Answer nature’s call in comfort at popular trail

Sunshine Coast Council is working with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to deliver much-needed amenities for nature lovers.

Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said he was committed to improving the amenities of our popular national parks such as Mount Coolum National Park, which is visited by more than 200,000 people each year.

“We’re glad to be partnering with Sunshine Coast Council to deliver a new accessible and modern public amenities block to service Mount Coolum National Park,” Minister Powell said.

“The Queensland Government is committed to improving the facilities at all our national parks, so visitors can enjoy our incredible natural landscapes in comfort.”

Sunshine Coast Council Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag said Council was focused on maintaining and improving our parks and recreational spaces across the region.

“We’re pleased to be able to provide amenities here so the thousands of people who visit to enjoy nature can also answer nature’s call comfortably!

“Currently the nearest public toilets are located almost 2km away in Birrahl Park so providing amenities at Mount Coolum will be a welcome improvement for both residents and visitors.

“Council is appreciative of the initial funding commitment made by the previous State Government in August 2024 and the ongoing support of the current State Government towards this project.”

Sunshine Coast Council is investing $50,000 and partnering with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which is providing $425,000 to design and construct the new amenities block.

What’s to come

Council will be engaging a consultant for the design which will start in late May 2025.

Construction is scheduled to start in August, with completion expected by early November 2025, depending on weather and site conditions.

The prefabricated amenities block will be designed to improve security and safety for visitors to the park.

“The amenities block will be open and accessible, and we’re designing it to help people feel safe while using the facilities,” Cr Bunnag said.

“It will also be powered sustainably by its own solar system.”

Mount Coolum walking trails are midway between Noosa and Caloundra, with the David Low Way providing access to the park.

The car park entrance is near the junction of Tanah Street West and Jarnahill Drive, Coolum Beach.

The Mount Coolum summit walk (1.6km return) is a Grade 4 walking track suitable for fit walkers only—the summit is 208m above sea level.

For further information on the Mount Coolum walking trails and usage, please contact Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service at [email protected]