Sunshine Coast is a perfect destination for weekend getaways. The quirkily shaped mountains along the endless golden shorelines, will provide you with a unique experience that you will never forget. There are also wineries, cheese factories and boutique style townships that you won't want to leave once you spend some time there, at least this is how I felt.
This post only focuses on two unique places in Sunshine Coast, Mount Coolum and The Black All Range. These are two perfect road trip spots for your weekend getaways. There are ocean view, mountain scenic lookouts, rainforest walks, rockpools etc. It's probably even better for a longer stay, so that you can take it all in!
I recommend to climb Mount Coolum as a morning warm up and then spend the rest of the day relaxing in the Blackall Range. Even in winter, Mount Coolum area can still get a bit hot during the day, and there are almost no shades up there, so let's do some exercise without the added heat! You will have totally unobstructed view of neat Caloundra Township as well as its coastlines.
Little safety tips before your trip to Mount Coolum
1. Make sure to wear and bring sunscreen and mozzie/bug spray with you, especially for the hike in Mt Coolum. Big lesson for me, I think the mozzies are quite happy with me that day... haha
2.It does get hot and there isn't much shade up the top, so probably try to avoid hiking in hot weather. Wear proper footwear with strong grip soles. Bring plenty of water, I recommend to bring at least 1L of water, more during summer time.
3. Avoid hiking Mt Coolum in rainy days, because it is mostly just scattered rocks half way through your climb with exposed cliff and unprotected trails and it is really slippery.
4. Walking up in a full stomach is not a good idea, because you'll probably felt light headed as this trail will get your blood pumping real fast!
Traveling Direction from Brisbane:
Mt Coolum National Park is right next to Coolum Beach in Sunshine Coast.
Get onto M3 heading to Sunshine Coast direction, and exit onto A3 at the Lutwyche exit.
Follow A3 towards Cardeldine and follow the road onto M3 then onto M1
Exit M1 at exit number 194 onto Sunshine Motorway and keep following the motorway/State Route 70.
Take the exit toward Sunshine Coast Airport/Mudjimba, then merge onto Maroochydore Noosa Road, and keep right to continue on North Shore Connection Road.
Follow the road and continue onto David Low Way, keep stay on David Low Way until you get to Tanah Street West, turn left and continue on it.
You should see Mount Coolum carpark which is the starting point of the 800m hike onto the peak
If you are using GPS, then search Mount Coolum carpark as your destination and it will take you there, routing option has toll or no toll.
Mount Coolum Walking Track
This 800m (one way) track is definitely a leg burner with fantastic views at the top. As you can see in the photo above, Mount Coolum is a big rocky dome, formed millions of years ago from volcanic activity. From my research, there seems to be one track coming up the mountain and another coming down, however, I wasn't able to find it on my hike. There is also a broad walk nearby, where you can observe the full shape of this mountain, which I will try out on my next trip up north.
Once you park your car in the little car park down below, the walking track starts on the right. The track may seems gradual and "harmless" at the beginning, but don't be fooled. The tall eucalyptus trees disappear at about the half way point of the track and so does the easy stairs. It's mostly just small rocky steps afterwards as you can see in the picture below.
There are a lot of joggers during my hike, also parents with young children and less than 1 years old babies (carried up the mountain in baby carrier strapped to the chest). If you are bringing your children, please keep a close watch on them as there are a few exposed and unfenced cliffs. All the people there are very friendly, you will get the occasional encouraging words like "You are half way there!" or "Did you bring enough water?" So it was a fantastic experience for me.
A friend of mine recommended to go up early and watch the sunrise, I would love to maybe stay overnight near there one day and see it for myself. Just thinking about watching the sun rise slowly from where the skyline blends with the sea, makes my heart quicken!
After this little morning exercise, you can totally spend the rest of the day cruising and relaxing in the picturesque country side up in The Blackall Range.
The Blackall Range Tourist Drive
It's about 35 minutes drive from Mount Coolum to the closest township in the Blackall Range. This drive mostly wines up and then follow the ridge-line, the drive will take you through Mapleton, Montville and then Maleney. There are lookouts where you can see the entire of Glass House Mountain Range and of course the not-to-be-missed Sunshine Coast shorelines. There are rainforest walks and rock pools where you can cool down (during summer time). This is the drive that you definitely don't want to miss.
If you are tired of driving, take a break at any one of the three townships, and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while overlooking the never ending mesmerizing scenery. Ah, that's a good life! You can easily spend a day in there and feel like you've done it in a blink of an eye. Some of my suggestions are:
1. Take a stroll down the main street of Montville or Maleny, and maybe do some shopping.
2. Spend the day enjoying wine and cheese, there are plenty of winery and cheese factories to choose from.
3. Enjoy nature with national parks and waterfalls! Example, Mapleton Falls NP, Kondllila NP etc.
4. BBQs/picnic and enjoy a stroll (1.7km) on the Mary Cairncross Reserve walking track. Gold coin donation appreciated.
The lookout at Mary Canecross Reserve
Mapleton Falls Lookout, the Woopoo walking track also starts from here.
Rainforest trees. I believe this is called the Buttress, the roots fans out as the tree grows and it is still a scientific mystery.
The plaque tells the Aboriginal story about the Glass House Mountain Family.
Mayfield Patisserie at Montville, it has the best lookout and you can enjoy it while sipping your coffee.
I may do a more detailed blog with highlights about the Blackall Range a bit later on, this will just be a brief overview to show you what you could do in the Blackall Range.
You only live once, so live as a expression of yourself, and enjoy the things you do. YOLOHiking!
