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5 Great Beginner Mountain Hikes on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a great place to start if you’re looking for mountains to hike up in south-east Queensland.
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There is a smorgasbord of accessible, short hikes that are perfect for beginners. Check out 5 of the best in the list below.
1. MOUNT NGUNGUN - GLASSHOUSE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Distance: 2.4 kms
Elevation Gain: 187 m
This popular hike offers some of the best views the Sunshine Coast has to offer, including uninterrupted 360 degree views of the surrounding Glass House Mountains.
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The track makes its way through bushland, past a small cave, to the summit, where towering vertical volcanic rock pillars that have formed the mountain can be seen.
But the highlight is the spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah lining up perfectly to the west and Mount Tibrogargan sitting prominently to the south.
2. Mount Coolum – Mount Coolum National Park
Distance: 1.9 kms
Elevation Gain: 180 m
A popular hike with locals and tourists alike, this short hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast coastline and hinterland.
The track starts with a short walk through bushland before starting the ascent up the face of the mountain via sets of rocky steps.
A number of lookouts at the top offer views that stretch from Noosa to the Pumicestone Passage, as well as to Mount Ninderry and the hinterland.
3. Mount Ninderry – Mount Ninderry Nature Refuge
Distance: 2.8 kms
Elevation Gain: 168 m
This short, dog-friendly hike has multiple viewing platforms that offer amazing views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastline.
Two constructed viewing platforms at the summit offer lovely views, with Mount Coolum the prominent feature to the east and Yandina township to the west.
There are also distant views of the Glass House Mountains.
4. Mount Beerburrum – Glass House Mountain National Park
Distance: 3.1 kms
Elevation Gain: 177 m
This short, but steep walk is one to build up to, and will undoubtedly get the legs pumping.
The walk begins with a relatively flat walk through bushland, before a steep and unforgiving ascent up a concrete path to a fire tower.
The reward for the effort is 360 degree panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains, coastline, and Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island. You can even see Brisbane City on a clear day.
The numerous seats located along the track make it easy to take a break and catch your breath if need be.
5. Mount Peregian – Mount Coolum National Park
Distance: 1.2 kms
Elevation Gain: 53 m
While easily the shortest and smallest of the Sunshine Coast peaks, Emu Mountain is proof that good things can come in small packages.
The hike offers beautiful uninterrupted views of the Sunshine Coast coastline and Mount Coolum and is the perfect beginner hike or hike for families with small children.
The rocky path to the summit passes through exposed grass heath, with wildflowers blooming beautifully in spring.