Mt Cooroora

GPS Tracks

Become your own 'King of the Mountain'.
Mt Cooroora at 446m (Tuchekoi National Park), is probably the most famous of the Sunshine Coast climbs, due to the King of the Mountain race held annually in July since 1979. The fact that it is a race from the pub in town, and the best time is 22:43, gives you the false impression that this might be quite an easy climb, but you would be wrong!
Take time out as you climb to enjoy the stunning views south across the Sunshine Coast and the 360° vista from the top.

Lookouts

Picnic Facilities

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

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Getting there:

From the Bruce Highway follow the signs to Pomona. Once in Pomona turn into School Street and then turn into Mountain Street. Park near the sign at the beginning of the walk.

Maps:

Mount Cooroora

Route/Trail notes:

Follow the well worn track up through a wooded area, before a short descent and across a creek bridge. Easy!

Now the hard part as you start to climb along the path and up a series of concrete, rock chiselled and metal stairways. Watch your step, as in places the ground has been eroded.

About halfway up is a side trail with good views and a resting point. From here continue up three more sets of stairs and follow the chains. About 30m from the summit the chain ends and it is a scramble to the top. When the path levels out turn right and follow the track to the rocks at the true summit and fantastic views.

To return, just retrace your steps. It is recommended to 'abseil' the chains going down.

Permits/Costs:

None

Other References/Comments:

Take a picnic and plenty of water.

King of the Mountain

GPS Tracks

Comments

Did this twice today. Missed sunrise because we left Toowoomba at 1.15am and I was salty so I climbed for sunset 28 minutes up and 16 minutes down from car park! Its lots of fun!
Chesspeople on 6 Nov, 2020

This is a breathtaking hike. some sections of the climb require a good fitness level as there are steep rocky slopes. there are multiple sets of climbing aids such as stairs and chains that you can hold on to. Once at the summit, there are views of mount Cooroy, Mount Eerwah (not Beerwah), mount pinbarren, mount Cooran,and mount timberwah. You can also see Noosa heads and the lakes.
de_hiker on Nov, 2020

Excellent walk. well signposted. It is a very steep climb, with chains to assist for most of the toughest sections. the views from the top are magic, but the joy of the summit is the real incentive as the views are achievable from various spots on the way up. My knees found the descent harder than the ascent. We took a couple of hours, although the younger ones can do it much quicker. it begins in canopy, but it is mostly fairly exposed .... the summit is in lovely shade, with trees at the top. i recommend an early start before it gets too hot. Pomona is a lovely little place to have some late breakfast or lunch afterwards.
Tania Waring on 26 Sep, 2020

Love this climb. Been climbing it for years but this morning we did a sunrise climb for Fathers Day. Absolutely stunning!
Deb on 6 Sep, 2020

This is awesome!! Did Mt Nindery the day before and Mt Greville the day before that. but not sore. It was just under 35 minutes up from Carpark at good pace then 20 minutes back. Lots of Scrambling like Mt Warning. There is a chain in parts but it hurts to use it if you injured your "left" rotator cuff. There are lots of stairs too. A local couple in there 50/60s said they climb it once a week! Views are great. If you have average fitness I would allocate at least 90-120 mins. Need good grip shoes.
Chesspeople on 2 Sep, 2020

It was great, Our 8 yr old could do it not sure on kids younger than that. I would Avoid in the wet.
Esther Latcham on 30 Aug, 2020

A fabulous, fun climb! So happy to climb this mountain again! Reasonable fitness will get you to the top in about 25 minutes.
Elese M on 17 Aug, 2020

This is challenging and slippery in parts but very much achievable and the views are great! Recommend shoes with good grip and a backpack to carry your belongings as you will need to use your hands.
Katie May on 9 Aug, 2020

Longer and harder than I thought took numerous breaks. But well worth it. Come prepared with water and good walking shoes.
RTM on 3 Aug, 2020

Stunning view to the west as well
Tracy25 on 31 Jul, 2020

Seems easy when at the stairs and first half of the walk however once you get to scaling the rocks gets a bit tricky. Wasn’t super keen climbing without the chain as it does end towards the top but the rocks are fairly easy to scale up to see a spectacular view!
Jade on 19 Jul, 2020

First time up for my friend and I. It was a little more steep than we expected (tried to judge it from the photos), but certainly an amazing climb!
We took plenty of small rests along the way. There were quite a few people which forces you to stop on the more narrow parts.
School holidays so lots of families, and even some Mums baby wearing.
Would recommend for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness!
MandaPanda on 1 Jul, 2020

Great climb and views. Really enjoyable short walk
Hannah on 21 Jun, 2020

Loved it. Wear gloves for the scrambling. Hard on the legs and knees. Good cardio. It’s national park don’t take your dogs please.
Ivy on 7 Jun, 2020

Great walk, steep & a challenging path in places. Not for the faint hearted. Great views at the top, but very, very busy. We did this on a Sunday morning & unless you love the crowds, I would definitely avoid doing this on a weekend. Glad we did it & enjoyed the challenge, but not the people!
The Nutters on Jun, 2020

An amazing but challenging climb. Allow plenty of rests. Reasonable fitness required.
Jazzy on 29 May, 2020

Very nice climbing. Well maintained. Stunning view!
Remi (Frog n Roo) on 28 May, 2020

Only just joined up & haven’t hiked this for awhile but have completed it twice & it was challenging on the knees, lots of stairs. My turn 8yr old did it no worries.
Joanne on 26 May, 2020

g'day friends. looking to do this hike with my one year old son on my back.... am I going to make it?? maybe I go first solo then assess!!
Cara on 25 May, 2020

Nice enough walk. Steepness will get your blood pumping. Would like to do this mid-week so I don't have to wait for people to pass. Reckon I would like to get up and back in under an hour next time.
I clocked the round trip distance from the car park as 3.2km.
Rod Hewins on 24 May, 2020