The Sunshine Coast is a dream destination for hikers and nature lovers, offering a huge variety of walking tracks and trails to suit all fitness levels and interests. From coastal strolls to mountain climbs, you’re spoiled for choice, and the best part is, many of these stunning spots are only a short drive away.
The region is home to several beautiful national parks, including Noosa, Kondalilla, and Conondale National Parks. These protected areas offer everything from short, family-friendly walks like the Fig Tree Walk to full-day treks and multi-day hikes, including the popular Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.
If you’re up for more of a challenge, take on the rewarding climbs of Mount Coolum or Mount Ninderry. Prefer something more relaxed? The Coastal Pathway is perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride, with ocean views all the way. Bulcock Beach also makes a great starting point for gentle, family-friendly walks along the shore.
Whether you’re hiking with the kids, bringing the dog along, or just heading out solo for some fresh air and epic views, the Sunshine Coast delivers, offering everything from sandy beaches to rainforest trails and rocky lookouts.
So grab your hiking boots, pack some snacks and sunscreen, and get ready to explore some of the best hiking trails the Sunshine Coast has to offer.
What are the Best Sunshine Coast Hikes?
With so many trails to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you narrow it down, here are some of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast, each offering a unique mix of scenery, challenge, and reward.
Mt Ngungun
The Glass House Mountains are one of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic landmarks.
The Mt Ngungun walk is one of the range’s more popular options because it’s not too intense and includes some of the best 360-degree panoramic views. However, it does involve some climbing, emphasising the physical exertion required to reach the summit.
If you’re looking for the perfect Insta opportunity, go for a sunrise or sunset hike and wait for the moment where Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah line up with each other perfectly. Look out for the rock overhang as you’re walking, which creates a cave that perfectly frames a photo.
The 2.8km path is listed as a grade four walking track. The hill sections provide a rewarding challenge for hikers, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Gheerulla Falls
The Gheerulla Falls in Mapleton National Park is one of the lesser-known waterfalls in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The benefit of this is no crowded pathways, and you’ll likely have the waterfall all to yourself!
The entrance is also an access point for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The short 2.7km walk winds down to the waterfall, so the journey back can be relatively steep.
If you’re after a gushing waterfall, it’s best to go during the rainy winter months, but be aware that the mud can be slippery after a downpour.
Kondalilla Falls
Kondalilla is the fitting aboriginal term for “rushing water”. This 90-metre tall waterfall is situated in Kondalilla National Park, near the Glass House Mountains.
The 4.8km return walk starts at the top of the falls and winds down through the rainforest until you reach the base of Kondalilla Falls. You’ll probably spot some wildlife along the way, and there are numerous lookout points offering views of the rolling hills and the valley. A short section of the trail offers unique experiences amidst the rainforest, making it accessible for those who prefer a brief yet immersive nature walk.
The walk includes 300 stairs and takes around two hours to complete. It is classified as a grade three hike, so not an easy feat but one that’s still accessible for various ages and skill levels.
If you’re looking for a longer walk, the Baroon Pocket also leads to Kondalilla Falls, but it is 20km in distance and takes around five hours
Conondale Great Walk
The Conondale Range Great Walk is within the Conondale National Park.
This is a longer hike stretching over four days and 56km. A combination of rainforests and waterfalls, with crystal clear creeks and expansive views, this Great Walk has lovely camping spots along the way for some much-needed R&R.
The trails are shared with mountain bikers, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.
It’s suggested to split the hike up over four days and stop at the campsites, but you can do it in less time if you’re up for a challenge, with trails including:
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Booloumba Creek walk – 11km
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Mount Gerald – Peters Creek walk: 17km
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Peters Creek – Summer Falls walk: 15.2km
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Mount Allan – Booloumba Creek walk: 12km
The 56km hike sits at a difficulty level of four.
Mt Coolum
Mount Coolum is a 25 million-year-old volcanic dome. It’s situated 3.5km from Coolum Beach, so you can expect gorgeous coastal views. Once you reach 208m high, you can see from Double Island Point down to Caloundra on a clear day.
The first part of the track will lead you through the native bushland and forest. It then becomes rather steep, with challenging steep sections that offer rewarding views, so take care at the rocky part towards the top of the mountain, especially if it’s wet. It takes around 45 minutes to ascend to the summit, where you can have a picnic and enjoy the views, and then a quick 30 minutes to reach the parking spot once more.
This is a busy trail, popular with families and visitors. Although it is one of the Sunshine Coast’s simplest paths, it is graded four.
Ben Bennett Bushland Park
This is one of the remaining bushland areas in Caloundra and is accessible using the car park entrance on Queens Street.
This 21-hectare park protects a large amount of wildlife and nature, so look out for the wildflowers and birdlife in particular. Pick a covered picnic area that provides shade and shelter or make use of the BBQs. There are also toilet facilities available.
The park is less crowded, offering a more serene and secluded experience.
There are three trails to choose from, all between 1-2km return:
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Rainforest Trail
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Heath Trail
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Eucalypt Trail
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
One way to kill a few birds with one stone is to do the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The walk is 58.8km in total, providing a clear metric for potential hikers to gauge the effort required.
The northern end of the walk is a significant starting point for various recreational activities and scenic walks.
You can choose to complete it in four days with a longer day hike throughout. Make sure you book in advance for the three available walkers’ camps and enjoy sleeping under the stars, or accommodation nearby that you may find more comfortable if you prefer. Some people opt to do half-day walks and spread the Great Walk out over a longer period.
The hike will immerse you in sub-tropical rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and eucalypt forests. You’ll experience the Blackall Range, Mapleton National Park, Kondalilla National Park, and many other opportunities for amazing views.
The Great Walk is graded at level four.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Before embarking on a hike on the Sunshine Coast, it’s essential to take some safety precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Always wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, and bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.
Be aware of the weather forecast and trail conditions, and let someone know your itinerary and expected return time. It’s also a good idea to bring a map and compass, and to know how to use them.
Additionally, be mindful of the wildlife and scenic views, and respect the natural environment by staying on designated trails and not littering. For more information on safety tips and precautions, visit the National Park website or consult with a local guide.
Wildlife and Scenic Views
The Sunshine Coast is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals, which can be spotted on many of the hiking trails. The region’s national parks, including the Mapleton Falls National Park and the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Glass House Mountains and the coastal areas.
The scenic views from the summit of Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Coolum are particularly spectacular, and the rock pools and waterfalls of the Gheerulla Falls and Serenity Falls are a must-see. The Sunshine Coast’s subtropical rainforest and volcanic outcrops also provide a unique and fascinating environment to explore.
Conservation Efforts
The Sunshine Coast is committed to conservation efforts, with many national parks and reserves protected for future generations. The region’s hiking trails, including the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk, are designed to minimise impact on the environment, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural surroundings and wildlife.
The local community plays an active role in protecting the Sunshine Coast’s unique environment and biodiversity, with many organisations and initiatives dedicated to conservation. When you explore the region’s hiking trails, you’re not just enjoying nature, you’re also supporting efforts to preserve it for future generations.
To help keep these landscapes pristine, always follow park guidelines, respect the wildlife, and remember the golden rule of hiking: take only memories, leave only footprints.
It’s Time To Lace Up Your Hiking Boots
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The Sunshine Coast has hiking options for all fitness levels, from easy, flat trails to more challenging climbs with panoramic views.
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Many popular walks are family-friendly and easily accessible, making them perfect for casual outdoor adventures.
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You don’t need to hike far to enjoy stunning natural features like waterfalls and swimming spots—ideal for a quick escape into nature.
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Some of the region’s best hikes include:
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Mt Ngungun
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Gheerulla Falls
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Kondalilla Falls
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Conondale Great Walk
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Mt Coolum
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Ben Bennett Bushland Park
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Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
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Whether you’ve got a day or a whole weekend to explore, the Sunshine Coast’s national parks and local trails offer fresh air, scenic views, and a great excuse to get outside.
When you’re up for your Sunshine Coast getaway, enjoy the great views and fresh air by spending a day or two out in nature. Whether in one of these National Parks or even just a short walk around the many glorious trails around, there’s plenty to enjoy.
