Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or an overnight hike by the sea or the mountains, more strenuous rock climbing, or an adventure with your kids and dogs – the Sunshine Coast has scores of popular hikes with great views to choose from. And the best part is, you don’t need to drive for hours to find them!
Grab your hiking boots, a banana, and some sunscreen, and choose from one of the awesome Sunshine Coast hiking trails below.
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.
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.
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.
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 length 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.
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:
- 1) Booloumba Creek walk – 11k
- 2) Mount Gerald – Peters Creek walk: 17k
- 3) Peters Creek – Summer Falls walk: 15.2k
- 4) Mount Allan – Booloumba Creek walk: 12k
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, 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 one of the more popular walks for families but is great for anyone visiting the Sunshine Coast. 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 sheltered picnic area or make use of the BBQs. There are also toilet facilities available.
There are three trails to choose from, all between 1-2km return:
- Rainforest Trail
- Heath Trail
- 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.
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.
It’s Time To Lace Up Your Hiking Boots
The beauty of the Sunshine Coast is that there’s always something to suit everyone. From an easy walk to some of the best hikes, the Sunshine Coast has got them all.
Some of the hikes to choose from include:
- Mt Ngungun
- Gheerulla Falls
- Kondalilla Falls
- Conondale Great Walk
- Mt Coolum
- Ben Bennett Bushland Park
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
No matter what fitness level you’re at, you don’t have to walk or even climb very far to find a beautiful waterfall to enjoy and swim in.
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.
