Mount Coolum Hike on the Beautiful Sunshine Coast

Shayne and I knew we were wanting to go on a hike the weekend that we climbed Mount Coolum, but admittedly, I had done absolutely no research on it at all. When I agreed to the destination, it was based purely on the fact that it was in close proximity to Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café – my absolute favourite vegan friendly Thai restaurant. We live over two hours away from Coolum, so combining a walk with a restaurant outing made the drive out to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast absolutely worth while.

Parking at Mount Coolum

As soon as we arrived, we could see this place was much busier than our usual hiking destinations in the Scenic Rim. It is extremely popular, and we were here on a weekend. The car park was full, but there was still some street parking available.

Things to note about parking at Mount Coolum:

Limited Parking Spaces: Mount Coolum National Park is a popular hiking destination, especially during weekends and holidays. As a result, parking spaces at the trailhead can be limited, and it can fill up quickly, particularly in the mornings.

Arrive Early: To secure a parking spot, it’s advisable to arrive early in the day, especially during peak seasons or on weekends. Early morning hikers often have a better chance of finding available parking.

Alternative Parking: If the Mt Coolum main parking lot is full, you may need to look for alternative parking options nearby. Some visitors choose to park in residential areas and walk to the trailhead, but be sure to obey parking regulations and be respectful of local residents.

Consider Off-Peak Times: If possible, consider hiking Mount Coolum during off-peak times or on weekdays when there are fewer visitors. This can increase your chances of finding a parking space without much difficulty.

Mount Coolum Hike Time in the Sunshine Coast National Park

My husband had done the climb as part of a training exercise many, many years ago… so doing it at my stroll-along-pace was going to be a much more relaxed vibe.

Looking up at Mount Coolum on arrival I was not at all intimidated by the walk ahead, the mountain is not so big, and there were so many people of all ages. How hard could it be?

As you start the walk, you immediately find that the trail is very rocky, but not difficult. However, I wouldn’t want to try it when wet, as it would be mega slippery and unsafe.

It was about 15 minutes or so when I started to struggle and rethink my life choices.

Why was I hiking on perfectly good weekend day?

Why did I not just skip the hike and jump straight into lunch at the Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café?

If Shayne was struggling, he did not let it show, but patiently waited for me when I decided I needed to stop for a minute, or ten. Luckily, the views at every turn were beautiful as they overlook the beaches of the Sunshine Coast. The wildflowers on the walk up were beautiful, too.

I persevered, despite my husband being supportive in telling me we were nearly at the top and the view is probably the same up there anyway. He assured me we could just head back down. Bless that man. However, at this point, I was determined to conquer this tiny looking mountain… and so we kept going.

Mount Coolum Summit Walk

He was right, the view really wasn’t that much different at the Mount Coolum summit, but the sense of achievement was somewhat worth it, and lunch was definitely going to make it worth it.

We spent about half an hour up on the summit enjoying the 360 degree views before we began our descent. A few minutes into he walk down a couple a lot younger than us stopped to ask, with looks of exasperation, “how much longer until we reach the top?!”… we assured them it was less than five minutes away. A sense of camaraderie was felt, probably, definitely, only by me, but still…

The trip down was fast, besides me stopping for photo ops, as per usual. I have some arthritis in my knees, and they weren’t loving the impact, but it still a lot nicer than the climb up. As far as workouts go, this was a good one, depending on your definition of good. In my case, I am sure I burnt off the lunch I was about to eat.

Tips for Climbing Mount Coolum

Check the Weather: Before heading out, check the weather forecast for the day. Avoid hiking in extreme weather conditions, especially during heavy wind, rain or storms.

Proper Footwear: Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good grip. The trail can be rocky and uneven in places, so proper footwear is essential for safety.

Hydration: Carry an adequate supply of water, especially on hot days. Dehydration can be a significant concern, so drink water regularly throughout your hike.

Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. The trail is exposed in some areas, and the Australian sun can be intense.

Trail Difficulty: Mount Coolum has a moderate to challenging trail. It involves steep sections and uneven terrain. Be prepared for a good workout and take breaks as needed.

Stay on the Trail: Stick to the marked trail and avoid veering off the path. This helps protect the fragile ecosystem and prevents erosion.

Respect Wildlife: Mount Coolum is home to various wildlife, including reptiles and bird species. Keep a respectful distance and avoid feeding or disturbing the animals.

Leave No Trace: Follow the Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste. Leave the natural environment as you found it.

Hiking Time: The Mount Coolum hike time is around 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and the time you spend at the summit. Our Mount Coolum hike time was 1 hour and 45 minutes total, and that was with a LOT of stops and half an hour spent at the summit.

Fitness Level: Assess your fitness level before attempting the hike. While it’s doable for most people, it’s essential to know your limits and pace yourself accordingly.

Respect Other Hikers: Be courteous to fellow hikers by yielding the trail to those going uphill, and when people do give way, be thoughtful and say thanks, smile or simply nod in their direction. It costs nothing to be kind.

Mount Coolum Hike After Thoughts

In conclusion, our impromptu adventure to hike Mount Coolum turned out to be a memorable and rewarding experience. Adding it to your list of things to do on the Sunshine Coast is definitely recommended! It began with a simple desire to combine a scenic hike with a visit to a favourite restaurant, and it turned out exactly as planned.

The hike, although not overly long (but somewhat strenuous), provided its fair share of challenges, especially for someone like me who was not accustomed to such terrain. But every step of the way was rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sunshine Coast and the wild beauty of the Australian landscape.

The sense of camaraderie we felt, both with each other and with fellow hikers we encountered along the way, added to the adventure. We shared moments of exhaustion, determination, and ultimately, achievement. And at the summit, we were rewarded not only with panoramic views but with a profound sense of accomplishment. I also got to relive the sense of achievement for the next four days, as my calves fondly reminded me each and every time I moved.

As we descended Mount Coolum, tired but satisfied, we knew that this hike had not only tested our physical endurance but also allowed us to connect with the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast. It was a day filled with challenges, laughter, and the promise of a delicious meal waiting for us at Hot Chilli Bean Thai Café at the end (which did not disappoint).