7 Hikes and Walks in Coolum on the Sunshine Coast

Not sure what to do in Coolum, why not try out a few of our favourite walks or hikes. We’ve got it all from beach walks to national park summits and even the chance to spot wildlife on your walks. What more could you want!

1. Mount Coolum

The famous Mount Coolum hike should already be on your bucket list if it’s isn’t already! This 208-metre climb is not for the faint-hearted and should only be attempted by fit walkers. Allow 1½ hours to complete the entire hike. It will take roughly 45 minutes to reach the summit and 30 minutes to get back down to the car park.

The first section of the hike is a nice shaded stroll through native bushland and forest. The path then becomes quite steep as it traverses the rock face, so pause for a while to catch your breath and snap a photo of the breathtaking coastal views. Now your thighs will be burning as you continue to take the rocky steps up towards the top of the mountain. The rocks can be very slippery when wet so be careful if it is wet.  Always stay on the designated tracks and stay clear of any cliff edges.

The final steps before the summit of Mount Coolum

Top Tips!

• Remember to bring your own water, snacks, closed-toe shoes as the trail is very rocky and remember to slip, slop, slap. The trail is quite exposed and you will get your sweat on as you climb.

• Make sure you pack your camera to take pics of the incredible panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast.

• This hike is in Mount Coolum National Park so dogs are not permitted in this area. 

2. Emu Mountain

Emu Mountain gets its name from the local First Nations word Peregian which means Emu.  It is an easy 20 min walk to the summit and it is suitable for the entire family to complete.

The trail starts at Coolum State High School, unfortunately, dogs and bikes are not permitted on this trail as it is in a section of Noosa National Park

The walk is worth the stunning 360-degree views of both the ocean and the hinterland. The trail is rocky and is slippery in wet conditions. If you have been up Emu Mountain before then why not take a different route this time, for a detailed map of the mountain click here.

View from Emu Mountain looking towards the Hinterland

3. Coolum Boardwalk

The boardwalk starts at the Coolum Surf Club and heads south towards Point Perry. This breathtaking walk provides you with panoramic views of the beach, cliffs and ocean. It is the perfect spot to enjoy watching the surf roll in, spot wildlife or even enjoy a picnic in the shelter at Point Perry. 

The walk is suitable for all ages and abilities and is pet friendly. Once you reach Point Perry if you want to continue further then why not head down to the secluded bays and check out First Bay. Watch the surfers doing their thing and explore the rockpools.

Respect for the environment was taken into consideration when it was built and trees have been incorporated into the design of the boardwalk. It is lit at night time so everyone can enjoy the ocean views at any time.

For a map of the boardwalk download our Discovery Trail Map

4. Coolum to Peregian beach walk

If you enjoy walking on the beach then why not take it a step further and walk to our neighbours Peregian Beach. From Point Perry to Peregian Beach it is a 7km walk north. Keep an eye out for the amazing wildlife that calls Coolum home and appreciate the amazing ecosystem that makes up the coastline

View from Point Perry looking onto First and Second Bay

5. Mount Coolum Boardwalk

The boardwalk is a wonderful backdrop for photographs with spectacular views of Mount Coolum. The boardwalk winds through lush native bushland, alongside a creek flowing towards the ocean. It is a perfect location to watch the sunset or to take amazing photos of Mount Coolum in all of its glory. 

How to find the Mount Coolum Boardwalk, Put 8 Breezeway St, Mount Coolum into your navigation app. Walk towards the shrubbery, there should be a beach shower there. Next, follow the Mount Coolum Boardwalk for about 5 minutes all the way to the beach.

View of Mount Coolum from the boardwalk

6. Sunshine Coastal Pathway

This pathway is a 96km coastal pathway that stretches from Tewantin (north of Noosa) to Caloundra. It is divided into 11 sections and you can pick it up anywhere along the coastline in Coolum. We recommend taking it from Point Perry to Point Arkwright. This stretch will give you prime wildlife viewing opportunities especially during whale season (June to October). Experience the three secluded bays, learn about the wildlife in Coolum from the educational plaques along the way and enjoy the native plants and flowers along the way. 

View from Point Arkwright looking onto Mudjimba Island

7. Mount Ninderry

Located 19 mins drive inland from Coolum Beach near the charming country town of Yandina. Mount Ninderrry is one of the only pet-friendly hikes in the region. The hike is a 3km return and you will gain 130metres in elevation. 

The hike starts on a shaded fire road that leads to a steep single track that will get your calves burning. But don’t worry it is all worth it as the trail opens up and you will be greeted with a small viewing platform and views of the region. You will be looking back towards Coolum and Mount Coolum will be visible to the east. Head back to your car the same way you hiked up.