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

Loved this climb!!
The whole family got to the top including the kids (6 & 8) with just a little encouragement and use of the chains. The view was so worth it. Nicely shaded at the top; perfect for a picnic, however very exposed going up so take a lot of water. Track is well worn, but full on from the car park to the top. Can't wait to do it again !
F.A.B. on 31 May, 2015

This was our 4th mountain of the day. Have done this one so many times but usually its the only one in a day. Always a very satisfying trek!
julieo on 3 May, 2015

What a mission, first mountain in nearly 10 years and chose this baby. Spectacular views, can't wait to climb again in a few weeks. I found this climb quite difficult but myself and a few other girls are on a weight loss and fitness journey. We made it to the top and so proud!
Lazybones on 28 Feb, 2015

You'll love this walk! It's a pretty rocky and steep climb up, with plenty of chains to help you out. In saying that though, it's not an overly physical walk. I had a lot of fun climbing this mountain and the views from the top looking towards Noosa are outstanding! It doesn't take long to complete and I recommend doing it at sunrise or sunset.
tbate54 on 10 Feb, 2015

Kudos to anyone who can run up that mountain, walking with short legs was difficult enough! Great fun walk with nice views at the top.
Alice on 19 Oct, 2014

2nd time, legs where jelly after that ;)
drosera88 on 13 Sep, 2014

Just had to put in a plug for the Mt. Cooroora Walk, which we completed today in about 2 hours (will take more notice of exact time next time). But we were probably slowed up by the fact that we had the oldest man (myself at 76 - 1st time to the top), & the youngest man (my g'son, Branden at 6 years old - 2nd time to the top) in the family group. The walk is do-able by anyone who is reasonably fit - but don't rush it - just 1 step at a time. Magnificent view at the top - makes it really very worthwhile. Try & slow down young ones - I told my g'son to be careful as I couldn't carry him back if he sprained an ankle, & he replied that I could drag him downhill! Again, a really worthwhile climb - & even just to the halfway lookout the first time gives magnificent views.
Veteran37 on 8 Jul, 2014

First time, 40 min up, 20 min down. nice view from the top. Very steep, but well equipped path
B_T on 18 May, 2014

Nice climb !!
drosera88 on 14 May, 2014

Great view from the top.
Red on May, 2014

One of the more challenging walks / hikes of all the Glass House Mountains, this was mountain number 7 i have hiked up to :-)
J on 25 Apr, 2014

Great hike to the top along a steep but well setup path.
No idea how they manage King of the Mountain times though.
Excellent views from the top especially at sunrise (next time must bring coffee) so don't forget the camera.
NerdTrails on 21 Apr, 2014

Ran King of Mountain Course in 37.07 return. Only got 15 minutes to cut off to be competitive. Yay! At least I have 8 months of training. Beautiful day although at 27 degrees sweated bucket loads. Left camera at home although recorded run on runtastic on mobile.
Grumps on 9 Dec, 2013

I did this walk/climb mid morning. It's a fantastic feeling at the top overlooking the hinterland right out to the ocean. Make sure you take a bag as you need both hands to climb some of the more steep parts of the mountain. :-)
Ella Raymond on 1 Dec, 2013

Mt Cooroora is a medium grade climb, that will certainly get your blood and lungs pumping. Don't do it in the middle of a hot day like I did, as the climb faces in an Easterly direction, so the sun is on you constantly. There are a couple of excellent views at various points on the way up, but cannot match the incredible view from the top. Several rocks to scramble over, and to my surprise, a few sets of steel stairs also. The is an aiding chain along a reasonably steep ( but not dangerous ) rocky section to hold onto if required. Take water with you, and your camera ! A climb well worth doing.
DrummerJeff on 9 Nov, 2013

Got passed several times by people running...walking was enough for me!
Matt on Nov, 2013

Today :)
Kim on 27 Oct, 2013

A great climb , track little damaged , some big steps , but a great chalange .
pkym on 7 Jul, 2013

Wonderful!! well worth the scramble up the rocks and the chains are some what useful .. careful you don't pinch your skin- ouch! did this in an hour and a half so if your fit the proposed 2 hours is wrong.
Samiekins on 19 May, 2013