Mount Coolum National Park Sunshine Coast

Offset project for the ground parrot

Find out more about the proposed works to restore habitat for the ground parrot in Mt Coolum National Park. Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen

Visiting Mount Coolum safely

    Getting there and getting around

    Midway between Noosa and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. Several major access roads, Sunshine Motorway R70, Maroochydore Road R8, Bli Bli Road R10 or Yandina Coolum Road R11 link the Bruce Highway M1 with the David Low Way R6, which provides access to the park.

    Turn off the David Low Way 6km south of Coolum Beach township or 3km north of Marcoola township into Tanah Street West. The car park entrance is near the junction of Tanah Street West and Jarnahill Drive. Roads to the car park are suitable for all vehicles.

    Bicycles and pedestrian access from nearby town areas is also possible via a wide pathway running beside the David low Way.

    A bus stop is located close to the park entrance on the David Low Way, near its junction with Tanah Street East. See bus information at Translink.

    Walking the track in wet weather is not recommended. The track becomes extremely slippery.

    Wheelchair accessibility

    Wheelchair access is not available in Mount Coolum National Park.

    Staying safe

    • Sheer cliffs and slippery rocks can be hazardous. Always supervise children, keep to the walking tracks, stay behind safety fences and follow all warning signs to avoid tragedy.
    • Stay on track. Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you should return. Wear sturdy shoes. Carry adequate clothing, water and snack food.
    • Never walk alone. Always walk with a group and walk in daylight hours only.
      • Walk the track in fine weather only. The track becomes extremely slippery when wet.
    • Supervise children. Natural areas have hazards that children are unfamiliar with, including creeks, cliff edges, stinging plants and wildlife.
    • Carry a first-aid kit—and know how to use it. Use repellent on exposed skin and shoes to discourage mosquitoes, leeches and ticks. Remove ticks immediately or seek medical advice.
    • Carry fresh water. Drinking water is not provided.
      • In the summer months walk in the cooler parts of the day to avoid heat exhaustion.
    • Check Park alerts for current warnings or closures. Closures can occur during severe wet weather, during high winds and for fire management. For your safety, do not enter the park when closure signs are displayed.
    • Do not leave valuables unattended. While visiting the park, please ensure that you lock your vehicle and remove all valuables, including garage remote-controls.
    • In an emergency phone Triple Zero (000). Mobile phone reception can be poor in these areas.

    For more information about staying safe while visiting national parks, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

    In an emergency

    In case of accident, other emergency or for reporting a bushfire or acts of arson, please:

    • Call Triple Zero (000).
    • Advise the location and nature of the emergency.
    • Stay on the phone until you are told to hang up.

    Mobile phone reception can be poor in this area.
    The closest hospital is in Nambour.

    Before you visit

    Toilets are not provided in this national park. Plan to visit nearby public toilets before you visit. Public toilet locations:

    • Birrahl Park public toilets—1.8km north of the walk entrance via David Low Way, turn right onto Goongilla Street.
    • Felix Parry Park public toilets—3.2km south of the walk entrance via David Low Way. Turn left onto Tamarindus Street, then left onto Marcoola Esplanade.

    Essentials to bring

    • Bring your own drinking water—this is not provided.
    • Carry a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
    • Wear sturdy shoes, a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen.
    • Bring a camera and binoculars.
    • Remove your rubbish from the park.

    Opening hours

    For your safety, walk in Mount Coolum National Park in daylight hours only.

    Permits and fees

    Permits are required for commercial or organised group activities.

    Pets

    Domestic animals are not permitted within Mount Coolum National Park.

    Climate and weather

    The Sunshine Coast enjoys a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 21 to 29°C in summer and 10 to 21°C in winter. In summer temperatures can exceed 30°C.

    For more information see the Bureau of Meteorology and tourism information links.

    Fuel and supplies

    The nearest fuel and supplies are available at Coolum Beach township, a short drive from the park. For more information see the tourism information links.