These Sunshine Coast walks are on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country. I acknowledge the Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara peoples as the Traditional Custodians whose lands and waters we all now share on the Sunshine Coast. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present.
Although the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk isn’t a bad multi-day hike (we’ve done it multiple times), the Sunshine Coast really shines when it comes to shorter, quick walks. There are plenty of pleasant if not outright beautiful little gems.
Here are some of my favourite short Sunshine Coast walks.
FROM BEACHES TO RAINFORESTS
The Sunshine Coast is ecologically quite a diverse region.
From sandy beaches, sand dunes and coastal scrubland, rainforests, wetlands, dry eucalypt forest to rolling hills and volcanic outcrops. Except for mountains and desert, it’s all there.
And just as diverse as the landscape are the short walks you can find here.
This is a list of short and easy Sunshine Coast hikes, and by ‘short’ I mean hikes less than 5km, making most of these walks family-friendly.
There are some longer bush walks on the Sunshine Coast too, if you want to do more than 5km.
I’ve split the walks into:
NORTHERN SUNSHINE COAST WALKS (NOOSA TO COOLUM)
The northern end of the Sunshine Coast offers gorgeous walks along beaches and coves, to viewing platforms from where you can admire the sprawling coastline, and through dry forest, farmland and lakes.
1. MILL POINT CIRCUIT | COOLOOLA RECREATION AREA
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 5.1km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Elanda Point (Mill Point Road, past Lake Flat Road), Como
The Mill Point Circuit in Cooloola Recreation Reserve is only just over 5km but it’s also a very easy walk. There are a few other walks in the area so you could easily extend it if 5km is too short for you.
The track is entirely flat and takes you through bushy areas out to Lake Cootharaba at Mill Point.
You can still see a couple of historical remnants of a sawmill operation at Mill Point.
As you stand at the shore of the lake, it’s hard to imagine though that in the late 1800s, there used to be an entire complex of workshops, a school, hotel, store and houses here to support the Elanda Point sawmill.
2. NOOSA COASTAL TRACK (TO DOLPHIN POINT) | NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 2.4km return to Dolphin Point | 5.4km return to Hell's Gates
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at day-use area, just off Park Road, Noosa
The coastal track is possibly the most popular walk on the Sunshine Coast, and rightly so, it is a beautiful part of the coast.
Stunning coves, sandy beaches, turquoise water, and sprawling views along the coastline and into the Noosa hinterland. During migratory season, you might have the chance to see dolphins or even whales.
If Dolphin Point (2.4km return) isn’t far enough for you, or it’s simply too beautiful, keep going to Hell’s Gates (2.7km one-way from the day-use area). Here you’ll get views up and down the coast, and down into the swirling waters of Hell’s Gates.
Ideally, go during the week. Weekends can be very crowded, especially around Tea Tree Bay and Winch Cove.
3. EMU MOUNTAIN | NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.1km return
GRADE: Easy-Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Park along the road at Havana Road East, Coolum Beach
Apart from the section at Noosa headlands, Noosa National Park has another three sections, one of which is the Emu Mountain section.
Emu Mountain is, however, right next to big brother Mount Coolum and just outside Coolum Beach. Not around Noosa as such.
It’s usually fairly quiet, and thus unlikely that you’ll have to contend with any crowds.
It’s not very high or long but you’ll get fabulous 360° views along the coast and especially towards Mount Coolum.
You could turn this walk into a slightly longer loop by returning along the alternative trail, which then joins with the Hakea track.
You’ll end up at a different entrance to the park but just walk along Havana Road East to get back to where you started.
It’s not a very big area, you won’t get lost.
4. MOUNT COOLUM SUMMIT | MOUNT COOLUM NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.6km return
GRADE: Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Tanah Street West, Mount Coolum
Don’t expect to be on your own here, Mount Coolum’s many steps are very popular for exercise nuts and families alike.
The track is entirely uphill with plenty of steps thrown in.
Even if you’re slow and need to take lots of breaks climbing up to the summit, it probably won’t take more than 30-45 minutes going up.
The views from the top are splendid, especially now that more viewing spots have been created.
If you’re keen on clear views, winter is best as there won’t be as much moisture in the air. Sometimes you can almost glimpse Caloundra in the far distance.
The car park at Tanah Street West isn’t huge but you can park along the road if you can’t find a spot in the actual car park.
5. MOUNT NINDERRY | NINDERRY
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 3.3km loop
GRADE: Easy-Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Ninderry Road, Ninderry
The Mount Ninderry Track is nowhere near as popular as the Mount Coolum climb or the Noosa Coastal Track. You’ll generally find more local people here, taking their dogs for a walk as Mount Ninderry isn’t in a national park and pets are allowed.
It’s a little uphill initially but nothing like Mount Coolum so quite suitable for various fitness levels.
There’s a formal viewing platform towards Mount Coolum and the coastline.
As you trace your way back, follow the track towards the other side of Mount Ninderry for some views into the hinterland. You can get some nice sunsets here.
Just be aware that the car park is ridiculously tiny. There’s really only space for 2-3 cars so you may need to squeeze in along the road.
CENTRAL SUNSHINE COAST WALKS (MAROOCHYDORE TO CALOUNDRA)
The suburbs around Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and all the way south to Caloundra are fairly built up now.
Apart from some coastal walks, there are also some wonderful gems in little pockets of rainforest, dry eucalypt forest or around lakes.
6. BUDERIM FOREST WALK | BUDERIM
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 2km loop
GRADE: Easy-Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Car park at end of Quorn Close or Harry's Lane, Buderim
The Buderim Forest Walk to Serenity Falls is a gorgeous little pocket of rainforest in the middle of the suburb of Buderim. It seems hidden but it’s well known, and especially popular in summer when people go for a quick dip in the rock pool.
You can start the walk from either end. I really enjoy the boardwalk section from the Harry’s Lane end but only because I’m a boardwalk fan.
I love winter here but only because there are far fewer mozzies around and it’s not quite as humid. On the flip side, Serenity Falls won’t be flowing quite as dramatically as they do after a good rainfall in summer.
7. BUDERIM PALMWOODS HERITAGE TRAMWAY | BUDERIM
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4km return
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Telco Road (just off Mons Road), Buderim
The walk along the former Buderim Palmwoods tramline is only a short little trail, tracing the historic train connection between Buderim and Palmwoods. But it’s a good alternative for sunny days as it’s very shady.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much to see anymore. There are no views as such but you can find some remnants of some old train sleepers and sections where a path must have been hewn through rocks.
The trail is slightly downhill, and while you may not notice that going down, you will coming back.
There are interpretative panels at the start of the track but you can also read more about the history of the Buderim-Palmwoods tramway here.
8. SUNSHINE COAST COASTAL PATHWAY | COTTON TREE TO MOOLOOLABA
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4.4km one-way
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Anywhere along Mooloolaba Esplanade or Alexandra Avenue, Alex Head / Cotton Tree (plenty of parking available)
The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway cover 73km, from Tewantin in the north all the way to Pelican Waters in the south (with a few sections that don’t connect easily).
One of the most popular stretches is Cotton Tree to Mooloolaba given the gorgeous coastal views (and the many cafes, no doubt).
You can pretty much start it anywhere you like, and walk as far as you want to.
I really like walking from Cotton Tree to Alex, and then up and over the hill to Mooloolaba as that entails a little more exercise and some fantastic views of the coastline as you come back.
It’s almost 5km from Cotton Tree to Mooloolaba but as I said, you can start anywhere you like and make it as short or long a walk as you want to. You could, for example, just walk from Alex to Mooloolaba and return via the beach / rock pools if it’s low tide.
That’s a pretty nice walk!
9. NATURE WALK | POINT CARTWRIGHT RESERVE / LA BALSA PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1-2km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at the end of Pacific Boulevard, Buddina
La Balsa Park (harbour side) and Point Cartwright Reserve is a lovely, though busy, spot for a stroll.
There are walking tracks all around the park, up to the lighthouse at the tip and the muralled water reservoir. Up here, you might be lucky enough to spot some whales during migratory season.
From the Point Cartwright Lighthouse, you can stroll along the beach and out to the entrance of the spit.
It’s a popular spot for families, dog walkers and sunset watchers. Enjoy the views across to Mooloolaba and up the coast to Mount Coolum and beyond.
Fun fact: The park is named after a raft expedition (‘La Balsa’) that arrived from Ecuador in the 1970s!
10. BORONIA TRACK | MOOLOOLAH RIVER NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4.8km return
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at the end of Claymore Road, Sippy Downs or along Kawana Way (near the signs for "Mooloolah River NP")
The Boronia Track at Mooloolah River National Park happens to be one of my favourite hikes on the Sunshine Coast, mostly because you don’t tend to meet very many people.
The walk takes you through some beautiful shrub and coastal heathland. It’s especially pretty in spring.
Avoid summer or when there’s been heavy rain as some of the tracks can get very muddy. It’s also very exposed, another reason to avoid doing the track in summer unless you go early or late in the afternoon.
We usually turn the Boronia Track into a loop via the Aemula and Littoralis Trails, and that ends up being about 7km.
The only downside to this walk is that you can hear highway noise along some stretches of it, making it a bit less peaceful than I’d wish.
11. CURRIMUNDI LAKE | CURRIMUNDI
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 3.8km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Crummunda Park or Coongarra Esplanade (northern side) or Westaway Parade, Currimundi (southern side)
The loop around Currimundi Lake is more of a suburban stroll but it’s still a really nice one.
You can start from anywhere on this loop. Either park at Crummunda Park or along Coongarra Esplanade on the northern side of the lake. On the southern end, Westaway Parade has some parking spots.
The track on the northern side of the lake has a great viewing platform. The track then takes you through some coastal heathland in Currimundi Lake Conservation Park before ending at the mouth of the lake on the ocean side.
The lake crossing at the mouth changes all the time. I’ve had to take my shoes off and find a spot to wade through the water but when the tide is low, you can just walk across.
If it’s too wide or woolly, you may have to return the same way.
12. SUNSHINE COAST COASTAL PATHWAY | CALOUNDRA
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1-3km return
GRADE: Easy-Moderate (depending on the section)
TRAILHEAD: Park along any of the beach car parks or side streets around Caloundra (e.g. Moffat Beach, Shelley Beach, Bulcock Beach)
As mentioned above, you can walk almost the entire coastline of the Sunshine Coast, there are so many sections of the Coastal Pathway.
If you’re at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, the stretch around Caloundra makes for a beautiful, family-friendly walk.
The entire Caloundra section is actually 9km but just walking from Bulcock Beach to Moffat Head is a great walk. Like with the Mooloolaba to Cotton Tree stretch, you can make this as long or short a walk as you want to.
On the way back, you’ll be able to spot some Glass House Mountains in the far distance as you come around Wickham Point (Caloundra Head) and walk towards Happy Valley.
13. COSTIGAN MANGROVE BOARDWALK | GOLDEN BEACH
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: ~1km return
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Monash Park, Esplanade, Golden Beach
The Costigan Mangrove Boardwalk at Golden Beach is a really short section along the Coastal Pathway.
The beauty of it is that it takes you through a lovely slice of a delicate mangrove ecosystem harbouring six species of mangroves. Mangroves can be a bit stinky but this isn’t a big mangrove system so it’s fairly contained. 🙂
There are quite a few interpretive signs along the boardwalk if you’re keen to learn more about mangroves.
You also get some views of Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island, and of course, the mangrove flats, especially at low tide.
You might want to explore this boardwalk as part of a longer stroll along the Coastal Pathway in Golden Beach or Caloundra.
SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND WALKS
Pretty much all the hikes, short or long, in the Sunshine Coast hinterland are rainforest walks. Mozzies can be a bit of a pest (as can leeches) but you’ll also be spoilt with some beautiful rainforest, piccabeen palms, waterfalls and valley views.
14. WOMPOO CIRCUIT | MAPLETON FALLS NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.3km return
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Day-use area at Mapleton Falls National Park (Mapleton Falls Road, Mapleton)
The Wompoo Circuit in Mapleton Falls National Park is one of my favourite short rainforest walks in the hinterland.
The rainforest here is full of tall piccabeen palms with some fine specimens of giant strangler figs mixed in.
It can be hot and humid in summer but it’s still generally a pleasant walk as it’s mostly covered, except for some short sections through dry eucalypt forest.
We usually combine this walk with the 50m detour to Mapleton Falls Lookout. The falls are hard to see from the lookout though, it’s much easier viewing them from the trail. In winter, there’s usually only a trickle of water.
In any case, the views into Obi Obi Valley from the lookout are quite pleasant and expansive.
15. KONDALILLA FALLS CIRCUIT | KONDALILLA NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4.7km loop
GRADE: Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Day-use area at Kondalilla National Park (Kondalilla Falls Road, Flaxton)
Though not quite as crazy popular as Noosa National Park, it can be a bit of a challenge trying to get a car park at Kondalilla Falls in the Blackall Ranges. Come early in the morning if you want to avoid (most of) the crowds.
The hike starts at a lovely picnic area with barbeques.
From there it’s a relatively short walk to a popular swimming hole, so bring your swimmers if you’re here in summer.
The Kondalilla Falls Circuit then takes you to the base of the falls and past a couple of lookouts on the way up.
Keep in mind that there are some 300 steps as part of the loop (and also some steps to get to the rock pool) so you’ll need some level of fitness to a) go down all those stairs and then b) get back up again.
You’re in rainforest country here so the walk is pretty shady and it’s a good option for a warmer day as you’re not exposed the entire time. It can get humid though with plenty of mozzies buzzing about!
16. BAROON LOOKOUT | KONDALILLA NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4.4km return
GRADE: Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Narrows Road, North Maleny
The short walk to Baroon Lookout walk is the start of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. It’s a really pleasant walk to a couple of lookouts.
The first lookout is over the Narrows Gorge (2.2km return). You could just do this one if you’re short on time or energy.
From the second lookout, you can see Baroon Pocket Dam in the distance and also get some views into Obi Obi Gorge.
This walk connects to the Kondalilla Falls Circuit as part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. So if you want a longer hike, you could just keep going.
From Baroon Pocket Dam to Kondalilla Falls, it’s about 10km one-way.
17. RAINFOREST WALK | MARY CAIRNCROSS SCENIC RESERVE
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.7km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Day-use area at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Mountain View Road, Maleny
OPEN: Daily 7am to 6pm
The Rainforest Walk at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is gorgeous. It’s a beautiful example of what healthy rainforest looks like on the Sunshine Coast.
It’s a relatively flat walk, and the reserve is a great place to bring friends and family for a picnic.
My favourite part of the Rainforest Walk is the boardwalk through the strands of piccabeen palms, they’re so tall and skinny, and just beautiful.
There’s an interactive interpretative centre (great for kids) and a café that serves pretty nice food (including gluten-free options).
It’s generally quite busy around here, not surprising when there’s a park with barbeques and a playground as well as some great views of the Glass House Mountains.
Please be aware that this walk is only open 7am to 6pm daily.
18. TUNNEL TRACK | DULARCHA NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.8km return
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Car park at the end of Paget Street, Mooloolah (northern end) or park at Beech Road, Landsborough (southern end)
The Tunnel Track is another historic Sunshine Coast walk, and one that’s not too overrun. You’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet here, provided that not too many motorbikes are cruising around the nearby state forest.
The tunnel was once part of the Brisbane-Gympie rail connection, and opened in 1891. All that remains of the track now is the tunnel.
From the car park at the Mooloolah end (northern entrance) to the actual rail tunnel, it’s only 900m so you could just walk to the tunnel, walk through it for a bit of fun and then turn around.
To do the whole track from the northern to the southern entrance, it’s 3km each way but it’s fairly flat and won’t be very strenuous at all.
The trail is a shared trail, and we generally see more mountain bikers than walkers around here.
19. WILD HORSE MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT | COOCHIN CREEK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.6km return
GRADE: Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Car park at Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, Wild Horse Road, Coochin Creek
The Wild Horse Mountain Lookout Track is along a paved access road. It’s uphill all the way, and though semi-shaded and short, can be strenuous if you’re doing it in hot weather.
The lookout platform is covered so you’ll at least enjoy some shade as you take in the panoramic 360° views.
The lookout is best enjoyed in the winter months since the views will be much clearer. Sometimes you can see as far as Brisbane.
20. TIBROGARGAN CIRCUIT | GLASS HOUSE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 4.1km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Day-use area at Tibrogargan, Marsh Road, Glass House Mountains
There are a few walks in the Glass House Mountains, some more interesting than others.
Most of them involve a climb to the summit (e.g. Beerwah), and every year some unprepared hikers invariably get stranded and have to be rescued. (There are also calls to close some of these summit climbs for cultural reasons.)
For a relatively flat and easy hike, try the Tibrogargan Circuit, which, as the name suggests, circumnavigates the base of Mount Tibrogargan.
The walk is partly shaded and through dry forest so shouldn’t be as exposed as a beach walk or as humid as a rainforest walk.
You’ll also get glimpses of Mount Tibrogargan and some of the other Glass House Mountains from Mountain Lookout. Along the way, you can enjoy some intermittent views into the surrounding farmland and state forest plantations.
If you’re after a slightly longer walk, you can easily combine the Tibrogargan Circuit with the Trachyte Circuit (5.7km), which starts from the same trailhead.
21. FIG TREE WALK | IMBIL STATE FOREST
BASIC TRAIL INFO
DISTANCE: 1.1km loop
GRADE: Easy
TRAILHEAD: Day-use area at Fig Tree, Maleny Kenilworth Road, Kenilworth
If you’re happy to venture further inland, there’s a very quick circuit through some lovely rainforest just 6km outside of Kenilworth in the hinterland.
It won’t take long at all do the Fig Tree Walk where you can admire both piccabeen palms and strangler figs. Some of the stranglers are incredibly huge and you can almost hide in their buttresses.
Just be careful not to touch leaves around here as there are some stinging nettles that can give you a nasty rash and itchy skin (but nothing much more serious than that).
FINAL THOUGHTS
This is just my list of favourite short walks on the Sunshine Coast so, obviously, it’s not exhaustive.
I also really like some stretches of the Coastal Pathway around Coolum (the boardwalk going out to Point Perry) and Golden Beach.
I could have added the Linda Garrett Circuit near Mapleton, which is a nice enough walk but there are other, more stunning rainforest walks in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
But if you think I’ve forgotten some special quick hike, let me know in the comments below. I’ll be very happy to check it out.
Happy walking,
MORE POSTS ON WHAT TO DO ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
Beyond reading, walking and hiking is one of my favourite activities.
I’ve got a few suggestions for half-day hikes on the Sunshine Coast, and more detailed posts on the Noosa Coastal Track and the Mount Coolum Summit track. Or you might want to visit more waterfalls on the Sunshine Coast.
For an easy stroll, the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are quite nice and make a low-key picnic or bbq spot.
If you don’t feel like walking too much, check out my list of free things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
You can easily combine some of these walks with a scenic drive, maybe through the Glass House Mountains or the Blackall Ranges in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. You can also just drive up to plenty of lookouts on the Sunshine Coast.
For something completely different, visit the Buderim Ginger Factory. I really enjoyed the ginger factory tour!
SAVE TO PINTEREST
6 Comments
Gavin Harm
9 October 2020 at 5:49 AMIts good to get a comprehensive list of walks but it lacks two things about each walk…1. The length/ave’ time and 2. The degree of difficulty for each walk.
Kati
22 October 2020 at 12:24 PMHi Gavin,
Thanks for your comment but I have actually included the information you found lacking. 🙂 It’s in the ‘basic trail info’ for each walk. I’ve included the distance (= length) and the difficulty (e.g. easy, moderate, etc.) here. What I haven’t included is the average time, you’re right, because I find that everybody walks at a different pace and it really differs if you have small children along etc.
Karen
18 November 2020 at 9:53 PMAll of your location posts are very informative with a good range of visuals – thank you for the detailed accounts and tips – very handy when planning my own adventures.
Kati
1 December 2020 at 12:52 PMHi Karen,
Thanks for your positive comment, much appreciated! 🙂 Enjoy your walking/hiking adventures on the coast, there are so many places to explore (and so many I haven’t included yet!).
Hilary
28 March 2023 at 1:46 PMHi Kati – we love visiting the Sunshine Coast from NZ and doing the beautiful walks. Your lists are far more informative than many of the official maps and websites I’ve found – thank you!
But you don’t mention my favourite Aussie walking activity – looking for pademelons in the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve!! We always find some and they are adorable! (we don’t have them here in NZ!)
Kati
28 March 2023 at 7:25 PMHi Hilary,
Oh, what a lovely comment, thank you so much! We love visiting NZ (and in fact, we’ll be doing the Milford track (finally!!, thanks pandemic!) soon). We love NZ because it’s nice and cool, and so different from here. Hiking in NZ is ridiculously relaxing… 😀 no crazy critters to look out for on the trail. 🙂
And yes, you’re totally right about the pademelons at Mary Cairncross!! I love seeing them, they are so cute, I agree. 😍