Mt Coolum - an ancient volcanic dome
When in Australia’ Sunshine Coast take a challenging walk to the summit of Mt Coolum, where there are spectacular 360 degree views of the coastal area, including Point Cartwright and the Glass House Mountains to the south, the Blackall Range to the west, and Noosa Heads to the north.
An estimated 50,000 people climb the mountain each year and it’s easy to see why
This Grade 4 walking track is suitable for fit walkers only. There are steep, rocky sections and the summit is 208m above sea level. Loose gravel surfaces and exposed naturally-occurring lookouts. Supervise children closely.
Mt Coollum is one of the Sunshine Coast’s ancient volcanic domes that was created about 26 million years ago. Mount Coolum is a laccolith, formed when a dome-shaped bulge of magma cooled below the Earth’s surface.
The walking track includes some of nature’s own rock steps. Formed during the volcanic period, large hexagonal cooling columns lie almost horizontally in the track’s path.
The walk begins in open forest and as the elevation increases and soils change, the forest becomes woodlands, shrublands, and then low montane heath on the summit.
Montane heath plants are dwarf species that rarely grow above one metre in height. This is due to the harsh conditions in which they grow, including
exposure to high winds and sun, as well as infertile substrates and high evaporation rates.
In the park there are 590 flowering plants, 49 ferns and over 100 species of the lesser plants such as mosses, liverworts, lichens etc. By way of comparison, there are only 1400 species in all of Great Britain.
Deserving particular note is the fact that the 49 ferns belong to 20 distinct families, some 40% of all fern families living on earth today. Psilotum Nudum, evolutionary the world’s most primitive plant, is common. Two recently discovered species of trees are found nowhere else, and the area in general is unique in that numerous species find the limit of their distribution, be it in northern or southern, on Mount Coolum.
It is essential that visitors keep to the walking track and defined viewing areas to avoid trampling and damaging plants. This park is excellent for bird watching. Many honeyeaters can be seen in the heath and birds of prey, including resident peregrine falcons, soar above.
During winter and spring migrating whales can be seen out at sea.
In the summer months walk in the cooler parts of the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
Walk the track in fine weather only. The track becomes extremely slippery when wet.
Things to know before you go
Toilets are not provided in this national park. Plan to visit nearby public toilets before you visit. Public toilet locations:
Birrahl Park public toilets—1.8km north of the walk entrance via David Low Way, turn right onto Goongilla Street.
Felix Parry Park public toilets—3.2km south of the walk entrance via David Low Way. Turn left onto Tamarindus Street, then left onto Marcoola Esplanade.
Essentials to bring
Bring your own drinking water—this is not provided.
Carry a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.