Mt Coolum Walking Track

Mount Coolum was formed by volcanic activity about 25 million years ago. There is a clear path from the car park on Tanah Street West and the steep incline begins about a third of the way up as you pass the old  quarry. There are some sections of the walk that involve careful navigation and care must be taken at all times especially if it is wet. The views at the top are fantastic with ocean views from Mooloolaba to Noosa and if you walk 100m or so past the red beacon, there are great hinterland views right the way to the Glasshouse Mountains, which were formed at the same time as Mount Coolum.

The flora of the mountain comprises mainly of Xanthorrea (grass trees), Casuarinas and Scribbly Gums. There are also a wide variety of fern (52 species) and wildflowers (more than 680 discovered so far). The mountain is also home to many different animals with 9 reptiles, 8 amphibians, 15 mammals and 78 bird species being recorded including the majestic Peregrine Falcon which can often be seen surfing the rising air at the edge of the mountain looking for prey.

Mount Coolum is part of the local Aboriginal legend of the beautiful Maroochy which also incorporates Mount Ninderry (the closest mountain looking West from the top of Mt Coolum) and Mudjimba Island (the island out to sea South of the mountain).

Things to know

- Set off either early morning or late afternoon, it gets very hot especially in the Summer
- Take water, it's thirsty work getting up that incline
- Wear suitable shoes, thongs are not really going to cut it
- If it has been raining and you are going early or late in the day take mozzy repellent
- Take a camera
- There are no toilet facilities in the car park or on the mountain
- Don't forget to take a hat and some suncream