Explore Coolum’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.
If you love nature you’re going to love it here.
Coolum Beach Boardwalk
Coolum Boardwalk was a collaborative community project to deliver a beachside walk that was suitable for all people to enjoy day and night. Starting at the southern end of the Surf Club the boardwalk extends along the clifftop to Point Perry - one of the best places to enjoy the iconic Coolum views and up north to Noosa.
It is the perfect spot to take a breath, enjoy the surf rolling in and spot whales, turtles and the occasional dolphins. Or you could enjoy a sunset picnic at Point Perry at the shelter overlooking Coolum or on the grass overlooking the rockpools at First Bay.
Suitable for all abilities and pet friendly, enjoy the breathtaking views, silly mirror, local mosaics and interpretation information along the way. Keep left to avoid the kids on bikes and scooters racing back down the hill.
A short walk back down to the town and a hop across the road for a deserved bit of refreshment from one of the well-situated cafes is recommended. Or take the steps down to First Bay for its secluded beach and some rock pool fun.
For a map of the boardwalk download the Discovery Trail Map
Mount Coolum National Park
The Mount Coolum hike should be on your hiking bucket list if it isn’t already! This 208-metre climb is not for the faint-hearted and should only be attempted by fit walkers.
Allow 1½ hours for the return walk. It will take 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.
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.
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 family to complete.
Head to Coolum State High School to start the track, unfortunately, dogs and bikes are not permitted on this trail.
Although it’s been a while since emus have roamed here, the trek is worthy of the stunning views of the ocean and hinterland. Afterwards, head back to Coolum and meander along the unmissable secret winding foredune walk along the beachside with stunning native coastal flora and fauna accessible from the car park halfway between Havana Road and Tritonia Drive. Keeping in mind, this is all part of the Noosa National park, this hidden gem is well worth an exploratory climb to the top.
Mount Coolum Boardwalk
Mount Coolum Boardwalk is a popular site for weddings and events. The boardwalk is a wonderful backdrop for photographs with spectacular views of Mount Coolum and the coastline.
Noosa National Park
Noosa National Park features the spectacular coastal scenery of Noosa Headland, and nearby areas around Lake Weyba, Peregian and Coolum. Surrounded by development, this park is a wildlife sanctuary, protecting beautiful stands of eucalypt forest, woodland, melaleuca wetland, colourful wallum heathland and pockets of dense vine-strewn rainforest.
For a map of the walks in Noosa National Park download the park map here.
Kondalilla National Park
Experiencing the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is only 40 mins drive inland from Coolum. The sheer diversity of the landscape and natural features will take your breath away.
The park is named after the spectacular Kondalilla Falls, where Skene Creek drops 90m into a rainforest valley.
With natural swimming pools and a rainforest canopy to keep you cool in the hot summer months’ Kondalilla National Park is a must-visit.
For more information about the National Park and the walking trail options visit Queensland’s Parks department here.
