Looking for a hike with stunning sunrises, gentle switchbacks, and trails the whole family can tackle? Check out these 3 epic coastal hikes on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland!

 

We acknowledge that this adventure is located on Gubbi Gubbi Nation, the traditional Country of the Gubbi Gubbi people who have occupied and cared for this land and water for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

Jump to Section

Quick Facts Sunshine Coast Hikes

Mt Coolum

Elevation: 208m
Distance: 1.6km
Duration: Allow 1.5 hours

Mt Ninderry

Elevation: 304m
Distance: 3km
Duration: Allow 1 hour

Emu Mountain

Elevation: 71m.
Distance: 2km
Duration: Allow 1 hour.

About Sunshine Coast Summit Hikes

The Sunshine Coast offers a multitude of short summits with magnificent coastal views that everyone can enjoy. Get going and work up a sweat whilst you check out the beautiful coastline, before rewarding yourself with a swim at Coolum beach.

Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry, and Emu Mountain are all beginner level hikes that can each can be achieved in a little over an hour or less! And kids will love them too. Each peak also makes for a fantastic spot to watch the sunrise over the ocean.

 

How To Get There

Mt Coolum

Located on the Sunshine Coast. Turn off the David Low Way 6km south of Coolum Beach township or 3km north of Marcoola township into Tanah Street (West). The car park entrance is near the junction of Tanah Street (West) and Jarnahill Drive.

Mt Ninderry

Turn left off the Bruce Highway at Yandina and at the roundabout turn into Ninderry Rd. Follow this till Eucalyptus Circle and look for a cement drive up to the carpark on the right. (Do not GPS Mt Ninderry, it will direct you to the back of the mountain).

Emu Mountain

Emu Mountain is about 3km north of Coolum beach. From Coolum Beach follow the David Low Way north. Turn left at Havana Road East and follow this road up to the State High School, where you can park. The gate at the start of the walk is opposite.

Skill Level

Beginner – family friendly

Nearby Accommodation

Essential Gear For Day Hikes

Read more: Packing List for a Day Hike

Epic Coastal Summit Hikes on the Sunshine Coast

1. Mt Coolum

Time from Brisbane CBD: 1 hour 50 minutes
Distance: 1.6km
Time: 1.5 hours

Mt Coolum is close by, about 6km south of Coolum Beach and is one of Sunshine Coast locals most beloved hikes. Mt Coolum is short, slightly steep, featuring switchbacks and small stair sections, leading up to an open rocky section with incredible coastal views.

 

2. Mt Ninderry

Time from Brisbane CBD: 1 hour 40 minutes
Distance: 3km
Time: 1 hour

Mt Ninderry is my personal favourite as it’s a little less known and is a lovely gently sloping walk with switchbacks and a  short stair section climb. It provides remarkable views in all different directions from the top. Once you reach the summit there are further paths to explore that open up to little rocky lookouts across the mountain. You get an equal satisfaction of serene coastal and hinterland views in this hike.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace!

 

Featured Event

Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

  • Start Date: Jun 15, 2025
  • Venue: Belanglo State Forest

Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

See Event Details See More Events
Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

3. Emu Mountain

Time from Brisbane CBD:1 hour 45 minutes
Distance: 2km
Time: 1 hour

Emu Mountain is the easiest of the 3, located about 3km North of Coolum Beach and consists of a steady incline to the summit, where you’ll find some scraggly rocks and beautiful ocean views. This hike is even achievable for younger explorers as it is short and steady and can be achieved within an hour.

 

FAQs Coastal Hikes Sunshine Coast

Are these Sunshine Coast hikes suitable for beginners and kids?

Yup. All three hikes – Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry, and Emu Mountain – are beginner-friendly and perfect for families. Emu Mountain, in particular, is an easy climb, even for younger Explorers.

What’s the best time to do these hikes on the Sunshine Coast?

The best time to do hikes on the Sunshine Coast is early in the morning. Go very early and you can start your day with a sunrise.

How long does it take to hike Mt Coolum, Mt Ninderry, and Emu Mountain?

  • Mt Coolum: 1.5 hours (1.6km round trip)
  • Mt Ninderry: 1 hour (3km round trip)
  • Emu Mountain: 1 hour (2km round trip)

Can I find parking at the trailheads for these Sunshine Coast Hikes?

Yes! Each trail has a designated parking area:

  • Mt Coolum: Park on Tanah Street West near Jarnahill Drive.
  • Mt Ninderry: Look for the cement driveway off Eucalyptus Circle.
  • Emu Mountain: Park near the State High School on Havana Road East.

Are these hikes close to Coolum Beach?

Yes, all three hikes are a short drive from Coolum Beach, making it easy to combine a hike with a post-adventure swim or beach day.

More Place to Go Camping in Queensland

 

Feature photo thanks to Sunshine Coast Tourism

Table of contents image by @rubywood

This piece was brought to you by a real living human who felt the wind in their hair and described their adventure in their own words. This is because we rate authenticity and the sharing of great experiences in the natural world – it’s all part of our ethos here at We Are Explorers. You can read more about it in our Editorial Standards.