Mount Coolum is an isolated volcanic dome situated in the Mount Coolum National Park on the Sunshine Coast in QLD, Australia.
The scenery, the Mt Coolum walking track, and the views from the top are beautiful!
As locals who live on the Sunshine Coast, we have been up and down this mountain many times. (In fact, I have a view of it from my verandah where I live!).
At 208 meters in height, Mt Coolum is well worth a climb when visiting the gorgeous Sunny Coast!
Where is Mount Coolum
The Mt Coolum National Park entrance is on the corner of Tanah Street East and Jamahill Drive in Mount Coolum.
Mt Coolum Walk – The Video!
Please watch our short video of our climb as a family to the summit of Mount Coolum! We hope you enjoy our digital story! I think our 6-year-old daughter, Lily, sums up the experience pretty well haha!
Whilst you are at it, don’t forget to read our post about the top lookouts on the Sunshine Coast!
The Mount Coolum Climb – General Information
- Where: Mount Coolum
- Car Parks: Corner of Tanah Street West and Jarnahill Drive
- Level: Moderately Difficult
- Distance to Walk: 800-Meters
Don’t let the idea of only 800 meters fool you. It is 800 meters up and up, with lots of climbing. We did the walk with our two children, and we had to watch our youngest to keep her safe from steep drops.
The climb typically takes around 1 – 1.5 hours to return, although I know of fit superstars who run up and down in 20 minutes!
The view from the summit is genuinely glorious: a 360-degree overview of the beautiful Sunshine Coast.
One side offers views over the Sunshine Coast coastline and beaches extending from Moreton Island to Double Island Point, the cane fields and wetland areas of the Maroochy River Valley, and the main areas of the Coast.
The other provides a more ‘landscape’ view over the hills and valleys. I can never decide which lookout is my favorite!
Best Time of Day to Go: Make sure to come here either early or later in the afternoon. Take a hat and pop on sunscreen as most of the walk is in the sun.
How Long Does it Take to Climb Mt Coolum? For most people it will take around 1 – 1.5 hours return, however joggers run up and down in around 20 minutes.
Other Information: There are no toilets at either the base or the top. Over weekends you might find a little van selling coffee and cold drinks at the base.
This walk is worth the effort, so grab your shoes and move!
Other Fun Things to do in Coolum
If you are wondering what else to do in Coolum, here are some of our recommendations.
1. Coolum Boardwalk
Down Boardwalk Blvd, you will find a picture-perfect 20-meter boardwalk that stretches from the road to the beach.
On the return journey on this short walk, you will find yourself staring at Mount Coolum’s beauty and size in the backdrop—a truly beautiful sight!
2. Coolum Beach
Coolum Beach is a brilliant place to go for a swim, a play, or a beautiful long walk along the never-ending stretch of coastline.
There is also a fabulous kids’ play park here, as well as a skate park for the older ones.
3. Point Perry Coolum Beach Lookout
Also known as Wilkinson Park, this lookout is a pretty good one to stop at!
The park also has a viewing platform and picnic shelter. This lookout is located at David Low Way, Coolum Beach.
4. Emu Mountain
Emu Mountain is a lovely, easy alternative to Mt Coolum. For a more leisurely walk, you can get beautiful views.
5. Oz Ski Resort
Oz Ski Resort is a world-class water ski facility located on a man-made freshwater lake at Coolum.
6. Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course
For those who enjoy a bit of golf on their holidays, why not head over to the Palmer Coolum Resort Golf Course?
7. Asante Day Spa
Say the word ‘spa’ on holidays, and I am there!! What better time to treat yourself to some time out and luxury treatments? I’ve been to Asante Day Spa a few times.
Final Thoughts on Climbing Mount Coolum
I hope I have answered all your questions to help you plan out your first Mount Coolum climb to the summit.
For those unfit, it can be a bit tricky climbing up and up and up, but push through as the effort is well worth it!
Till next time!
