The Mount Ngungun summit hike has some of the most spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. There is an established track to the summit that we found easier than the steep ramp-like walk to the top of Mount Beerburrum (which we had done that morning).
At the summit there is a narrow ridge line you can walk along to get some thrilling views of nearby Mount Tibrogargan. Check out all the details to see if you want to include this walk on your tour of the Glass House Mountains.
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Length & Difficulty – Quick Glance
Length – 2.8km return, time – 2 hours, Difficulty Grade 4
Most of the walk is along a dirt or cobblestone path with quite a few sets of rocky steps. The steps don’t get too deep or long but there are quite a few of them along the walk.
There is a short section near the summit where you need to climb a small rock ledge. There is a chain handrail if you need help balancing but don’t be put off, it is only a short section, and you only go up a 1 metre or so.
At the summit there is a narrow ridge line with sheer drops either side – take care with children or in wet or windy conditions.
Where is Mount Ngungun?
Mount Ngungun is just on the outskirts of Glass House Mountains township.
The town of Glass House Mountains is 40 minutes from Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast and approximately 60 minutes from Brisbane.
Where do you Park & Start
The carpark and trailhead for the Mount Ngungun summit walk is on Fullartons Road just couple of kilometres out of the main township.
Is it busy?
We did both this walk and the Mount Beerburrum Walk on the same day and Mt Ngungun was much busier. Not only were there a few rock climbers with their ropes and clanging carabiners going up and down, there were a lot more people generally.
That said, at the summit, we were still able to find a bit of rock on our own to enjoy the views. If you do walk the ridge line towards Mount Tibrogargan, you might have to wait a minute to get your photo op with no-one else in the background.
What is at the top of Mount Ngungun?
No facilities up there. You get breathtaking views of the Mount Coonowrin and Beerwah peaks. But the highlight is the close up look you get of Mount Tibrogargan. You get an even better look if you do the 80m walk along the ridge towards it.
Our Experience of Mt Ngungun
Even though our legs were still recovering from walking down Mount Beerburrum earlier in the day, we loved this walk. The stone steps and track weave through a dense eucalypt and fern forest. There is moss covered rocks, sneak peaks of the views waiting for you at the top and a small but impressive rock overhang to take in.
It is all so distracting; we can’t remember getting all that puffed despite the steps and uphill slope. We saw plenty of kids walking up and down quite happily too. The track is quite uneven, so you will want appropriate shoes.
After a short scramble near the top, you are at the summit, and it is an overwhelming view. Off to your left is the ridge line leading out to one end of the summit. The path along the ridge is well worn but it is quite uneven in parts and there is a steep drop off on either side.
Despite our legs starting to tire, we made our way out there. If you are prone to a bit of vertigo, the view could be challenging, otherwise you will get an even better look at Mount Tibrogargan. There were lots of butterflies on the path as we walked out there too.
Mount Ngungun Final Thoughts
This is a picturesque walk through the forest with some amazing views at the summit. We are not seasoned walkers but made the hike up and back having done the more challenging (for us) Mount Beerburrum walk earlier in the day. This was a highlight of our look around the Glass House Mountains.
The walk does have a reputation for getting people into trouble – the uneven surface and sheer drop at the summit must be treated with respect so wear sturdy good shoes and stay on the path.
At the time of writing, unfortunately, the walk was closed due to the danger of a rockslide so check the status of the walk before heading there.
If you enjoyed this story you might also like:
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve | Kondalilla NP Walks | Wompoo Walking Guide
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