Mount Coolum National Park
Park Coastal volcanic dome and popular summit walk
Mount Coolum National Park on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast features a steep volcanic dome with a clearly defined summit trail. Hikers tackle the ascent for coastal panoramas and quick access to nearby beaches.
Mount Coolum National Park protects the volcanic dome of Mount Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The dome rises to roughly 207 metres and is a locally prominent landscape feature.
A steep walking track ascends to the summit, where visitors can obtain wide views across the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay on clear days. The park preserves remnant vegetation on and around the dome and is a popular short-hike destination for locals and visitors.
The rock feature is a volcanic plug formed in ancient volcanic activity and the park’s management focuses on protecting native plant communities and preventing erosion.
The park sits immediately inland from Coolum Beach and is directly accessible from the coastal corridor on the Sunshine Coast.
- Summit walk: A steep, relatively short trail leads to extensive coastal and hinterland views from the summit; the climb is popular with day visitors and hikers.
What to See #
- Mount Coolum summit: A volcanic dome that rises to about 207 metres above sea level and forms the park's central feature, with a short but steep walking track to the summit.
How to Get to Mount Coolum National Park #
Mount Coolum is on the Sunshine Coast, near the town of Coolum Beach. It is about a 10-15 minute drive from the Bruce Highway; local buses serve Coolum Beach and there is parking near the park entrance. The park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Tips for Visiting Mount Coolum National Park #
- Arrive early to avoid the mid-morning and afternoon crowds - the trail is short and popular with locals and tourists.
- The track is steep and exposed; a hat and sun protection are recommended even for short climbs.
- If planning to continue to nearby beaches or national parks, combine Mount Coolum with a Sunshine Coast itinerary for best use of time.
Best Time to Visit Mount Coolum National Park #
Best in cooler months and early mornings; avoid peak midday heat in summer.
Weather & Climate near Mount Coolum National Park #
Mount Coolum National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1432 mm/year), wettest in February.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (191 mm).
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March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (164 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (135 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm).
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November
November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).
