Just outside of Brisbane, you’ll find one of the best national parks on the East Coast of Australia. The Glass House Mountains is an incredible area, full of distinct peaks and great walking trails. I spent a few days hiking here on my road trip up the East Coast, and it was so worth it! Here’s my guide to this awesome national park.
Where are the Glass House Mountains?
The Glass House Mountains are located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland in southern Queensland. Head west from Sunshine Coast, just northwest of Brisbane, and you’ll find the national park and its iconic peaks. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Brisbane, or about 45 minutes from Sunshine Coast. You can see the map of walking tracks in the Glass House Mountains National Park here.
The Best Walks in the Glass House Mountains
I had several days of hiking here, so got to explore a lot of the area! Here are the top hikes to do in Glass House Mountains National Park.
Mount Beerburrum Summit
This trail starts relatively flat and gradually increases, until a very steep paved trail takes you to the summit. While the overall route is easy-moderate difficulty, I’d say the steep, kilometer-long incline at the end is challenging! You’ll have a beautiful view of the surrounding area though, so it’s well worth it.
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Starting Point: Mount Beerburrum Walking Track on Google Maps (large car park)
Mount Ngungun Summit
Mount Ngungun is the most popular hike in the Glass House Mountains. I went early on a Saturday, and the parking was nearly full! But it’s a short hike, so most people don’t spend too long here. The trail is easy to follow and takes you up onto the rocky ridge. The views here are stunning! I’d go first thing in the morning (or even better, for sunrise) or in the late afternoon (for sunset) to try to avoid the crowds.
Distance: 3km
Time: 1 hour
Starting Point: Mount Ngungun Summit Track Carpark on Google Maps (lots of roadside parking, which does get full)
Mount Coochin
If you’re after a bit of a navigational challenge, head for the twin peaks of Mount Coochin! The starting point for the hike can be difficult to find (I don’t recommend bushwhacking your way to the summit like I did, lol). Once you reach the main track from the car park, turn left. Then keep your eyes peeled for a small trail up through the woods on the right. Once you reach the first summit, head down the track and up again to bag the second. I definitely recommend summiting both peaks, if only for bragging rights!
Distance: 3.5km
Time: 1.5-2hr
Starting Point: Mount Coochin Car Park on Google Maps (small cark park, which has room for about 10 cars)
Wild Horse Mountain Lookout
This was one of my favorite views in the Glass House Mountains. I loved coming here for sunset! There are amazing views of many of the peaks from here, and it doesn’t take long to reach the lookout. Follow the paved road up from the car park to get to the lookout.
Distance: 1.5km
Time: 20 min
Starting Point: Wild Horse Mountain Walking Track on Google Maps (large unpaved car park)
Yul-yan-man Track
The Yul-yan-man track is a challenging hike in the Glass House Mountains, and should only be done by experienced bushwalkers. Starting from the Mount Beerburrum car park, the beginning section will be lots of scrambling over huge boulders. You’ll also need to be on top of your navigation game, as the trail is marked by small pink triangles and some tags. Take care when doing this hike – I came across someone who had most likely broken her ankle on the track! While they were a hindrance during the scrambling section, I was really glad to have my hiking poles for the rest of the track. To complete the loop, return on the Soldier Settlers Trail – which is an easy-to-follow, well-trodden trail suitable for most hikers.
Distance: 13.4km
Time: 3.5-5 hr
Starting Point: Mount Beerburrum Walking Track on Google Maps (large car park). You can also start from the Tibrogargan trailhead, although this will add on a bit more walking if you’re doing a loop.
Glass House Mountains Lookout
This lookout is really worth a trip for the views – the walking track here wasn’t that exciting, in my opinion. But it’s a pretty area of the national park. As a bonus, stop into the Lookout Cafe for a treat!
Distance: 800 meters
Time: 15 minutes
Starting Point: Glass House Mountains Lookout on Google Maps
One thing to note: visitors are asked not to climb the summits of Mount Beerwah and Mount Tibrogargan. This is a request of the Jinibara people and Kabi Kabi people, out of respect for the mountains’ sacred values. It’s up to you whether you feel comfortable climbing them – personally, I didn’t climb these summits. You can do a circuit around the base of Mount Tibrogargan, which is about 3km and will take 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you’re after a good sunset spot, the Glass House Mountains are full of them! Mount Beerburrum, Wild Horse Mountain Lookout, and Mount Ngungun are some of the top picks. Mount Ngungun is also meant to be an amazing spot for sunrise, too.
Planning Your Trip to the Glass House Mountains
The nearest airport for the Glass House Mountains is Brisbane. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
It’ll be easiest to explore the Glass House Mountains if you have your own car. However, you can easily get to the starting point for the Mount Beerburrum walking track by train; it’s about a five-minute walk from the station.
Where to Stay in the Glass House Mountains
Where you stay will depend completely on your budget and travel itinerary. If you’re living in Brisbane, it’s easy to come to the national park for a daytrip. If you’re happy camping, I recommend Coochin Creek campground. This campground is in Beerwah State Forest and operated by Queensland National Parks, which are thankfully very affordable – rates start at $7.25 AUD per person, per night. The campground is basic (drop toilets and no drinking water available), but in a great location. It’s suitable for 2WD cars.
If you’re interested in accommodation on your trip to the Glass House Mountains, I love the look of the following spots:
- Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge – a cozy lodge with accommodation options from standard rooms to train carriages and villas
- Ark Accommodation – comortable rooms in a homey guesthouse
- Glass on Glasshouse – a luxury villa with unbelievable views
- Sunshine Coast Farm Stay – a three-bedroom house boasting a pool with a mountain view
You can also search for accommodation using the map below!
After a guided tour that visits the Glass House Mountains? Here are a few options, departing from Sunshine Coast or Brisbane!
I loved my trip to the Glass House Mountains. It was a perfect, laid-back destination for beautiful hikes and scenery, right outside of Brisbane. Whether you’re planning a trip to Brisbane or doing a road trip on the East Coast, don’t miss this area in Australia!
Have you visited the Glass House Mountains before? What were your favorite hikes?
You might also like my posts:
The Best Hikes in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Exploring the Waterfall Way: Bellingen to Wollomombi, New South Wales
What to See in the Byron Bay Hinterland
Exploring the Gold Coast Hinterland: Springbrook and Lamington National Parks
How to Get a Work & Holiday Visa (WHV 462) for Australia in 2023
Moving to Oz on a Working Holiday Visa: How to Start Your Life in Australia
Australia Budget: Month 2 (May 2023)
All of my Australia posts!
Like this post? Pin it for later!
