Mount Coolum’s Summit Walk: Complete Guide!

If you’re looking for one of the most iconic hikes on the Sunshine Coast, the Mount Coolum Summit Walking Trail should be high on your list. Rising sharply above the coastal plains, this ancient volcanic dome offers sweeping 360-degree views of the coastline, hinterland, and even out to the Glass House Mountains.

For first-timers, the big question is usually: how hard is the climb, how long will it take, and is it worth the effort? While the track is relatively short, its steep incline and uneven rocky steps can catch many hikers off guard.

Having completed the climb a couple of times, I’ll share everything you need to know about hiking Mount Coolum. By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to lace up your shoes and tackle one of the Sunshine Coast’s best summit walks.

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Where is the Mount Coolum Walking trail?

Mount Coolum is conveniently located at the corner of Jarnahill Drive and Tanah Street West (off David Low Way), between Mount Coolum and Yaroomba.

It’s just a short drive south of Coolum Beach and about 20 minutes north of Maroochydore (Last visit, we stayed at the Beachfront Towers), making it easily accessible for those staying anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.

Don’t want to read the whole post, then you can skip straight to the You Tube Video by clicking the play button below!

How to Get There & Parking

I always have a preference to drive my own car there, but the Car Parking area here is really small and it can get busy with locals. Therefore, the middle of the day is probably your best time to avoid the crowds, but it is not always ideal for sun exposure.

However, If you’re planning for a sunrise visit or just after, please make sure you get there early – as everyone seems to visit at this time! And while you can visit any time of day, it’s always going to be safer during Daylight Hours.

Alternatively, you can use public transport by taking either the 620 or 622 Bus, which both have stops approximately 500 meters from the base of Mount Coolum walking trail.

Conveniently, you can use the Translink App (both in Apple & Android) to help you with times and connections from your location.

Distance & How long to complete it?

The trail is classified as Grade 4, 1.6 kilometres return to complete and about 800 stairs. This means it involves steep inclines and uneven surfaces and is not always marked, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers.

While it’s one of the shortest tracks (please see the MAP Here), the steepness and stairs will make up for it and can be challenging for less active people.

I tend to take a lot of photos and videos when walking up, and it only took us about 45 minutes to get to the top (about 30 minutes down). But there is a recommendation to allow for 2 hours to return.

Can’t say that we are the most fit and there were so many locals running up for their morning exercise. There was even one guy who passed us four times (a little depressing, HAHA) while completing the hike twice himself.  

Fun fact: During rain periods, the gullies on Mount Coolum’s summit transform into beautiful waterfalls, visible from surrounding areas.

What to expect on the hike?

As you begin your journey, the trail is easy to follow and well-marked. This is the shadier section of the track, where you’ll encounter stunning rainforest landscapes filled with lush vegetation and towering trees.

Soon after, the rock-formed stairs will increase and guide you in a zig-zag way until you get closer to the top. Some of the path is fenced with unstable edges, so please ensure you stay on the form sections for safety, especially if it’s been wet from rain.

It will eventually lead you up the side of Mount Coolum’s volcanic dome.

It’s from here the path is less formed, but still very clear where you need to go. The rock has formed some uneven stairs, and you just need to walk around this section to lead up to the top (or follow the crowds).

To be honest, some of the open-air areas from here are still prime views of the beach and are just as good as the top. But, you can’t really say you’ve done it unless you make it to the top, so we pushed on!

But, stay on the lookout as the park is home to the endangered Mount Coolum she-oak, and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons and several species of wallum frogs.

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Did I think it was difficult?

A short, steep hike like Mount Coolum is brilliant for exercise, and I don’t think it’s that’s difficult. But, it’s certainly not a hike for everyone!

I do think you need to be relatively active and it will help if you walk a lot of stairs or hike more frequently than me.

With that said, I know it was walking down the stairs that made me sore over the next couple of days. This is not something you can avoid unless your hiking it every week.

Plus, it definitely won’t stop me from trying to do it again one day, when I’m in the area.

So, Is it suitable for kids? Well Yes, I think Mt Coolum is suitable for active kids. But, you will need to keep an eye on them, so they don’t get close to the edge.

At the Summit

After walking around each section, you finally make it to the top. This is only a smallish area and you’ll see a few people around sitting to catch there breath. But I mostly use it to get “snap happy” with the camera, and it made me wish I had gotten in a bit earlier for the sunrise.

At the summit of Mount Coolum, you’ll find sweeping panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast.

To the east, coastal views stretch from Double Island Point all the way to Caloundra, with Old Woman Island off the coast of Mudjimba and Moreton Island on the horizon. On your right is the Airport, and you can easily see the runway with the planes taking off.

The short tracks at the top offer the best views to the south and showcase a patchwork of flat cane land, river valleys, and the rolling hills and Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Plus, even the gorgeous Glass House Mountains in the distance.

Fun fact: According to Aboriginal Dreamtime stories, Mount Coolum is the headless body of a warrior named Coolum, who was turned to stone after a battle. His head is said to have rolled into the sea, forming Mudjimba Island.

Going back Down?

Truthfully, while the stairs on the way up are a heart starter, I definitely found it uncomfortable going back down. My neck started to hurt really quickly, from looking down at where I was walking. Plus, my knees were hurting about halfway down.

Therefore, poles might be handy for the downward trek if you’re older like me.

The next two days, it was pretty clear that I hadn’t done any hiking in a little while, as I was a bit sore. But after that, I was all keen to do it again!

About Mount Coolum & My Best Tips!

Mount Coolum rises 208 metres above sea level, making it the second-tallest mountain on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a laccolith and was created approximately 26 million years ago, when magma bulged into a dome shape and cooled beneath the Earth’s surface.

Erosion has since exposed the rhyolite rock and what we can climb today.

Its unique shape makes it a popular landmark, with its striking silhouette visible from many areas along the coast. You can even use it for bird watching, seeing wildflowers and other rare plants.

With its unique volcanic dome structure, the climb captivates hikers of all experience levels, providing an invigorating workout. Whether you’re an avid climber or a casual visitor seeking natural beauty. I think the journey to Mount Coolum’s peak is one of the best things you can do on the Sunny Coast.

Tips for completing the Mount Coolum summit Walk includes:

• Bring drinking water and stay hydrated, especially in the summertime.
• Wear a hat and sunscreen as much of the track is exposed (Slip, Slop, Slap, as the Aussies call it).
• Wear suitable closed-in footwear with plenty of grip for the smooth rocks.
• I wouldn’t recommend walking at night, but bring a good headlamp if you do.
• Check the weather forecast before starting your hike.
• Don’t rush yourself and take breaks when needed.
• Respect nature and leave nothing but footprints behind.
• Don’t forget your camera, and grab your Instagram moment from the top!
• This is a Queensland National Park, so no dogs are Allowed.
• Visit a bathroom before you park, as there are no facilities here!
• Insect Repellant might be needed at dusk or dawn.
• Take a backpack with snacks, if you want to spend some time at the top.

Is Mt Ngungun or Mt Coolum easier?

Honestly, both Mount Ngungun and Mount Coolum are very similar, being a short, steep track to climb for the views.

However, Ngungun is further away from the coastal areas and will feature a closer view of the Glass House Mountains. Where as, Mt Coolum is closer to the coast and has better view of the beach and suburban areas.

There are stairs on both hikes, but I think marginally more stairs on Coolum. I also don’t remember being as sore after Mount Ngungun. In the end, I say both are great! But, visit the one that’s closer to you, or between the coastal or mountain views.

Alternatively, we have climbed to the top of Mount Beerburrum! While it wouldn’t be my first option for views, it can add variety to your hiking trails on the Sunshine Coast.

Wrap up!

Just to wrap up, the Mount Coolum Summit walk is well worth the experience on a single trip for a tourist or many times for a local to the area. Since it was a challenging yet rewarding hike, I know I will tackle it again one day. If I’m passing by!

I hope you found the information you were looking for today, but if you’re still researching, please check out my other Sunshine Coast articles for planning and inspiration.

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• Best Place to Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• 10 Day Brisbane to Airlie Beach Road Trip Stops, Itinerary & Map
• Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Stops & Itinerary
• Amazing Waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast Waterfalls & Map
• How to Get to Booloumba Creek Falls in the Conondale National Park