The Sunshine Coast of Australia is teeming with easily accessible hikes that involve climbing. We’d had our sights set on Mt Ninderry near the cute Queensland town of Yandina for a while and when friends came to visit us at Coolum, it was all systems go.

Find the perfect Sunshine Coast Beach for you here.

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Panoramic coastal views and local trivia.

Climbing Mount Coolum is a popular Sunshine Coast climb – that is it in the background of the photo below. The shiny patch in the middle of the frame behind it is the Sunshine Coast Solar Farm. The council is the first Australian Local Government to offset all of it’s power requirement through renewable energy.

Photo taken from the top of Mt. Ninderry looking across the cane fields to the Ocean.

The week before the climb we went on a scouting trip to Mt Ninderry from Coolum Beach to make sure that on the day we would know exactly where to go.

The Coast has been anything but sunny of late and at the first clear break in the weather, we were out the door and piling into the car. The rain has been a god-send really. With dry gardens all over the coast and a recent bush fire, it was lovely to see all of that delicious green.

Mt Ninderry

Mt. Ninderry walk is a great inclusion in Noosa Hinterland Romantic Weekend Getaways.

The Trail-head.

Outlook from the First Viewpoint.

The 2nd and top Lookout

Outlook from the Hinterland Viewpoint.

Where is Mt Ninderry?

The Mt Ninderry Summit Trail head is on Ninderry Road, 6km east of Yandina, Queensland.

How to get to Mt Ninderry

By Car.

• Yandina to the trail head at Eucalyptus Crescent – 8km.
• Coolum Beach via Yandina Coolum Road and Collins Road – 19.4 km.

Yandina/Eucalyptus Crescent circle route shown below, is a lovely country drive. It passes acreage properties, Spirit House (a popular restaurant and cooking school) and the Yandina Ginger Factory.

At the end of Ninderry Road turn right onto the concrete hill road at Eucalpytus Crescent. The trail head sign is to the right of the car park near a covered picnic table.

I’ve done the work for you in the map below.

What’s Great About Mt Ninderry Summit Trail

• It’s uncrowded – There is time and space to go at your own pace without hordes of people overtaking or coming in the opposite direction.
• The track gradient is variable – It starts gently beneath tall trees and undulates for a while before the serious huff and puff begins. At the top it flattens off again with plenty of space and easy tracks. There was a handy fallen tree trunk half way up the steep part to rest on.
• Variety of views – There are two view points overlooking the ocean. The lower one is a small clearing with a jutting out rock to stand on. The next one is higher up with a new viewing platform and extensive views up and down the coast with distant views of Mt Coolum. Another smaller viewpoint with ballustrade looks over the hinterland.

What’s Not so Great About Mt Ninderry Summit Trail

• The signage at the top is not so great but it doesn’t spoil the experience. I actually enjoyed wandering around exploring and it’s impossible to get lost.

Ninderry Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories

There are several Aboriginal dreamtime stories that explain the local landforms of Maroochy River, Mt Coolum, Mudjimba Island and Mt Ninderry. Here is a popular one:

The maiden Maroochy was being fought over by her tribal chief Coolum and another tribe’s chief Ninderry. When Ninderry knocked Coolum’s head off in the skirmish, it tumbled into the ocean becoming Mudjimba Island. As punishment the creator turned him to stone becoming Mt Ninderry. Maroochy ran into the mountains crying a river of tears creating the Maroochy River.

Mt Ninderry FAQ’s Answered

• Dogs are allowed on a lead.
• Bring insect repellent
• Distance to summit 1.4km
• Gravel track with rocky sections, tree roots and steps
• 3 hours recommended return trip but we took 1.5 hours
• Grade 3 Walking Trail
• Gravel carpark for approx. 10 cars
• No shops nearby
• No drinking water on site
• The track rises 130 metres from the car park
• Yandina Creek is a Sunshine Coast suburb 13.8 km along the Yandina Coolum Road from Yandina

Yandina

I have a definite soft spot for this off-the-radar town. A little left of centre, with it’s permaculture community garden, special food options, collectibles/second-hand shops, gazillion coffee options and great restaurants, it has an endearing alternative vibe.

Where to eat at Yandina.

Spirit House Yandina, is a contemporary award winning Asian Food restaurant. Located at 20 Ninderry Road, on the Yandina/Mt Ninderry loop road (see map). I’ve asked everyone I know and the consensus is “it’s on the expensive side but the food is excellent”.

Yandina Hotel, 1 Stevens Street, is a historical pub with good reasonably priced counter meals, internal courtyard and welcoming atmosphere. The front verandah is always popular and on week-ends there’s the chance of finding tethered horses.

Horses at the front of Yandina Hotel with Mt Ninderry in the background.

Goodness Gracious Organic Cafe, next to the pub at 3 Conn Street, is a totally gluten free cafe set on the verandahs and in the gardens of an old Queenslander house. The relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff make this place irresistible. This is where we went for refreshments after the climb. The photo below shows the front garden of Goodness Gracious with Yandina Pub in the background.

On the other side of Yandina Hotel at 3 Stevens Street is the popular Thai Tong restaurant which has an appealing outside deck and good reviews. I’ve got it on my list to try.

The air-conditioned Lawn Espresso Cafe at 18 Farrell Street, has good coffee and sweet treats that are a little different. Lawn Espresso is our go to place when we’re feeling hot and bothered after a market visit.

Lawn Espresso is included is a Top Sunshine Coast Coffee Spot.

Across the street from Lawn Cafe, in an old church building, Collective Haus sells quirky collectibles and pre-loved clothing. Out front is a coffee counter with a window to pop-up courtyard seating.

This is a small sample of the food and drink options in Yandina. My mind is set on sampling more in the near future.

Yandina Accommodation.

Yandina Hotel has accommodation upstairs that opens onto the verandah from $75/night.

In our travels by caravan we’ve stayed at and recommend both Coolum Beach Holiday Park and Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park. Dogs are allowed at both, but only Mudjimba accepts cats. Yandina Caravan Park is pet and big rig friendly but we haven’t had the pleasure of staying there yet.

We really enjoy the Airbnb experience. Have you tried it? If not you can use the link in our side-bar to claim a discount on your first booking. If you decide to use them you’d be crazy not to use this link. Have a look at the Yandina/Ninderry options here.

Yandina Markets

Most Saturdays find us at Yandina Markets. Located at 51 Bruce Highway, and tagged as a Flea Market, this market has one of the largest market plant selections in the state, a healthy range of food outlets, locally grown fruit and vegetables, pre-loved clothing/household items and even a large variety of second hand tools to keep the handy-person happy. Did I mention the two coffee vendors and buttermilk donut caravan?

Just 13 minutes north of Yandina Markets, the Eumundi Markets are held Wednesday and Saturday (and a small version on Friday’s).

The Ginger Factory

This family friendly attraction has rides, ginger products (try the ginger ice-cream), souvenirs include a range of ginger plant crockery to die for. But wait there’s more… like a mini-train, shopping outlets, cafe, tours, fabulous gardens and displays.

How to get to Yandina?

• By Car. Yandina is 1.5 hours and 108km north of Brisbane on the M1 and 35 minutes south of Noosa Heads.
• By Train. Brisbane Roma Street Station to Yandina Station. Allow 3 hours 10 minutes.

Mt Ninderry FAQ’s Answered

• Yes. Dogs are allowed on a lead.
• Bring insect repellent
• Distance to summit 1.4km
• No to wheelchairs and prams
• Gravel track with rocky sections, tree roots and steps
• 3 hours recommended return trip but we took 1.5 hours
• Grade 3 Walking Trail
• Gravel carpark for approx. 10 cars
• No shops nearby
• Yes. Bring drinking water
• Yandina Creek is a Sunshine Coast suburb 13.8 km along the Yandina Coolum Road from Yandina

Thanks for reading and commenting – we really appreciate it.

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