May 24

May 24 Mount Coolum

Be warned, you will not be alone on this hike but that doesn't mean the experience isn't worth it!

If you are looking for a quick and easy (ish) way to get some of the best views on the Sunshine Coast, then a visit to the summit of Mount Coolum is a must.

Located 6km south of Coolum Beach, there is a convenient car park at the bottom of this 197m rock.

The scenery, the Mt Coolum walking track and the views from the top are beautiful but don't be deceived, the trip up is still pretty steep and there are some narrow ledges to be wary of if you are bringing the kids out for a walk.

The entire walk shouldn't take you much more than an hour and a half return, even if you are pacing yourself on the many stairs you have to trek up.

Don't be intimidated by the people you will see jogging up and down - they probably do this every week!

The trek begins with lots of rock steps surrounded by trees, and then moves to a rougher stony track with small, hardy shrubs.

There isn't much shade on the top half, so wear a hat and maybe avoid the middle of the day for this one. I would also not try this one in wet weather as it looks like those rocky steps would be super slippery.

I have summited this rock twice - once in the peak of Summer and once more recently in Autumn - and in both instances, don't leave home without some water.

Once at the top, you will be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Sunny Coast. One side offers views over the coastline and beaches as far as the eye can see towards Noosa and Mooloolaba, the cane fields and wetland areas of the Maroochy River Valley, as well as the main areas of the Coast. The other provides you with a hinterland view over the hills and valleys - all the way down the Glasshouse Mountains.