How to do Glass House Mountains National Park

How-to

Hikers standing at the top of Mount Ngungun at sunrise

By Danielle Reckless

Why is it special? | What to know | Trails to explore | Where to stay

The Glass House Mountains in Glass House Mountains National Park are an awe-inspiring collection of 11 ranges perfect for hiking, wandering, and exploring. Jutting from the Sunshine Coast’s patchwork of farming plains, this rugged landscape is only an hour's drive north of Brisbane or 30 minutes' from Caloundra, and is a popular playground for local weekend warriors and pro hikers alike.

Why are the Glass House Mountains so special?

Aerial view of Mt Ngungun at sunset — Glass House Mountains, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast

Comprised of eleven distinctive peaks - technically known as volcanic plugs - the Glass House Mountains are geological marvels created by hardened magma from ancient volcanoes over 25 million years ago, with Mount Beerwah and Mount Coonowrin being the most iconic.

Home of the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi People, Dreamtime speaks to the origin of the Glass House Mountains—and how this unique-looking landscape came to be. Steeped in local Indigenous history and culture, lace up the hiking shoes and hot-foot it to the Glass House Mountains, for a history lesson and a workout, all in one.

The national park hosts a rich biodiversity, including vulnerable species like the powerful owl, glossy black cockatoo, and wallum froglet. Rare eucalypt and rainforest ecosystems thrive here, creating a unique habitat that supports over 150 bird species, numerous marsupials, and complex plant communities that have adapted to the rugged mountain terrain.

A girl and a boy splashing in the water on Vlasoff Cay

Things to know before hiking the Glass House Mountains

Man in wheelchair and woman at a scenic lookout that looks over the peaks of the Glass House Mountains — Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, Maleny, Sunshine Coast

The Glass House Mountains are spiritually significant to the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi peoples. While Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah are open for climbing, Traditional Owners request visitors be respectful and not climb them.

There are, however, many ways to appreciate these peaks without climbing to their summits. The best vantage points in the region include Wild Horse Mountain Lookout (near the Bruce Highway and can be accessed by a short 700 metre path), Glass House Mountains lookout (wheelchair accessible with toilet and picnic facilities), and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny (the lookout is wheelchair accessible and the reserve is home to a cafe and short walking tracks through subtropical rainforest).

Before exploring Glass House Mountains National Park, head to the Visitor Information Centre for some great local tips including maps, brochures and itineraries. The centre has some excellent resources on the region's history, as well as a curated selection of locally made products for sale.

Best hiking trails in Glass House Mountains National Park

1. Mount Tibrogargan Circuit

Driving through lush landscape with Mount TIbrogargan in the background — Mount Tibrogagan, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast

Mount Tibrogargan in the Glass House Mountains may be the third-smallest mount in Glass House Mountains National Park, but it's one of the most significant characters in the Dreaming.

While climbing this peak isn't an option, don't hang up your hiking boots; there are several trails certain to satisfy any mountain hiker. For a family-friendly Glass House Mountains walk, hit the 4.1km Tibrogargan Circuit; a gentle return trail around the base of Mount Tibrogargan offering soaring views to its peak. Start from the Tibrogargan Trailhead where you'll find parking and picnic amenities.

For more experienced hikers, try the 6km Trachyte Circuit (also accessed via the Tibrogargan Trailhead). Passing through open woodland and bush, this more challenging walk leads to the famous Jack Ferris Lookout on Trachyte Ridge, dishing up fantastic views of the entire Glass House Mountains National Park.

The Yul-yan-man track is a 9km return accessible from both the Tibrogargan and Beerburrum Trailheads. A Grade 5 walk for people with serious rock scrambling skills, allow at least three hours to complete. If you're taking the Yul-yan-man track from Beerburrum, mix up your return journey detour via the Soldier Settlers trail.

Fancy an aerial view of this spectacular mountain? Soar above it on a scenic helicopter flight; Oceanview Helicopters offers Glass House Mountain tours departing from Caloundra so you can soak in the best views.

2. Mount Beerwah Base and Viewpoint

The highest peak in the Glass House Mountains, Mount Beerwah is regarded as one of the most prominent peaks in southeast Queensland and one of the most culturally significant sites for the Indigenous community.

One of the most popular viewing platforms is the Mount Beerwah Base and Viewpoint; a leisurely 1.1km return track through eucalypt forest that opens up to views of Beerwah's remarkable peak. Access is easily found from the Beerwah car park.

3. Mount Ngungun Summit Walk

One of the best day hikes from Brisbane, the Glass House Mountains' Mount Ngungun Summit Walk is one of the most popular hikes on the Sunshine Coast—and for good reason.

Its walking track is a 2.8km, two-hour-long trail through forest and ancient ferns and boasts stunning 360-degree views of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah from its summit.

This hike is steep in parts, and its trail passes close to the cliff edge. Wear supportive footwear and take extra care around the summit area in wet weather, as rocks can become very slippery.

4. Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

Woman stands at lookout with sunset views of mountain range — Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast

The smallest of the Glass House Mountains, Wild Horse Mountain is arguably also the most accessible mountain of its ranges. A short 700m walk along a paved pathway to the lookout point rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views across Pumicestone Passage, Bribie and Moreton Islands.

5. Mount Beerburrum Summit Walk

A fire tower with views out over a valley and mountain formations in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland — Mount Beerburrum Fire Tower, Glass House Mountains National Park, Sunshine Coast

Accessible via Beerburrum Road, the Mount Beerburrum Summit Trail may only be a relatively short 3.5km return walk, but she'll make you work for it.

Winding through scented eucalypt forest before clearing, your goal is the trail's famous fire tower; an active tower (that is still used to detect and manage fires in the region) which boasts some of the best views of the Glass House Mountains and surrounding Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

At the 1km mark, the track becomes very steep as you approach the fire tower—make sure you're wearing the right shoes for this Glass House Mountains walk. It'll take approximately 1.5 hours, so drop into the quaint Cafe Phillies on Beerburrum (the local cafe near the trail's entrance) for well-deserved refreshments.

6. Mount Tibberoowuccum Summit Walk

One of the lesser-known Glass House Mountain trails, the Mount Tibberoowuccum Summit Walk is no joke. A strenuous 2.5km loop (beginning from the Tibrogargan Trailhead), it rewards curious, experienced hikers with breathtaking views of... you guessed it—the Glass House Mountains.

The climb to the summit is steep. It includes uneven scrambling before an even more challenging, sheer climb to the peak. Know that your efforts are worth it; the views across the National Park, Sunshine Coast, and the wider hinterland are breathtaking.

Where to stay near Glass House Mountains National Park

Lady soaking in a bath her villa at Glass on Glasshouse, with views over the Glasshouse Mountains | Bathtubs with amazing views Queensland — Glass On Glasshouse, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast

While the Glass House Mountains are easily doable as a day trip from Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, those who wish to spend more time in this enchanting hinterland haven will find plenty of accommodation to choose from.

Glass on Glasshouse offers luxury eco-accommodation with breathtaking mountain views - from decks and deep bathtubs - perfect for couples seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of the hinterland. Nearby, Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge immerses guests in sustainable living with its environmentally conscious design and direct access to walking trails.

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge, the Irwin family's boutique stay located near Australia Zoo in Beerwah, provides a wildlife adventure on your doorstep, great for families who want to combine national park walks and wildlife encounters in the same getaway. Or, wake up with the animals at Seven Peaks Farm Stay where luxury accommodation is nestled onto a 34-acre hobby farm. If you've got a large family or group getaway in the works, spacious Hillside House boasts epic panoramic views for those who want to experience the mountain landscape together.

Bringing the campervan? Beerwah Caravan Park is a great budget-friendly option close to the action.

Of course, endless accommodation options for all budgets can be found across the Sunshine Coast Hinterland or nearby beach town, Caloundra.