A new trail is offering walkers a “bit of an adventure” on the way to the top of a hill steeped in cultural heritage.
The track leads to Lows Lookout, which offers 360-degree views around Coolum Beach on a clear day.
Councillor Maria Suarez thanked the Coolum Residents Association for bringing the idea to council.
“The Coolum Residents Association identified the opportunity to make the walk to the lookout safer by moving part of the path into the road reserve,” she said.
“The newly constructed section is 74m long and extends from the pathway at the top of Scrub Road through steep terrain to the first Grandview Drive residence.
“It offers an alternative off-road access, providing a safe and scenic route to and from Lows Lookout.
“The trail includes numerous steps, adding a bit of adventure to your journey.
“At the top of the lookout, you’ll also learn that the hill was once called Toboggan Hill, as it was used for tobogganing down in the 1920s, and about some local Indigenous history regarding the Belly Stone, which was used for healing stomach aches.
“Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this new trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Coolum.”
Coolum Residents Association member John Fuller praised council for delivering the new pedestrian walkway and stairs at Grandview Drive.
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“The work, which is part one of the Lows Lookout Trail, sits well in this rare piece of urban but natural landscape,” he said.
“There is an amazing strangler fig wrapped around a Brushbox tree that I never knew existed until I walked along the path.
“It’s added to the list of natural tunnels that are around Coolum, evident at the Enviro Park, the Third Bay path and the tunnel that used to exist down the stairs at Second Bay.
“Walking the path almost makes you think you may come across a small artist’s cabin or the like.”
To get to Lows Lookout, walk to the starting point at Scrub Road directly opposite Point Perry and Wilkinson Park and take the right-hand side pathway up the hill towards Grandview Drive.
Once on Grandview Drive, you can use the new trail until the first residence.
You’ll need to walk the last section along the road to the lookout at the top. Be mindful of traffic in this section.
Awaiting you at the top is a picnic table with a spectacular northerly view of the coastline and wide sweeping views of the hinterland to the west.
Once you’ve caught your breath, head back down the same path.
