Scale the highest volcanic peak on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast for stunning 360 degree views.
Suitability
Suitable for experienced walkers only – steep in places, strenuous and some exposure.
Highlights
A local’s favourite and for very good reasons, and views. A stone’s throw from the quaint village of Pomona in the Sunshine Coast hinterland stands the proud pinnacle of Mount Cooroora. The site of the annual ‘king of the mountain race’ this track takes your breath away, literally. But the expansive vista and calorie burn make it well worthwhile.
Take the worn track up through a wooded section, before a short decent and creek bridge crossing. There are chiselled rock steps as well as concrete and metal ones in places. You definitely need to watch your footing and look out for the odd handhold and resting seat! Some sections are steep in places but there are chains to help you pull yourself up.
You will be exhilarated when you get to the summit. Hard to believe the record for running up and back is 22.43 minutes.
Afterwards
Enjoy a well earned refreshment back in Pomona, where there are coffee shops, a pub, supermarket, antique shops and the heritage listed Majestic Theatre.
How to get there
To the starting point: On the coast side of Cooroy, take Elm Street North (runs parallel to the train lines). This road becomes the Old Bruce Highway. Stay on this road for about 3 km then follow the signs to Pomona.
When you get to Pomona take Hill Street and follow it round into Reserve Street, cross over the railway tracks, go through the roundabout and take the first right into School Street. Continue on this road and when you turn the corner turn left into Mountain Street. This takes you all the way to the Mt Cooroora car park and beyond. Park in the car park beside the park. The trail starts opposite.
To the end point: It’s a there and back route, or rather and up and down one.
About this place
- Suitable for walking
- Dogs prohibited
- Drinking water available
- Picnic table on site
- Toilets on site
- Walking track grade
- Grade 5
- An unformed track, likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. For very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills.
Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)
- Managed by
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
- Tuchekoi National Park(opens in a new tab)
To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:
Safety
Hazards on this trail
Rocky loose scrambling sections. Falling rubble.
Check park alerts before you go
Tuchekoi National Park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Check their park alerts for closures and track conditions. Park alerts in the Sunshine Coast region(opens in a new tab)
In an emergency, call 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: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- 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: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
- Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.
My children, husband and I climbed this mountain on Mother's Day after using this website to find where the walk started. The Adventure Sunshine Coast site contains very accurate directions to locate the trail start. This trail is, at the website suggests not just for the average person. A level of fitness is required to complete it as some sections are steep and it will most definitely get the heart pumping. While both my children aged 8 and 10 were able to complete it, we as a family are regular hikers. I would not recommend it for children under this age (unless quite experienced) as some rock scrabbling and climbing is required and their height would make it a lot more challenging to complete these sections independently. In the steeper sections there is a combination of metal stairs and/or chains to assist you. All the recent rain has caused some of this track to become a bit more rutted out in sections but generally it is very good. Make sure you have both hands free to help you with the climb. Overall, this a very rewarding, albeit slightly more challenging climb with beautiful views from the top.
My friends and I tackled the mountain in the dark (with headlamps!) to catch a beautiful sunrise. The climb definitely gets the heart pumping, and there were times that I had to use my hands to pull myself upwards on rocks and the chain. Once at the top you are rewarded with viewpoints at different locations, giving you essentially a 360 degree view surrounding the mountain. Very beautiful.
Nearby trails
- Walking
- Mountain Biking
- Horse Riding
Tuchekoi National Park: Pomona side trail
POMONA
Intermediate4.6 kmOne-way
- Walking
- Cycling
- Mountain Biking
- Horse Riding
Tuchekoi National Park: Cooran side trail
COORAN
Intermediate4.5 kmCircuit
- Walking
- Mountain Biking
Tewantin National Park: Lake MacDonald North.
LAKE MACDONALD
Intermediate5.9 kmCircuit
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Printed from Adventure Sunshine Coast · https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/trails/43232/tuchekoi-national-park-mount-cooroora
Always check current conditions and closures before you set out.