Mt Ninderry – Climbing Mount Ninderry

Mount Ninderry is located between Yandina and Coolum on the Sunshine Coast. Rising above the beautiful Maroochy River, about 5km from the township of Yandina.

It is a pleasant canopied walk following a stepped track with a gentle climb to a large plateau with two viewing platforms. One covers the west, overlooking Yandina and the Blackall Range, the other is to the east overlooking Mt Coolum.

Not too steep compared to others in the area, but still gets the heart pumping!

The mountain has an easy grade walking trail from the northern side starting at a carpark. It takes no more than 30 minutes. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. The views once at the top are great to the sea, Mudjimba Is, SE to Mt Coolum (the worlds’s second largest monolith) and then the river valley and Blackall Range.

And best part, you sometimes have the place to yourself.

Allow your self at least 1-1.5hrs to enjoy the views and explore the top of the mountain. There is also a picnic table at the base, but plenty of areas to sit on the ground at the summit.

How long does it take to climb Mt Ninderry.

This depends on your fitness levels, but at usual walking pace will see you get to the top in about 25-30min. Plenty of places to stop and catch your breath, or rest your legs if you are not feeling too fit.

How to get to Mt Ninderry

Mt Ninderry is fairly easy to find and offers a dedicated carpark.

Its located off Eucalyptus Circle, Ninderry, look for a cement drive up to the car park on the right.

If your coming from the Bruce Highway turn off at Yandian.

Travelling on the M1 take the Yandina Coolum exit towards the coast. After you cross the Maroochy River turn left into Collins Road, follow the road until it turns into Eucalyptus Circle.

Travelling on the Sunshine Coast Motorway take the Yandina Coolum exit towards Yandina and turn right into Collins Road just before the river (close to Yandina).

Mt Ninderry Stats:

Max Elevation: 319m
Total climb: 155m
Train Lenght: 1.5km (one way)
Estimated time to climb: 25-30min
Cost: FREE

Amenities:

There are no toilets, rubbish bins or drinking water available on either Mount Ninderry or at the car park. Come prepared with water bottles etc and leave only your footprints.

There is a water tank in the car park but this is untreated rainwater collected from the awning above the picnic table, so the water is not drinkable.

Mt Ninderry VS Mt Coolum

Mt Ninderry is a much easier walk taking about 25-30min, while Mt Coolum can take upto 45min depending on your fitness.
Mt Coolum is much steeper and has alot more stairs than Mt Ninderry.

My Ninderry is good for beginners, if you have difficulity climbing this, then you will have trouble climbing Mt Coolum.

Mt Ninderry is also 200m shorter.

Mt Ninderry History:

Ninderry is thought to be named after an Aboriginal expression denoting scrub leeches. However, the word is also the name of the legendary Aboriginal warrior who abducted the girl Maroochy and was repaid by being turned into Mount Ninderry (312 m), four km east of Yandina. The mountain is part of a volcanic range.

Ninderry was established ‘on paper’ as a village reserve in 1888, but did not amount to more than a series of farm selections.

With the river, Mt Coolum, Mudjimba Island, Mt Ninderry has a special place in the dreamtime of the Traditional Owners, the Gubbi Gubbi people.

Other things to do in Yandina