club.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: The walk starts in the car park just on the right at the start of Jarnahill Drive off Tanah Street West, south of Coolum.

If you are on the southern end of the coast, head north on the Sunshine Coast Motorway take the exit to Sunshine Coast Airport, bypass the airport and continue on David Low Way to the coast. Head north, past the airport and bush, through a roundabout till you come to Tanah Street West. Turn left here and take the first left into Jarnahill Drive.

From the northern end of the coast, head to Coolum either via the David Low Coast Road – keep driving through Coolum – and after 4 km turn right into Tanah Street West and left into Jarnahill Drive. Alternatively, take the Coolum exit off the Sunshine Coast Motorway, turn right at the first roundabout and head right along South Coolum Road, follow this as it leads into Toolga and Tanah Street West till you get to Jarnahill Drive on your right.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.

One of the best vantage points on the coast to see the coastline in both directions and the canefields and other developments of the hinterland.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for experienced walkers, take your time – there is no rush.

HIGHLIGHTS
This iconic ascent of an ancient volcano core (laccolith) for great views of the coastline is an awesome option, in good weather, for the view, and for safety (slippery enough as it is). Stairs aside, steep rocky sections and exposed vantages mean children MUST be closely supervised. It also can be busy!

That said it is a fabulous family adventure. Fascinating geological features abound and glimpses of wildlife such as resident rare and endangered falcons can be more common than you might expect. And of course a feeling of accomplishment from climbing over 200m!

From the top you can easily spot Old Woman Island off the coast of Mudjimba, the Sunshine Coast Airport and runways, solar farms on the west side, and distant Glass House Mountains! You’ve got to do it.

AFTERWARDS
For your next summit give Mount Ninderry a shot – either today or another time.

If you are after a caffeine fix, Wagtail on David Low, just opposite Boward Close, is always reliable and popular with the locals. Or head to Coolum Beach for a cool dip and icecream or something more substantial at the Surf Club.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: The walk starts in the car park just on the right at the start of Jarnahill Drive off Tanah Street West, south of Coolum.

If you are on the southern end of the coast, head north on the Sunshine Coast Motorway take the exit to Sunshine Coast Airport, bypass the airport and continue on David Low Way to the coast. Head north, past the airport and bush, through a roundabout till you come to Tanah Street West. Turn left here and take the first left into Jarnahill Drive.

From the northern end of the coast, head to Coolum either via the David Low Coast Road – keep driving through Coolum – and after 4 km turn right into Tanah Street West and left into Jarnahill Drive. Alternatively, take the Coolum exit off the Sunshine Coast Motorway, turn right at the first roundabout and head right along South Coolum Road, follow this as it leads into Toolga and Tanah Street West till you get to Jarnahill Drive on your right.

To the end point: The end point is the same as the starting point.

Activities and facilities
Glossary
  • Suitable for wheelchairs
  • Suitable for walking
  • Suitable for recreational cycling
  • Suitable for mountain biking
  • Suitable for horse riding
  • Suitable for kayaking
  • Drinking water available
  • No drinking water available
  • Barbeque on site
  • Picnic table on site
  • Toilets on site
  • Fires permitted
  • Fires prohibited
  • Camping permitted
  • Camping prohibited
  • Suitable for walking
  • No drinking water available
  • Fires prohibited
  • Camping prohibited
Map
Reviews

Review Date: 11/05/2019

A good family hike, not too strenuous - suit novice able bodied hikers, with breathtaking views rewarding the hiker all the up the mountain. There are no toilets at the top, so definitely go before you leave home! Carry a small backpack with water bottles and don’t forget your camera.

Reviewed By: Anna

Review Date: 18/04/2019

A good workout as it is a steep climb in the middle. Track is well maintained and view at the top makes it all worthwhile.

Reviewed By: Jasmine

Review Date: 30/11/2018

This is a must-do on the Coast. A challenging walk rewards you with great views of the coastline and surrounds.

Reviewed By: Christopher

Review Date: 30/11/2018

A great climb, but take it easy the first time depending on your fitness level. It is quite steep quickly so will get the blood pumping! Take a water bottle with you to take a rest at the top and enjoy the magnificent views across the coast - don't forget to check out the western views as well. Early morning is best as it can get busy as the day progresses.

Reviewed By: Fiona

Review Date: 28/11/2018

Love it, great views and will get the blood pumping....

Reviewed By: Georgia

Review Date: 26/11/2018

The most spectacular place to watch the sun rise over the ocean. The track is well used and safe and the views are absolutely amazing. I have done this a number of times with my kids and it is challenging but fun for them.

Reviewed By: Carissa

Review Date: 26/11/2018

By far my favourite climb on the coast. It's steep and can be quite challenging (it's a fantastic cardio workout) and the view from the top is well and truly worth the effort. If you've never done the climb before allow plenty of time, not only for climbing but to stop at the top and take in the incredible view. Wear sunscreen as the higher parts of the track are exposed to full sun. It's also a good idea to spray on some mozzie repellent if you are climbing early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Reviewed By: Emily

Review Date: 06/11/2018

Climbed for the first time on Saturday for fitness after it had re-opened from trail upgrades. Being unfit I found it challenging but achievable. Rewarded with great views along the way. Trail is well made. Mosquitoes were a plenty at the base.

Reviewed By: Wendy

Review Date: 02/11/2018

The ideal challenge for the intermediate hiker. This is quite a steep and rocky track with some tree cover and more exposed sections towards the top. Fantastic coastal and hinterland views from the top with multiple vantage points to look out from. I find there can be quite alot of mosquitos early in the morning or late in the afternoon, so wear some bug spray if going at these times.

Reviewed By: Adam

Safety

IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL '000'.

Always Adventure Safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: http://www.bom.gov.au/qld/.
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn’t going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: https://www.trailhiking.com.au/hike-safety/
  • Sunshine Coast Council does it’s best to maintain current information but things can change so always be aware that a trail may not be as listed in this guide, and report and issues via our feedback link.

Maintenance and Enquiries

Qld Parks and Wildlife Service

National Parks, Conservation Parks and some State Forests are managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Contact details are: https://www.des.qld.gov.au/contactus/

For current information on trail conditions and alerts go to https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/#sunshinecoast

If you think something on this web site needs to change please let us know via: adventure@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Share this trail

This action requires a login.
To continue, click on Login/Signup below.

Photo uploaded successfully, thank you.

Feedback / Suggest an Adventure

Feedback

If you have any feedback on the site or any of the trails, please drop us a short email.

Suggest an Adventure

Have we missed something? Do you have an adventure to suggest? Fill in the suggestion form to let us know about it.