Sunsine Coast Hiking Route: Six Mountains in One Day

Travel used to be simple: photographs in front of famous monuments or tasting the local cuisine. Now we need to be the fastest, walk the longest, or climb the highest for the ultimate bragging rights.

Put your body on the line and go through a guided tour to climb six Sunshine Coast Mountains in only one day. Experientia Sunshine Coast is the only tour company that provides such an adventure. With the guides Melinda Bingley and Blase Grinner taking you from mountain to mountain, this will test all your limits.

Are you ready?

The Tour Guides

Experientia Sunshine Coast — You’ll be guided up the mountains by two extremely experienced hikers, Blase Grinner and Melinda Bingley.

If there were ever a poster child for personal challenges it would be the woman who is following close behind me, Melinda Bingley. When she reached Santiago de Compostela (Spain), 27 days into her solo pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago she still didn’t feel done and hiked onwards to Muxia – another 118.5 kilometres.

She’s trekked through the Kokoda, scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and hiked to Everest Base Camp. Meanwhile, on her days off she likes to climb Mount Tibrogargan – the hulking ‘gorilla’ of the Glass House Mountains – solo, regularly.

For the past 10 years, Bingley has been helping her personal training clients overcome challenges – their own inner Camino – even if that’s just running 10 minutes on a treadmill without stopping. Now, with her partner, Blase Grinner, they’ve made their favourite outdoor adventures into active escape packages under Experientia.

Stop 1: Wild Horse Mountain

The sunrise is glorious from atop Wild Horse Mountain.

The trek is starting at the smallest of the Glass House Mountains (blessed) with Wild Horse Mountain. The tip of the summit will give you a western view of the Sunshine Coast, with panoramic views of the Pumicestone Passage, as well as Bribie and Moreton Islands. The only way up is via a steep 700-metre paved pathway, which is the easier of routes on this journey.

Height: 123m

Distance (return): 1.4 kilometres

Stop 2: Mount Beerburrum

Mount Beerburrum is almost an identical hike to that of Wild Horse Mountain. The steep walkway winds through rainforest and eucalyptus woodlands. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish there are seats along the way to get a quick rest in. South-Eastern Queensland is the setting for the view and boy, it sure is pretty. But this stop is definitely a calf-burner.

Height: 150m

Distance (return): 1.4 kilometres

Stop 3: Mount Ngungun

Now that you’ve gotten the smaller mountains out of the way (phew!) Mount Ngungun (pronounced Noo Noo) is not out here to play. Wind up through the man-made path and you’ll be zipped straight into forestry of floral plant life. Beautiful ferns and Aussie bush will line the walkway to the top. From there you’ll be able to see a close-up view of Mount Tibrogargan, an ancient volcano that dried up 27 million years ago.

Height: 253m

Distance (return): 2.8 kilometres

Stop 4: Mount Cooroora

The highest mountain is here and we’re about the conquer it. Aptly named ‘The King of the Mountain’, this climb involves metal stairs, a chain to hold yourself up (very useful on the descent) and a bush trail. While you’re walking just cast your mind to the reward at the top, uninterrupted views of the Sunshine Coast’s vast hinterland.

Once you’ve reached the top, sit back and enjoy the deliciously pre-prepared snacks and lunch provided. Serving us icy-cold orange segments and latte-flavoured bliss balls for a little well-deserved nibble. Afterwards, we devoured organic falafel wraps and coconut water. This made the experience feel less boot camp and more five-star wellness retreat.

Height: 446m

Distance (return): 2 kilometres

Stop 5: Mount Ninderry

You’re almost there, just two more gruelling hikes to go. Mount Ninderry is tucked away in the inland of Coolum, and along the way, you’ll get to see the Maroochy River and the Pacific Ocean. The track has been recently upgraded so you won’t be free-climbing thankfully.

Generally, this mountain remains a bit forgotten, most of the visiting climbers tend to head straight for Mount Coolum, so this will be a little slice of serenity.

Height: 304m

Distance (return): 2.5 kilometres

Stop 6: Mount Coolum

Mount Coolum Sunshine Coast QLD — The final stop on the adventure, Mount Coolum

Right about now you’ll all feel pretty weary, but determined to push through and finish on a high. It’s quick and dirty, and the reward is an endless vista to the north and south drinking in the Sunshine Coast in its entirety.

Height: 203 metres

Distance (return): 3.2 kilometres

Final Thoughts

Our group made it through each climb and descent with time left over to rest and refuel. Samantha Lippiatt (Director of Health & Fitness Travel ) put it as, “You’ve got this huge goal that maybe once seemed impossible, that not only are you going to have passed, but then you’re going to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip as well."

Whenever I head towards Noosa I give Cooroora a nod; on the beach, I gaze to the top of Coolum and across to Ninderry. And when I’m driving towards Brisbane I give Beerburrum, Wild Horse and Ngungun all a wave. I can’t help but smile and a feeling of achievement washes over me.

Even though I’ve done some of these hikes before, everything has changed. I’m seeing with new eyes and a refreshed mindset. And there ain’t no mountain high enough to keep me from losing this high.

The Details

How to do it

Get up early and bring your emotional A-game. Experientia Sunshine Coast’s Six Mountains in One Day kicks off at 6 AM and includes transport to all summits, qualified and personable guidance and Brisbane, Queensland motivation, and delicious paleo snacks and lunch from local suppliers. The cost is $299 with a maximum of 10 people in the group.

Getting there

Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia fly to Sunshine Coast Airport in Maroochydore from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. From Brisbane, it’s a 70-minute drive to Caloundra to meet your pick-up.

Staying there

Rumba Beach Resort puts you right on the waterfront at Caloundra with views over some of your conquests beyond the Pumicestone Passage. To stay among the mountains, sleep in a converted train carriage or church at Glass House Mountains Ecolodge .

Staying in the Sunshine Coast? Head here for our curated guide on everything you need to know.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

Start planning your Queensland adventure at all.com.

Sunshine Coast Hiking Route: Six Mountains in One Day