When visiting the Sunshine Coast in South East Queensland, a must-visit location is the Glass House Mountains National Park.
Listed on the National Heritage Register, it’s an incredibly stunning part of the world nestled within the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, offering visitors a prime opportunity to take in some of Australia’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
With its diverse range of activities and attractions, the Glass House Mountains have something to offer everyone. From bushwalking and camping to wildlife spotting and a rich history of traditional Aboriginal owners, this national park promises an unforgettable experience. Your days will be full of a scenic patchwork of walking tracks, a state forest and exquisite mountains of cultural and national significance.
About the Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains are a spectacular set of peaks in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, unlike anything you will see across Australia’s east coast. Estimated to have formed millions of years ago from various forms of volcanic activity, there are 13 Glass House Mountain peaks to explore, including:
- Mount Beerburrum (278m)
- Mount Beerwah (556m)
- Mount Coolum (208m)
- Mount Coochin or The Coochin Hills (235m and 230m, respectively)
- Mount Coonowrin or Crookneck (377m)
- Mount Elimbah or The Saddleback (109m)
- Mount Miketeebumulgrai (199m)
- Mount Ngungun (253m)
- Mount Ninderry (306m)
- Mount Tibberoowuccum (220m)
- Mount Tibrogargan and Cooee (364m and 177m, respectively)
- Mount Tunbubudla or ‘the Twins’ (338m and 294m)
- Wild Horse Mountain (123m)
These peaky reminders of a volcanic past draw visitors from around the world to marvel at their beauty and climb among their craggy spires. The region has also held spiritual significance to indigenous Australians for thousands of years – Mount ‘Tibrogargan’, for example, means ‘place of great strength’ or ‘thunderbolt-bearer’.
Must-See Places When Visiting The Glasshouse Mountains
This beautiful mountain range is home to some of the most spectacular and unique sights you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you’re planning a visit to this area, here are some must-see places to add to your itinerary:
Take a Hike to Wild Horse Mountain Lookout
The walk is steep but short, suitable for both reasonably fit walkers or those who are happy to take their own, slower pace. The hike starts at the southern end of the car park, where you will walk past towering eucalypts and a range of wildlife that will surely grab your attention with their beauty before reaching the scenic views.
As you enjoy this part of the Glass House Mountains National Park, you will appreciate the generous seating and shade in the fire tower rotunda as a break from the heat, operating in partnership with the Mount Beerburrum fire monitoring site.
Experience a Spectacular Sunset at Mount Ngungun
Mount Ngungun is an iconic landmark on the Sunshine Coast and home to one of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever experience. Located within the Glass House Mountains National Park, this breathtaking view provides visitors with a unique opportunity to take in the beauty of nature. As the sun sets, countless shades of pink and orange appear across the horizon, painting a picturesque landscape for all to admire.
While this track is moderately challenging, it’s not too difficult. You can hike, run or walk, although a few steep sections may slow you down. As you reach the summit, you will experience the beauty of the open forest and magnificent ferns. Once you reach the peak, you get a warm welcome in the form of spectacular 360-degree panoramic views.
Scale Rocks With Experienced Climbers
Mount Ngungun, often called ‘the little mountain with character,’ has plenty of climbing routes that are well-suited for novice to intermediate-level adventurers. These mountain peaks are ideal for those trying rock climbing for the first time.
Your experienced guide will start with the basics – smaller cliffs, gradually working up to more of a physical challenge. Instructors will teach you the required safety techniques and supply all your rigging; all you need to do is show up!
Before beginning your climb to the summit, you will need the following to ensure your experience is comfortable:
- Enclosed footwear: Runners or hiking books are a good choice.
- Non-restrictive clothes: Include a lightweight jacket in case the conditions change.
- Backpack: Something big enough to carry your provisions and safety equipment.
- Provisions: At least 2-3 litres of water is essential, along with some energy-sustaining snacks, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
Bird Spotting & Wildlife Discovery
The Glass House Mountain National Park is an excellent location for nature lovers. Aside from the plethora of walking tracks and location close to the iconic Australia Zoo along Steve Irwin Way, the region provides an unforgettable experience for wildlife and bird lovers.
For avid birdwatchers, you can spot hundreds of species in the area – from parrots to honeyeaters and even owls! Visitors will also find plenty of reptiles and mammals in these rugged hills, such as koalas, wallabies and echidnas.
You will likely see some of these species from your Glass House Mountains accommodation, and others you might spot hiking around Mount Elimbah, Beerburrum State Forest, Mt Ngungun or any area you’re exploring in the Glass House Mountain National Park.
Other Must-See Place Near Glass House Mountains National Park
Glass House Mountains National Park is a stunning place to explore the beauty of nature, and it has something for everyone. But if you want to extend your stay, there are some other places nearby to explore and learn more about the local culture, history, and wildlife.
The Maleny botanic gardens and bird world are unforgettable experiences for the whole family. A short distance from there is the beautiful Gardners falls, a hidden gem where you can enjoy a freshwater swim, rock pools for splashing and the native forest to grab shade from the afternoon sun.
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has many lookouts offering panoramic views and an array of open forests for exploration; many of these locations are spiritually significant to Aboriginal traditional owners.
Choose the Glass House Mountains Area for Your Next Getaway
Come with us as we take you on an adventure of the must-see areas of the mountains where you don’t need climbing expertise or experience with challenging summit routes to enjoy the great outdoors.
As an ideal vacation destination for anyone looking for a tranquil, natural escape, outdoor activities are abundant, and the subtropical climate offers something for everyone, from camping and exploring the national park to fishing and taking in incredible views. This region will delight all visitors with its beautiful scenery and many attractions. Moreover, with a range of accommodation options that cater to any budget, it is a great place to explore without breaking the bank.
So why wait?
Book the holiday of a lifetime today! Contact us at Sunshine Coast Getaways for more information.
