Experiencing the spectacular Glass House Mountains is a must do when you visit the Sunshine Coast. We spent a couple of days walking and driving around the Glass House Mountains. From easiest to hardest, here are a few ways you can enjoy the views of these 25 million year old volcanic peaks dotted across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
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Glass House Mountains Scenic Drive
Scenic drive itineraries are tricky. They vary depending on how much time you have and the direction you are coming from. However, if you want to get a look at the Glass House Mountains from your car, there is one easy circuit you could take.
There is a loop that incorporates Steve Irwin Way, Beerburrum Woodfords Road, Old Gympie Road and Marshs Road/Barns Road. From Old Gympie Road there is a turn off to the main Glass House Mountains Lookout that you should also include. This 22km drive will give you a great overview of the Glass House Mountains.
There are plenty of photo ops and if you do feel like a walk, you can have a look around at the Glass House Mountains Lookout or think about tackling one of the walks described below. Another option is to follow official tourist drive 23 – but it won’t get you as many views as you would getting off the main road.
Glass House Mountains Lookout
If you are happy to get a nice panoramic view of the Glass House Mountains, this the perfect place to do it.
There is plenty of parking and a nicely built viewing area where you get panoramic views of Mount Coonowrin, Mount Ngungun, Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerburrum. On a clear day, views extend to Buderim, Bribie Island and as far as Brisbane.
Sign boards at the lookout give you a good idea of what you are looking a. There is a short walk here too but if Glass House Mountain views are what you are after, the walk doesn’t really add to that, but it is a nice way to stretch your legs.
The Lookout Café
After you have been to the lookout, it is only a short drive back to the Lookout Café and it is a worth a stop.
The food here is lovely and while you are having your coffee, cake, or sausage roll, you can take in the great views of the second tallest mountain in the range, Mount Coonowrin.
The valley below has a mango orchard, see if you can spot some kangaroos there. The gardens around the café attract a lot of birdlife which you’ll get a nice look at if you sit by the open windows.
The 377m Mount Coonowrin is a spectacular peak, and it is hard to take your eyes off it while you relax.
More Great Glasshouse Mountain Views
You can also get some great views at a couple of attractions in the hinterland town of Maleny.
If you go for a look around the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World the Glasshouse Mountains form the backdrop for your walk. There is a lookout at the gardens but you will see the peaks in the distance as you explore the beautiful grounds.
You also get some nice views from the café at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. After you have finished the walk through the rainforest here, you can relax with a cool drink and something to eat and and take in the views from the outdoor area.
Mt Tibrogargan Circuit Hike
If you want to get up close to one of the mountains without climbing up it, you can walk around the base of the 364m Mount Tibrogargan.
The 4.1km circuit track is a good family walk that follows the base of the mountain through bushland on a gently undulating track. You’ll do plenty of looking up as you do the lap.
You can extend the walk by a couple of kilometres if you take the turn off to the Trachyte circuit.
Can you climb Mount Tibrogargan? The local Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people ask that you don’t climb to the peak. If you do, it is a strenuous and dangerous climb – not hike – suitable for experienced rock scramblers only.
Mount Beerburrum Summit Hike
If you want views from the top of one of the Glass House Mountains, this (and the Mount Ngungun hike) are the best way to get them. But the amazing views don’t come without a bit of effort.
We read somewhere that this is a family friendly hike, and it might be if your kids enjoy an unrelentingly steep walk up a hill. Our kids certainly would have protested loudly!
This 3.5km hike takes you up a paved track to the summit of the 278m Mount Beerburrum. The track is well formed and smooth but there is little respite from the solid gradient. In wet weather it could get quite slippery so appropriate shoes are a must.
But, when you get to the top, the views are as breathtaking as the walk. If you want to be higher still, there is a fire tower at the top you can climb part way up. For some reason, the extra few metres made a difference for us for getting a much needed cool breeze.
The walk down is tough on the front of your legs, I think the decent hurt us more than the walk up which just got us very puffed.
Read more about the Mount Beerburrum walk.
Mount Ngungun Summit Hike
For the best summit views of the Glass House Mountains, you might want to look at the 2.8km Mount Ngungun summit walk. From the top, you get amazing views of Mounts Tibrogargan, Coonowrin and Beerwah – the tallest 3 peaks in the range.
The walk starts nicely enough though bushland and a fern understory, but the ascent is less smooth than you have at Mount Beerburrum. The Grade 4 track is made up of rock steps and uneven dirt paths.
The scenery on the way up is a good distraction though. There are some impressive overhangs and views. Despite weary legs from our Beerburrum climb in the morning, we found the Ngungun walk had us puffing less.
Read more about the Mount Ngungun hike.
Mount Ngungun Summit
For the last few metres to the top there is a chain rail if you need a bit of help getting up a small rock slope, but a slow and steady approach will get you to the top and the views are incredible.
If you trust your balance and heights don’t bother you, there is a narrow track along the top of the summit. One of us ventured out along there. It was a real thrill walking along the ridge, but the views are tremendous even if you choose not to do this last 100m.
If you were choosing between this or Mount Beerburrum for views from the top of the Glass House Mountains, this is our pick.
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Mapleton Falls Walk | Buderim Forest Walk | Brisbane Day Trips
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