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

It's a steep walk up and even harder coming down... But the view is worth the walk!
Jin Kim on 23 Jul, 2016

3 hrs up and back, including a big relax, drinks, snacks on top. Started at 9am, and would not start later due to heat. Sparsely shaded for 3/4 of the distance. Gorgeous view, brilliant climb and would definitely recommend leather gloves to help using the chain rope. A little tricky in places, seriously steep rock climb and would simply say to remember the 'ladder safety' principle = always have 3 points of contact (2 hands and 1 foot, or 2 feet and 1 hand) and you'll be safe up and down. One of our friends couldnt overcome the fear of falling and got super anxious about not being able to get back down. If you dont like heights, this may not be the climb for you. Much harder than Mt Coolum because of the long long long steep climb on a dusty, loose-ish surface, but if you just relax and take your time, eyeball the hand and foot holds, you'll be totally stoked you did this climb. Loved it, but would say that if Mt Coolum is 2 out of 5 in diificulty, Mt Cooroora would be close to 4 out of 5.
JanitaK on 20 May, 2016

That was a really strenuous walk. The chains really helped. Rewarding up the top though.
Ian and Sue on 7 May, 2016

Best views! Will be back loved it
ExplorerA&B on 27 Mar, 2016

This was the second time to climb Mt Cooroora and I found it much easier than the first time I tried it two years ago. We climbed on Easter Saturday and the "Easter Bunny' had already been up there before us, hiding or dropping chocolate Easter eggs along the trail. What a nice touch, as there were a number of children who were up earlier than we were who climbed to the summit and who would have been given a few special treats. What a great incentive to get children involved in #incidentalexercise :)
The climb is steep, with chains in most of the uphill areas, closer tot he summit it is a scramble on the rock surface. I would recommend wearing appropriate trail or hiking shoes with good grips, also take gloves to help pull yourself up on the climb and I found it also helped on the descent. Because of dodgy knees on our descent I found it easier to scale the rock face backwards with the help of the chains, as it took a lot of the pressure off the knees doing it that way.
Overall, it was a great climb, with stunning 360 degree views of the Noosa Hinterlands.
Recommend climbing early before the sun rises fully as it was extremely hot on reaching the summit just after 8am in the middle of Autumn.
Lots of traffic on the climb, good to see so many people keeping active.
MeriNips on 26 Mar, 2016

You get a good puff on going up this mountain. Really enjoyed it, great views.
Brett on 20 Mar, 2016

Really enjoyable walk, especially the rock scrambling.:)
Pink Panther on 18 Mar, 2016

This was awesome, a well preserved mountain, frequented by the locals. I went up this with a friend and a little group of 10 year olds were on a bonding session from their football club with all the dads and peers.

I would have to say a favourite mountain so far, beautiful 360 views all around, we had great weather, although a little hot. This hike has some steep steps but some chain to help in sections. Can get on all fours and use your hands. I found it a welcoming challenge but no soreness after.

It would have been nice to have the mountain to ourselves but it just shows how popular a climb it is and why they choose it to be KING OF THE MOUNTAIN.

Very cool and looking forward to going back again soon.
moniqueunique on 25 Feb, 2016

Quite challenging walk, but awesome 360 views at the top. great to do in the afternoon!
Ella.g on 18 Jan, 2016

Awesome climb for a (reasonably fit) family challenge!
Mark on 21 Sep, 2015

Power through the stairs and rock scramble! Great views! Perfect weather!
smitsie on 30 Aug, 2015

Beautiful day for a climb up Cooroora. Did notice a lot more erosion this time compared to a few months ago.
julieo on 14 Aug, 2015

Getting in some practice/training today for Mt Bartle only a month to go!!
This is a great climb and the view is spectacular!
F.A.B. on 5 Aug, 2015

Did this climb for the 7th time this year,,each time I think it's gotta get easier,,it seems just as challenging,,but am getting better..the forest bit even before you get to the metal steps is quite steep,,then you get to a small rock formation to the right and this is where the real climb starts..stunning views along the way,,and even the fittest will not miss them as most climbers do stop to catch their breath,, the steps do seem never ending and theres a chain along the left hand side,,useful in parts where the steps end and you have to rely on strangely enough strategically placed foot holes in the rock. then not long before you reach to top,,the steps end and its a fun scramble to get there,,you can walk along the ridge to the right absolutely stunning views from both sides,,and take in the scenery and landmarks...The descent down is fun and we generally crab crawl until we reach the steps,,I always find this mountain a physical but very satisfying climb,,and always finish off with a nice coffee after in Pomona...It is far more challenging in my opinion than Coolum,,plus if at all possible avoid weekends and bank holidays as it's very busy..
Kath v on 4 Aug, 2015

Best track I've done in a while. Beautiful day, view and you're sure to get the heart pumping. It's quite an adventure getting up so suggest shoes with good grip and water. We started the climb late morning and the sun made it more challenging. The legs ached in a good way for the next few days.

Note: GPS sent as all over the show. Locals advised it's now called Mt Kramer.
stepitup on Aug, 2015

Rode mountain bikes here from Lake Macdonald via trail7. Then climbed Cooroora. Grabbed a coffee in Pomona then rode back. Great morning
Pardo on 19 Jul, 2015

Great Cardio workout walk. Kids can do it too.
David on 18 Jul, 2015

Tuff but short
Andy_cortina on 13 Jun, 2015

Great little workout! Have done this walk twice now. Not the hardest but great views!
kyles36 on 13 Jun, 2015

I did this walk after I heard it is the hardest in the area. It is indeed a good cardio challenge but I wouldn't recommend it in the hottest parts of the day, especially in the hot seasons. It is quite exposed and dusty on the way up. Good views from the top.
agms on Jun, 2015