How to summit six Sunshine Coast mountain hikes in one day

Seeking a new adventure on the Sunshine Coast? Look beyond the sparkling beaches to the dramatic, ancient peaks dotted through the countryside. 

There are plenty of mountain hikes on the Sunshine Coast. From the magnificent Glass House Mountains to the 'King' of mountains, Mount Cooroora – those seeking time outside have plenty of options and exertion levels to play with. But if you’re up for a serious physical and mental challenge, here are six Sushine Coast mountains hikes you could complete in just one day. 

Ready to test your limits among awe-inspiring nature? Here's how to do it. 

Mountain #1: Wild Horse Mountain

Set yourself the challenge to complete all six of these Sunshine Coast mountain hikes? It's important to get an early start. Ease into your big day with the smallest member of the Glass House Mountains collective, Wild Horse Mountain.

Even though this lookout is located just off the Bruce Highway, there's a good chance you've never deviated here. And despite standing at just 123 metres tall, Wild Horse offers some incredible views of 'the family' and is a great warm-up for your day of adventure. Turn away from the mountains and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island to the east.

Distance (return): 1.4km

What to expect: There’s a steep bitumen track to the top of this hike. Prepare for your 'money shot' as the morning mist gathers at the base of Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Beerwah and Mt Coonowrin.

How to get there: Take the Wild Horse Mountain summit lookout exit from the Bruce Highway, and Exit 171. Drive along Johnston Road to the lookout.

Mountain #2: Mount Beerburrum

Looks can be deceiving when you first arrive at Mt Beerburrum. With its rounded top and bitumen pathway, you might feel quietly confident you’ll knock this one over in a flash. This short Sunshine Coast mountain trail may seem simple enough – but prepare your calves for the steepest incline of all the Glass House Mountains.

Glimpses of Mt Tibrogargan and Mt Coonowrin tease through the trees as you focus on keeping momentum up the hill. Once you’ve made it, uninterrupted vistas from the top of the fire tower will ensure you forget all about your burning lungs and calves.

Distance (return): 1.4km

What to expect: It’s an unrelenting climb to 280m elevation, but there are chairs peppered along the path if you need a breather as you go. 

How to get there: Access to the walking trail is found just off Beerburrum Road in the Beerburrum township.

Mountain #3: Mount Ngungun

The warm-up hikes are over: it's time to get serious - and get some serious views - on the track to the summit of Mount Ngungun. The Grade 4, roughly two-hour long hike dishes up beautiful ferns and raw Aussie bush to the rock-top finale.

About halfway up, take a breather and admire the hulking, ancient volcano Mount Tibrogargan with macadamia orchards, pineapple and pine plantations leading to its base. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, these ancient rocky outcrops are of special significance to the Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal people. Read more about the Dreamtime legend here.

Distance (return): 2.8km

What to expect: Being able to stand in symmetry with Mt Coonowrin and Mt Beerwah, if your nerves will take you that far. Mt Ngungun is a family-friendly track and can get crowded on weekends.

How to get there: Entrance to the summit track is about 3km from Glass House Mountains township via Coonowrin and Fullertons Roads.

Mountain #4: Mount Cooroora

It's time to leave the Glass House Mountains and head north: there are still three Sunshine Coast mountain hikes to tackle today.

Steel your nerves and stretch those quads. Mount Cooroora is your biggest challenge yet, looming 446 metres over the Noosa Hinterland town of Pomona.

Each July, hundreds of human mountain goats scale this volcanic plug in the brutal 'King of the Mountain' race, trying to break the record of 22 minutes and 43 seconds up and back. You may not be here to break records, but expect to spend around 2-3 hours safely navigating to the top and back down again before a well-deserved lunch break. If you've forgotten those trail snacks, Pomona Distilling Co. is a great destination for locally sourced dishes.

Distance (return): 2km

What to expect: Don’t let the first 550m to a lookout lull you into a false sense of security. This Grade 4 hike will have you navigating steep, rocky sections, in addition to stairs and chain rope climbs. But there's plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy en route. Beautiful blackbutt, scribbly gum, bloodwood, casuarina, tallowwood trees, and stunning views of the Cooloola sand flats, will keep you going for the last 30m to the top – a rough scramble without chains.

How to get there: Take the Pomona turnoff (Pioneer Road) from the Bruce Highway, then turn right into Reserve Street, left onto School Street and left into Mountain Street to the park. You’ll find parking on the right side of the road and the walking track entrance on the opposite side.

Mountain #5: Mount Ninderry

Post-lunch, take things back a gear with the more leisurely – though still fairly steep – return hike to the peak of Mount Ninderry.

One of the Sunshine Coast’s true hidden secrets, this bush track offers great photo opportunities and unbeatable vistas of the Maroochy River and Coolum from the lookout platform at the peak.

Distance (return): 2.5km

What to expect: Given most people make a beeline for the more popular Mount Coolum nearby, you can expect a more peaceful atmosphere on this walking track. If, you're looking for dog-friendly trails in the Sunshine Coast area, this is a great option.

How to get there: Take the Yandina exit from the Bruce Highway and head west on Yandina Coolum Road. Continue straight through the roundabouts, then continue along School Road at the railway line. Turn right onto Ninderry Road, back over the highway and up the hill. Follow this until Eucalyptus Crescent and look for a cement drive to the car park on the right.

Mountain #6: Mount Coolum

Last, but certainly not least, Mount Coolum is a fitting end to your challenging day. The iconic dome dominates the Sunshine Coast skyline, but from up here, you'll be rewarded with impressive views over the Marcoola and Mudjimba Beaches. On a clear day, you'll be able to see all the way south back down to Glass House Mountains – the perfect opportunity to reflect on just how far you've come.

Take a pause, as nothing can compare to your inner natural high right now. 

Distance (return): 3.2km

What to expect: While local joggers might burn past you, you can climb slowly and surely along well-defined walking trails to the summit. 

How to get there: Heading south on David Low Way towards the Sunshine Coast Airport, turn left into Tanah St West to find the car park at the junction of Jarnahill Drive.

So, where to next? Seek more natural connections on these nearby hiking trails, or up the ante and plan a multi-day hike along the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.