The best walks and hikes around Doonan

Yes, dogs are generally welcome on many trails in the area, especially within the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve. The Doonan Creek Reserve Loop is a popular choice for dog walkers. However, keep in mind that dogs are usually not permitted in national parks like Noosa National Park or Tewantin National Park to protect the native wildlife. Always check local signage and keep your dog on a leash.

The Doonan Creek Environment Reserve offers some great options for families. The Doonan Creek: North Bushland Loop is a short 1.7 km circuit that is perfect for little legs. For a slightly longer but still easy walk, the main 4 km Doonan Creek Reserve Loop follows a wide, flat forestry trail. Another excellent choice is the accessible path to the Mount Tinbeerwah lookout, which is only a 500-meter return trip from the car park and offers fantastic views.

While the immediate Doonan trails focus more on wetlands and bushland, you can find waterfalls with a short drive. The Cranny Falls from Carnlough walk is a well-regarded easy trail leading to a lovely waterfall. For a more dramatic waterfall experience, Mapleton Falls National Park is a popular destination in the hinterland, known for its scenic lookouts and trails through the rainforest.

The two main trails offer different experiences. The Doonan Creek Reserve Loop is a 4 km easy circuit on a wide forestry trail, making it great for a relaxed walk, run, or walking the dog. The Doonan Creek: North Bushland Loop is a shorter, more intimate 1.7 km trail that winds through coastal bushland, offering a quicker immersion in the local heath and scribbly gum forests.

Mount Coolum is a challenging 1.6 km return hike. It's known for being very steep but rewards you with incredible 360-degree coastal views. Mount Ninderry is generally considered a more leisurely, though still steep, climb. It offers a different perspective looking out over the hinterland. If you're looking for a significant workout with panoramic ocean views, choose Mt Coolum. For a slightly less strenuous but still rewarding summit hike, Mt Ninderry is a great option.

Doonan's central location provides easy access to several key parks. Tewantin National Park is very close and home to Mount Tinbeerwah. A bit further is the world-famous Noosa National Park, renowned for its spectacular coastal walk and opportunities to spot wildlife like koalas. Both offer a different style of hiking compared to Doonan's local reserves.

For an unforgettable sunrise, the summit of Mount Coolum is a top choice. The steep climb in the pre-dawn dark is rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views as the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean. For an easier but still beautiful option, the Mount Tinbeerwah lookout provides magnificent easterly views over Noosa and the coastline, and it's a much shorter walk from the car park.

The most convenient way to access trailheads around Doonan is by car. The main entry points for the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve have designated parking areas. Popular nearby hikes like Mount Tinbeerwah and Mount Coolum also have their own car parks at the base of the trails. These can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

The trails in and around Doonan are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the tranquility of the bushland in the Doonan Creek reserves and the stunning panoramic views from the nearby mountain summits. The variety, from flat wetland walks to steep coastal climbs, is a frequently mentioned highlight.

Yes, there are several excellent loop trails. The Glenarm Forest loop is a popular choice, offering a straightforward walk through a forested area. For a route that includes more varied terrain, the Gortin Quarry & Cranny Falls loop is another great option. Both provide the convenience of starting and finishing in the same spot.

The hiking around Doonan is defined by its diverse coastal habitats. Within the Doonan Creek Environment Reserve, you'll walk through coastal heath, scribbly gum forests, and serene melaleuca wetlands. The trails are generally flat and well-maintained. If you venture to the nearby mountains, the terrain becomes steep and rocky, leading to exposed summits with expansive views of the coast and hinterland.

While the trailheads themselves are in natural reserves, Doonan is a short drive from several towns with excellent cafes and eateries. The nearby towns of Eumundi, Peregian Beach, and Noosaville offer a wide range of options for a post-hike coffee or meal. Eumundi, in particular, is famous for its markets and artisan food producers.