About Glass House Mountains

• Getting there and getting around
• Park features
• Camping and accommodation
• Things to do
• Things to know before you go
• Staying safe
• Looking after the park
• Park management
• Tourism information links
• Further information

Getting there and getting around

• Sunshine Coast locality map (PDF, 207K)*
• Glass House Mountains and surrounds map (PDF, 493K)*  

From Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north, take the Glass House Mountains tourist drive turn-off and follow the signs to the Glass House Mountains. Glass House Mountains lookout is a great place to visit first for an orientation to the area.

The Glass House Visitor and Interpretive Centre is located in the Glass House Mountains township (open daily 9.00 am to 5.00 pm).

Mount Coonowrin (Crookneck) is closed to public access.

Wheelchair accessibility

The toilets at Coochin Creek, Stony Creek, the Glass House Mountains lookout and the base of Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah are wheelchair accessible.

Park features

Craggy volcanic peaks tower over a scenic patchwork of pine plantations, bushland and cultivated fields. Many of the peaks are protected in Glass House Mountains National Park, while the pine plantations and a range of native vegetation types are managed in several State forests and forest reserves near the park.

Named by James Cook during his epic voyage along Australia's east coast, the Glass Houses are rhyolite plugs formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Remnants of the open eucalypt woodland and heath vegetation, which once covered the coastal plains, provide a home for an interesting variety of animals and plants, including 26 near threatened plant species.

The Glass House Mountains area was a special meeting place where many Aboriginal people gathered for ceremonies and trading. This place is considered spiritually significant with many ceremonial sites still present and protected today.

Glass House Mountains Conservation Park

The Glass House Mountains Conservation Park was previously part of Beerburrum Forest Reserve.

The Basin section is located between Wamuran and D’Aguilar on the former Caboolture—Kilcoy Rail Line. This area allows horseriding, mountain-bike riding and walking. Best access points are O’Shea Road and Raeen Road.

The Black Rock section is located north east of Woodford township. These areas are named after the colour of the underlying rock and are comprised of pockets of tall open blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) forest with a wildflower understory.

• Read more about the nature, culture and history of the Glass House Mountains area.

Camping and accommodation

Camping

There are no camping areas within Glass House Mountains National Park. Nearby Beerburrum State Forest has a camping area at Coochin Creek. There are also private camping areas on the Glass House Mountains Road—see the tourism information links below for further information.

Other accommodation

A range of holiday accommodation is available in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. For more information see the tourism information links.

Things to do

Glass House Mountains National Park offers many opportunities for the visitor to explore and enjoy the natural surrounds:

• Walking tracks 
• Picnic and day-use areas 
• Roped sports (abseiling and rockclimbing) 

Walking tracks

Key to track standards

The classification system is based on Australian Standards.

Class 2 track:

• easy level track, suitable for all fitness levels

Class 3 track:

• gently sloping, well-defined track with slight inclines or some steps. Track may be uneven and partially overgrown
• caution needed on loose gravel, muddy surfaces and exposed natural lookouts
• reasonable level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required

Class 4 track:

• distinct track usually with steep exposed inclines or many steps
• caution needed on loose gravel surfaces and exposed natural lookouts
• moderate level of fitness and ankle-supporting footwear required

 

Walking track	Class	Distance (return)	Time	Platform lookout
Glass House Mountains and surrounds map (PDF, 493K)*   Numbers and letters in brackets are map references.
(2) Mount Beerburrum track	4	1.4 km	1 hr	yes
(4) Mount Ngungun	4	2.2 km	2 hrs	no
(5a) Mount Tibrogargan—mountain view lookout	3	800 m	45 mins	yes
(5b) Mount Tibrogargan circuit	3	3.3 km	1.5 hrs	no
(5c) Mount Tibrogargan—trachyte circuit	4	6 km	2–3 hrs	yes
(5d) Mount Tibrogargan summit climb	–	3 km	3–4 hrs	no
(6a) Mount Beerwah—western boundary walk	2	1.4 km	45 mins	no
(6b) Mount Beerwah—summit climb CURRENTLY CLOSED	–	2.6 km	3–4 hrs	no

 

(2) Mount Beerburrum track (Class 4)

• Distance: 1.4 km return
• Time: Allow about 1 hr
• Details: The car park is just outside Beerburrum township, in Mount Beerburrum section of Glass House Mountains NP. This steep, paved track leads you to a fire tower which offers great views. Mount Beerburrum's fire tower is used to detect and manage fires throughout the surrounding parks and forests. Mount Beerburrum is 280 m above sea level.

(4) Mount Ngungun—2.2 km return (2 hrs) Class 4

• Distance: 2.2 km return
• Time: Allow about 2 hrs
• Details: Mount Ngungun is about 3 km from Glass House Mountains township via Coonowrin and Fullertons Roads. This summit provides spectacular views of all four major mountain peaks. The track starts at the car park and is relatively short but steep in places and may be unstable in some sections. Family groups should be careful, as the track passes close to the cliff line. Adults should supervise children at all times. This track can become very slippery when wet.

Mount Tibrogargan

Mount Tibrogargan is between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains townships, off Marshs and Barrs roads. There are picnic tables and toilets at the base of the mountain, near the car park.

Mount Tibrogargan is 364 m above sea level. 

(5a) Mountain View lookout (Class 3)

• Distance: 800 m return
• Time: Allow about 45 mins
• Details: Beginning from the northern end of the Mount Tibrogargan car park, this track leads up to a lookout with views over Mount Beerwah, Mount Coonowrin, Mount Tibberoowuccum and Mount Tunbubudla.

(5b) Tibrogargan circuit (Class 3)

• Distance: 3.3 km return
• Time: Allow about 1.5 hrs
• Details: The walking track leads around the base of Mount Tibrogargan through casuarina groves, open eucalypt and melaleuca forests. The track allows for great views of Mount Tibrogargan. Keep an eye out for circling peregrine falcons.

(5c) Trachyte circuit (Class 4)

• Distance: 6 km return
• Time: Allow about 2-3 hrs
• Details: This circuit leads through open woodland and heathland linking Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Tibberoowuccum. Interpretive signs along the track provide details of the area's special features. The Jack Ferris lookout, on Trachyte Ridge, allows for good views of the surrounding peaks. This ridge owes its name to a type of volcanic rock which forms many of the Glass House Mountains peaks.

(5d) Mount Tibrogargan summit climb

• Distance: 3 km return
• Time: Allow about 3-4 hrs
• Details: From Mountain View lookout, the climb continues to the summit. The summit climb is only suitable for experienced rock climbers with a high level of physical fitness and rockclimbing skills.

  Allow time to return from the climb during daylight hours.

Mount Beerwah

Mount Beerwah is about 9 km from Glass House Mountains township via Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah Roads. There are picnic tables and toilets at the base of the mountain, near the car park.

Mount Beerwah is 556 m above sea level.

(6a) Western boundary walk (Class 2)

• Distance: 1.4 km return
• Time: Allow about 45 mins
• Details: This easy walk leads from the picnic area to the western park boundary gate through open eucalypt forest.

(6b) Mount Beerwah summit climb

DANGER: For safety reasons, the Mount Beerwah summit trail, including access to the cliff face, is closed to all visitors until further notice.

During January 2011, large amounts of rubble and large (up to 10 tonne) boulders fell, or were shifted, by heavy rain. Fallen rock material along and above the summit trail is extremely unstable and any access is considered unsafe.

The slopes will be assessed by geotechnical experts prior to any track repair work being conducted.

Please observe all signage—penalties apply.

The picnic area and western boundary walk are unaffected and remain open.

Picnic and day-use areas

Glass House Mountains

There are picnic tables and toilets at the bases of Mount Beerwah and Mount Tibrogargan. The Glass House Mountains lookout also has four gas barbecues. These areas are described in more detail in the walking tracks section above.

Roped sports (abseiling and rockclimbing)

Artificial anchors at rockclimbing sites have not been approved for use by the Department of Environment and Resource Management. 

Mount Ngungun (253 m)

• Distance: 2.2 km return
• Time: Allow about 2 hrs
• Details: This mountain provides opportunities for moderately challenging rock face climbing and abseiling for 20 m to 40 m roped sports. Equipment and expertise are essential.

Mount Tibrogargan (364 m)

• Distance: 3km return
• Time: Allow about 3-4 hours
• Details: This mountain provides opportunities for challenging and potentially dangerous rock face climbing. A high level of expertise and equipment is required.

Mount Beerwah (556 m)

DANGER: The Mount Beerwah summit trail, including access to the cliff face, is closed to all visitors until further notice. Large amounts of highly unstable rubble and boulders lie along, or above, the summit trail following recent heavy rains.

Mount Coonowrin (377 m)

DANGER: Mount Coonowrin is closed to public access due to the danger of rock falls. The peak can be seen from many other vantage points in the local area.

Your safety is our concern but your responsibility.

• Never attempt to climb or abseil any mountain that you are not confident you can complete.
• Always use appropriate equipment. Helmets are strongly recommended.
• Allow enough time to climb in daylight hours.
• Carry enough water and food for your climb.
• Carry a mobile phone and keep emergency phone numbers.
• Never climb alone.
• Be aware of those below—be careful not to dislodge rocks when climbing.
• Watch the weather—if it looks like it will rain do not attempt the climb. Rocks will become slippery and dangerous.
• Carry a first-aid kit.

Things to know before you go

Essentials to bring

• Bring adequate drinking water, a first-aid kit, insect repellent and a mobile phone.
• For walking, wear suitable shoes, sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt.

Opening hours

For your safety, walk in Glass House Mountains National Park in daylight hours only. For more information contact the park office.

Pets

Domestic animals are not permitted in Glass House Mountains National Park.

Climate and weather

The Glass House Mountains area has a mild, subtropical climate. The average daily temperature range is 18 °C to 28 °C in summer and 11 °C to 20 °C in winter. For more information see the tourism information links.

Fuel and supplies

Fuel and supplies are available at Beerwah and other towns in the region. For more information see the tourism information links.

Staying safe

• Avoid walking during wet weather. Tracks can be slippery, especially after rain.
• Stay away from cliff edges.
• Never walk alone—if something happens to you someone in your group can go for help.
• Walk to your ability and fitness levels.
• Supervise children at all times.
• Carry enough drinking water, mobile phone and insect repellent.
• Carry a first aid-kit and know how to use it.
• Wear suitable shoes.
• Plan to complete your walk before dark.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Wear sunscreen, a hat and long-sleeved shirt, even on cloudy days. Start longer walks at cooler times of the day to avoid heat exhaustion on hot days.
• Tell friends or family where you are going and when you expect to return. If you change your plans inform them.
• Observe and comply with all regulatory signs.
  

For more information, please read the guidelines on safety in parks and forests.

Looking after the park

For generations, the Glass House Mountains have held great spiritual significance for Aboriginal people. Their creation stories and beliefs are reflected in the strong links that remain today. Because these mountains have high spiritual significance to the local indigenous people, visitors are asked to be considerate and use only the walking tracks and lookouts provided. By following the signs and safety notices within and around this area you can help protect these special places.

You can help protect the natural environment and help ensure the survival of native plants and animals living here, by following these guidelines.

• Everything within national parks and forests is protected. Do not take or interfere with plants, animals, soil or rocks.
• Do not feed or leave food for animals. Human food can harm wildlife and cause some animals to become aggressive.
• Stay on the track. Do not cut corners or create new tracks.
• Take rubbish home with you as no bins are provided. Film canisters are great for disposing of cigarette butts.
• Obey signs and safety notices.

See the guidelines on caring for parks for more information about protecting our environment and heritage in parks.

Park management

The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) manages these parks and forests under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Forestry Act 1959.

Forest Plantations Queensland Pty Ltd manage the exotic pine plantations within Beerburrum State Forest. Phone (07) 5438 6666.

The national park will be managed in accordance with the Glass House Mountains National Park Management Plan (PDF, 6.9M)*.

Tourism information links

For more information about activities, tours and accommodation in this region, contact:

• Glass House Visitor and Interpretive Centre
  www.sunshinecoastvisit.com.au
  Cnr Reed St and Bruce Parade
  Glass House Mountains, Qld 4518
  ph (07) 5438 7220
  email: visitorinfo@glasshousetourism.com.au 
• Caloundra Visitor Information Centre
  www.caloundratourism.com
  7 Caloundra Rd, Caloundra, Qld 4551
  ph (07) 5491 9233 or 1800 644 969
  email: tourist.info@caloundratourism.com.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland see www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Further information

Contact us

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Last updated 14 February 2012

Glass House Mountains National Park

• About Glass House Mountains
• Nature, culture and history
• Tour operators