Despite being well known for stunning beaches, great seafood, flowing surf and uber relaxing coffe shops, the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland also has a fantastic range of hiking to suit all abilities. You do not have to be super fit to enjoy a hike, but there are options if you are extremely fit, and are seeking a challenge. The following hiking destinations, are listed by level of difficulty, from an easy walk to a steep climb.
The Glasshouse Mountains, particularly Mt. Ngungun, and Mt. Tinbeerwah, both offer an easy walk to the summit for breathtaking views of the countryside. The Glasshouse Mountains are located 20 kilometers North of Caboolture. They have many trails to offer from the easy to the advanced. The Australian Explorer recommends stopping by any of the four national parks located in the area or visiting the Glasshouse Mountains townships. Be sure to take your camera, the pictures will be amazing. Mt. Tinbeerwah is located west of Noosa in the Tewantin State Forest. It is an easy 30 minute walk to the summit. When you reach the top, you will get a 360-degree view of Noosa, its river system, the coast, the string of lakes, and the hinterland forest.
Cooroy Mountain and Mt Coolum, are both mountains recommended for the hiker with a moderate fitness level. Both hikes do have rocky areas to traverse, so be sure you are wearing a good pair of shoes when you go, and keep your eyes peeled for the trail. Cooroy Mountain is located in the beautiful Noosa Hinterland and is protected under the Department of Environment and Heritage’s National Reserve Program. Cooroy Mountain takes the average hiker about two hours to reach the top. Reaching the top of Mt Coolum, takes the average hiker about an hour. Once at the top, however, the views are magnificent. You will have a view that goes from the Noosa National Forest, to the sky scrapers of Caloundra, to the cane fields, to the Maroochy River. I hope you have a camera with a panoramic view!
Mount Cooroora, is located in the township of Pomona. This climb is for the advanced hiker because it is very steep, and has many loose stones. It takes the average hiker about two hours to reach the top of the mountain. Mt Cooroora is famous for its King of the Mountain Challenge that takes place every July. This challenge involves running to the top of the mountain and back. The record is twenty minutes, in case you were interested in trying to break it!
There is no shortage of things to do on the Sunshine Coast, and with so many scenic hikes to take you could keep yourself busy and get in really fantastic shape in a matter of weeks! Do forget to take plenty of water on your adventures, and to wear durable shoes for those trails with rough terrain. Most importantly, take your camera! You will not want to walk down these mountains without having recorded the views from the top. The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful area full of national parks and natural wonders, so go see it for yourself!
