So you’ve climbed Mount Coolum many times and you’re looking for a new adventure?
The Sunshine Coast has numerous striking and popular peaks from Mt Beerwah in the Glass House Mountains to Mt Cooroora looming over Pomona.
But for those itching for a new exploit, sunshinecoastnews.com.au has hit the trails to explore five challenging climbs you may never have heard of.
Many of these secret trails have been forged and marked by locals and hiking enthusiasts and offer rewarding views from their less-frequented summits.
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Some of the hikes may seem difficult (think ropes tied to trees to help with steep sections) and others may prove a mission just finding the trailhead.
But each one of these bushwalks promises an energetic day out for those who have a decent level of fitness and a sense of adventure.
Kenilworth Bluff (Wilcox Family Park Trail)
Kenilworth Bluff looms over the valley, with its craggy summit looking seemingly unclimbable from a distance.
Don’t be put off, the hike is doable with a good level of fitness and patience.
This seldom used out-and-back trail scrambles through bush, rainforest and woodland to top of the ridge which offers views over the Imbil State Forest
One of the hardest parts is finding where the track starts. Type ‘Kenilworth Bluff Wilcox Family Park’ in Google maps for directions but don’t expect to see any signs when you get there, they’ve fallen over.
The best place to park is a dirt verge next to the powerlines. You will see a farmhouse on stilts nearby.
To follow the trail, walk down the hill alongside the property’s fenceline, passing another rural home on your right before you eventually reach a set of stairs.
Aussie Bushwalkers offers detailed notes.
Once you reach what looks like the rocky summit and ridge, you may choose to return at this point.
Or you can push through the dense she-oaks and grasstrees for another 1km or so to where an ammunition box hangs from a tree on the left escarpment with a notebook inside to jot your name.
Mt Tibrowoocum, Glass House Mountains
Mt Tibrowoocum is often overlooked by weekend hikers tackling the popular Mt Tibrogargan which looms over its smaller sister.
Just around the corner from the big ‘Tibro’, this lesser-known volcanic plug offers a short scramble to a rocky peak with breath-taking views of its monolith neighbour.
If you are already climbing Mt Tibrogargan, why not make it a double dash by taking on this satisfying manageable climb.
Mt Tibrowoocum is right next to Mt Tibrogargan.
Mount Eerwah, Eerwah Vale
Enjoy a drive in the country to find this tucked-away mountain in Eerwah Vale, off the Kenilworth-Eumundi Road.
Again, seldom used it is a bit of fun for those keen for a scramble and some bottom sliding.
The track cuts through steep bush and some rainforest and may seem tricky to follow at times but just keep your eyes peeled for markers.
The view from the top is worthwhile, looking west over the picturesque landscape and the climb won’t eat up too much time.
For more detailed notes visit Aussie Bushwalkers.
The Twins, Glass House Mountains
If you’ve ever been admiring a Glass House Mountains view and seen two almost identical cones standing side by side, that is Mt Tunbubudla.
Tunbubudla is actually two peaks with a saddle in between from where you access the trail heads to both.
These climbs are for fitness and bush buffs who are keen for the exercise and not worried about the view.
You get some stunning glimpses on the way up, but the summits are shrouded in bush, completely obscuring any view.
The Twins are known among trail runners who spend hours traipsing the trails around Glass House but are difficult to access unless you have a 4WD.
Aussie Bushwalkers provides detailed notes on getting there and the route.
Mothar Mountain
Venture north towards Gympie and you will find Mothar Mountain, a short but steep climb in the Woodum National Park.
The 3.5km walk is energetic and gives some glimpses of view from the top but the main event on this day out is the rockpools.
The Mothar Mountain Rock Pools are popular with Gympie locals who take picnics to the day use area about 20 minutes south of the town’s CBD.
The babbling brooks are the perfect antidote to a hot and sweaty climb.
Advice for those with less trail experience:
- Wear covered shoes and appropriate clothing.
- Carry plenty of water in a hydration pack or bottles.
- Bring sufficient food to re-energise.
- Carry and mobile phone and a snake bandage is recommended.
- Do your research before heading out. Aussie Bushwalkers and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have good information.
