If you ever wonder where to get the best view of the Sunshine Coast, I might just have the answer for you 👀
Living an hour away from Brisbane for 4 years, I would say I am a good enough expert to know where to find some of the best views around here 😎 Located about a 2-hr drive 🚗 from Brisbane City, this hike takes you up to a view that never fails to disappoint, whether you’re a local or someone who has just come to visit 🌊
Length and Duration
2.6km (approx. 2 hrs) return
The Hiking Experience
I did this hike in 2020 during the pandemic, when Queenslanders were allowed to go outdoors as long as we practised social distancing. Well, there were practically not many people in sight anyway 😅
The beginning of the hike was fairly easy, surrounded by nature and just serenity 🌿 It was a pretty peaceful walk 🚶♀️ and at that point, I thought the hike was going to be quite manageable.
That was until I got to the middle of the hike.
You see, I am not much of a hiker. If I would hike, I would usually go for the slightly easier ones. Nothing too extreme. So when I started encountering all the rocky ‘stairs’ going up, I definitely started questioning my life choices 😮💨
The good thing is that you can already start seeing the ocean halfway up, which makes the climb a little more worthwhile 🌊
Throughout the hike, I’d seen people of all ages doing it, including a 60–70-year-old lady! There were also kids climbing down the hike with their parents.
At that point, I was huffing for breath and thinking, if they can do it (especially the lovely old lady), I can do it too 💪
And I did it!
And I did the climb TWICE! On different days, of course 😂
For someone who isn’t much of a hiker, I would say the view at the top was definitely worth the effort. It was one of those moments where you forget how tired you were the moment you get to the top and see the ocean stretching out in front of you ☀️
And if you’re wondering where this hike is, it is Mount Coolum, one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Sunshine Coast ☀️🌄
A Little History of Mount Coolum
Mount Coolum is a volcanic dome located on the Sunshine Coast and is part of the Mount Coolum National Park. Standing at around 208 metres above sea level, it is one of the region’s most distinctive natural landmarks. The mountain is part of the ancient volcanic landscape that shaped much of the Sunshine Coast millions of years ago.
The name ‘Coolum’ is believed to have Aboriginal origins, although there are different interpretations of its meaning. The area also holds significance for the Traditional Owners of the land.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend it? Absolutely! 😌
As someone who isn’t much of a hiker, Mount Coolum was definitely a little challenging, but it was still manageable and, most importantly, worth the climb. The view at the top is the kind that makes you forget how tired you were just a few minutes ago.
So if you’re looking for a hike on the Sunshine Coast and don’t mind a bit of huffing and puffing along the way, add Mount Coolum to your list. Just remember to bring water, wear comfortable shoes and maybe don’t be like me and underestimate those rocky ‘stairs’ 🥾
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