Mount Coolum Powerline Track

GPS Tracks

Mount Coolum Powerline Track (GPX)

An alternative, more challenging route to the summit, located on the north-western ridge, accessible from the northern end of South Coolum Road.

Lookouts

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

197m

Maximum Elevation

159m

Total Climb

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Tick Walk

Getting there:

Turn off the David Low Way 6km south of Coolum Beach township or 3km north of Marcoola township into Tanah Street West. Follow Tanah Street West for approximately 1.7km (you will pass the car park for the main tourist route), which will become Toolga Street. You will come to the bottom of a relatively steep crest just before the start of South Coolum Road, with limited space for parking on the left near the steel triangular gate.

Maps:

Google Map Mount Coolum Powerline Track

Route/Trail notes:

From the triangular steel gate, follow the gravel track beneath the powerlines. After approximately 120 metres, there will be two power poles to your right (one has a support wire you will pass under) near a large rock. Here a rough footpad to the left enters the treeline. Follow this path (be careful it is rough and at times ill defined and covered with fallen branches), and you will eventually reach another set of powerlines ascending the mountain, with a rocky outcrop to your right. Turn left and the track follows beneath these lines to the summit, where you emerge just behind the brick building.

Return either by following the same route or the tourist route (which includes an additional 1.3km walk along Tanah Road West back to your vehicle).

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

Remain on Council Reserve and National Park by staying on the track and do not venture onto private property.

GPS Tracks

Mount Coolum Powerline Track (GPX)

Comments

I take the second left after triangle gate, not the first left where the camera are.
Also a big log at the start of the track
Good hike
Leo on 19 Jan, 2023

I tackled this track from the top of the hill to the bottom. The track begins from behind the telecommunications tower on the summit and you need to hunt for it. The track continues straight down and perpendicular to the contour but is not difficult if you have a steady foot. Half way down the track bends around to the right at a small rocky outcrop and heads off down the northern side of the hill through a series of small switchback turns. Plenty of fallen trees or placed branches to cross but you will eventually see house roofs and the trail will level off and exit at the powerlines and an open strip of grassy land. Turn right and walk 100m to Toolga St.
Chris W on 19 Jun, 2021

Wow what an experience. We are new to this but will be doing many more around our area. This walk was amazing and the views brilliant. It says medium and it sure is,just make sure tohave steady feet.
Sasee65 on 9 Feb, 2021

Good track, way better than the official track.

Just a note that when you get to the first set of powerlines, don't take the first left turn. The first turn has a motion camera set up and the path goes besides some private residence. This is the wrong path, the correct path is the second left. You have to make sure you actually walk past the powerline and then turn left and there will be a very narrow path. The path is defined and is clear the whole way.
Andy on 28 Dec, 2020

The eastern track to Mount Coolum Summit is now a little tame, although great for the kids, since they have paved and stepped most of it. So, time to switch to the far more challenging western track. Looks like it is being used on a regular basis, as it is now well defined. Easy to miss the entrance off the gravel track, so will 'pink flag tape' it next time out.
F.A.B. on 23 Aug, 2020

Got slightly lost at the beginning having missed the trail thinking that the vehicle tracks were the correct path, but traversed about 20 meters to my right and found the real path. From there onwards the path was well defined. Lots of slippery rocks due to the recent rain.
monkeywill on 30 Jul, 2020