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Walk WandsPro’s 5 fave hikes on the Sunshine Coast

Are you looking to take on a heart pounding hike this weekend? Or do you fancy a gentle meander on one of the many walking tracks around the Sunshine Coast? Well, look no further. Shut down your search engine and grab a pair of comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and try one of these WandsPro best picks to get you started.

Whether you are looking for eye-popping inspiration, much needed brain recovery, insane training for the next triathlon or face flushing variety to get the blood circulating, one of these hikes is sure to suit you. We must shoot you a reminder however, to be prepared, be sun smart and apply generous amounts of sunscreen (don’t forget the insides of your ears, hairline, balding spots and lips). Dig out your widest brimmed hat, protective clothing and plenty of water (I take at least 2 litres per person for a 2-4 hour adventure). The warmer days have arrived with a bang and dehydration is real but of course, it helps to walk in cooler parts of the day, so try this wherever possible. Those pesky mozzies are out in full force this time of year too, so throw a good insect repellent onto that exposed skin. Add to the experience and pack a gourmet lunch to enjoy alfresco, overlooking one of the ‘oh so beautiful’ views you are guaranteed to encounter on each and every trek you choose. And one more thing, if your goal is to boast to your friends, family and colleagues about your weekend activities, don’t forget to take a camera, you want a record of your gob-smacking experiences too! There are plenty of selfie opportunities along the way. This is the Sunshine Coast after all, one of the most breathtaking spots around…well in our opinion anyway! So here goes…

Mount Coolum

Feel like you are on top of the world, 208m above sea level with 360° panoramic views from the summit. Look South to the Glass House Mountains and Point Cartwright, West will delight you with the Blackall Range and North will give you stunning views to Noosa Heads. Allow 2 hours for this 1.6km return walking track, suitable for fit walkers due to the steep sections of loose gravel surfaces…although the children were making light work of it like well-seasoned goats! The track includes sections of large hexagonal columns which lie almost horizontally in the path, formed during the volcanic period. To get there, 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. Enjoy and share your amazing pics!

Noosa Heads to A-Bay (Alexandria Bay)

This delightful (yet somewhat a little rocky at times) track winds approximately 3km around Noosa’s National Park Headland. Take in the many lookouts along the journey with breathtaking views of sweeping coastlines, migrating whales (during the whale season), dolphins, turtles and eagles and more. You will go past Dolphin Point, Winch Cove, Picnic Cove and Hell’s Gate. Swimming is not recommended however, take the load off and settle for a picnic on the sand. A-Bay is a “clothes optional” beach, so either take extra dark sunglasses or get back to nature and “consider the options” for a while! Either way, allowing 3 hours round trip, including pit stop, is a fair time plan.

Mount Tibrogargan

   a) Tibrogargan Walking Circuit

This trek must be one of the most exciting and adventurous of the Glass House Mountains with a summit 364m above sea level. It’s not for the faint-hearted! The complete circuit is 3.2km and can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to complete. For a lighter option, stop at the Mountain View lookout after 800m to soak up the views over Mount Beerwah Mount Coonowrin, Mount Tibberoowuccum and Mount Tunbubudla. The full circuit requires a high level of fitness and rock scrambling skills with the first section containing very loose and unstable rock. If you are keen for a challenge, the route continues up a near vertical rock-face to the summit. Red markers do give you a best route guide here but are sometimes a bit difficult to spot on the ascent. The spectacular views over Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and surrounding farmland at the top will distract you from thoughts about how on earth you will get down, but if you take it slowly, carefully, and watch your footing, you will see it’s easier than it looks.

   b) Trachyte Walking Circuit

The entrance is near the corner of Marshs Rd and Barrs Rd, Glass House Mountains. From the car park, this 6km return trip taking 2-3 hours, leads through open woodland and heathland. The Jack Ferris lookout on Trachyte Ridge is a great place to view amazing surrounding peaks. The afternoon sun adds to the spectacular drama and a packed lunch is a bonus to have so you can take even more time admiring the views. The track is generally full of walkers, runners and kids of all ages. Is it me or are the mozzies a little more persistent and blood hungry on this circuit? I have forgotten my repellent twice on this particular route, and end up with slap marks all over my arms and legs! It’s otherwise a pleasant few hours away from the norm.

Buderim Forest

The Buderim Forest is one that I personally visit often, not only because it’s close, pretty easy and therefore I can take every visitor who comes to stay, but there is an amazing little fine dining restaurant at one of the 2 entrances called Harry’s On Buderim. The food is delicious and it’s a welcome treat upon a treat of walking through gorgeous, peaceful woodland. It’s handy to note that opening times for lunch are Wednesday to Sunday 12-2pm, but it’s worth planning for. Buderim Forest is a 45 hectare secluded oasis rainforest of tall trees, ferns, waterfalls and cascades. You can enter the trail from 2 entry points (lower entry off Lindsay Rd via Harry’s Lane, the second via Quorn Close, off Lindsay Rd at the top of Buderim). BYO lunch is made easy with electric BBQs and picnic tables at both ends. An elevated boardwalk is excellent for disabled walkers and wheelchairs, however the walkway does become rugged which is unsuitable for walking disabilities. Along the creek you will stumble across Buderim Falls (swimming not advised), another great lunch spot if you want to perch on a rock with readymade sandwiches or paleo buns.

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Be sure to read warning/advisory signs and visit the Department of National Parks, Sport and Racing page online for more information on all the above and more.

So, there you have it! WandsPro make great efforts to continue exploring the Sunshine Coast, to bring you updates on the next best adventure. When we are not exploring, we will be designing the next most innovative outdoor cookware for you to take with you. Here’s to making memories…cheers!

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