A Walk on the Wild Side – Sunshine Coast Hiking Trails

The Sunshine Coast of Australia is legendary for its beauty – with crystal clear creeks, spectacular rainforests, and beautiful waterfalls. This abundance of natural beautiful is easy to explore, thanks to several excellent nature hiking trails all throughout the region. These trails are very accessible and they offer a great range of terrain, from thick and green forests to beautiful unspoiled beaches.

Try out these amazing walking trails along the coast where you can enjoy some of Australia’s most beautiful scenery:

 Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary

This easy trail is suitable for beginner hikers and will take you on a journey through the wetlands and rainforest. It is a one kilometre walk along a boardwalk, perfect for a day out with the kids. The trail will take you through melaleuca and eucalyptus forests, mangroves and salt marshes. You can take a picnic with you and enjoy it at the rest area of the Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary.

 Mount Tinbeerwah
Near the town of Noosa you can take an easy 30 minute walk to the top of this mountain and enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Noosa and the surrounding countryside. You will be able to see the river system as it flows into the lakes, as well as the hinterland forest. Park of the track is even accessible via wheelchair.

Mount Ngungun
If you want a little more of a mountain climbing challenge, the Glass House Mountains are a dramatic series of towering volcanic peaks along the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The 253m summit of Mount Ngungun has a 2.2km return track which can be steep and difficult and provides a fun challenge for hikers. The stunning view from the top is absolutely worth it.

Kondalilla National Park
The trails in the Kondalilla National Park are excellent and well maintained. Take a hike to Kondalilla Falls, which gushes impressively 90 meters into the lush and green rainforest. There is a relatively easy 24km trail through Picnic Creek, with picnic tables where you can stop for lunch. There is also a smaller 3km walk along the Rock Pools, or a 5km hike through the Kondalilla Falls Circuit for more experienced hikers.

Mount Cooroora
Located near the small town of Pomona, this mountain is a very steep and difficult climb – offering an exciting challenge for passionate hiking enthusiasts. It will take approximately two hours to reach the summit at 439m. This mountain is known for its annual King of the Mountain challenge in July, which challenges contestants to run to the top and back as quickly as possible. The record time is 20 minutes!

These are just a few of the many different nature hiking opportunities that you will find along the Sunshine Coast of Australia, making this region a perfect destination for outdoor lovers. Remember, make sure that you wear sturdy footwear, dress in comfortable layers and take plenty of water with you to stay hydrated in the warm sunshine