Over the many years that I have travelled to and fro to Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Glass House Mountains have always intrigued me. Why? You might ask. These series of fourteen mountains seemingly rise out of nowhere and look as though they have been placed here in a pattern with different shaped peaks – some round, some spiked and some table-topped.
Glass House Mountains views from west
The Glass House Mountains are situated around 70Kms north of Brisbane and you can easily reach them by taking the turnoff into Steve Irwin Way at Beerburrum on Tourist Drive #24. This very scenic drive takes you through some of the prettiest countryside, including vast pine forests, strawberry farms, pineapple farms, macadamia nut farms, historical villages with art galleries, cafes, bed & breakfasts and the ever popular Australia Zoo.
Views of Glass House Mountains at Sunset from Caloundra
How did they get the interesting name of the Glass House Mountains? Lieutenant James Cook first sighted them in 1770 and named them “The Glass Houses” after the shape of the glass kilns back in the north of England with which he was familiar with.
However, Aboriginal legend has it that the mountains were named after a family that lived by the sea, with names such as Tibrogargan, Beerwah, Coonowrin, Coochin, Beerburrum and Ngungun.
Some of the Glass House Mountains
These solidified molten rock spires, the result of volcanic magna, have eroded away over time leaving some interesting looking shapes. The mountains are popular amongst walkers and climbers due to their fabulous bushwalking trails and rock climbing.
Mt Tunbubudla or The Twins
You can drive to most of the mountains and embark on different levels and distances of walks to lookouts and walking tracks through the terrain.
These include:
Glass House Mountains Lookout – Drive up to this lookout which consists of a platform to view all of the mountain peaks and views over Caloundra, Maroochydore, Brisbane and Moreton Island. There is a short 800m lookout circuit which is steep in places and a BBQ and picnic area.
Glass House Mountains Lookout
Mt Beerburrum – 1.4Kms return steep paved track that leads to a tower with great views.
Mt Tibrogargan – Drive to mountain view lookout and there is a 800m return walk from carpark. The Tibrogargan circuit track is 3.3Kms around the base of the mountain or the Trachyte circuit which is 5.6Kms and takes you round Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Tibberoowuccum and the Trachyte Range.
Mt Tibrogargan
Mt Ngungun – This summit walk is 2.4Kms return and is steep in places with spectacular views from the top.
Mt Beerwah – The western boundary walk is 1.4Kms return.
Mt Beerwah, the tallest mountain, surrounded by farmland
Wild Horse Mountain – 1.4Kms return to the lookout is moderately steep and affords panoramic 360 degree views of Pumicestone Passage and the Glass House Mountains.
For the more adventurous there is abseiling and rock climbing, suitable for experienced climbers only, at Mt Ngungun and Mt Tibrogargan.
Mt Coonowrin
After you have had enough of mountains there are a couple of places of interest to check out. The heritage-listed homestead of Bankfoot House on Old Gympie Road that is being turned into a museum. Also the historical town of Landsborough with one of the largest social history museums between Gympie and Brisbane and the grand old Landsborough Pub is worth a visit.
Landsborough Pub
If you are looking for a bite to eat or a coffee the Outlook Cafe on the road to the Glass House Mountains Lookout has wonderful views of the mango orchard and Mount Coonowrin.
View from The Outlook Cafe
There are also a few great places to camp in the area at locations such as Coochin Creek, Landsborough and Glass House Mountains Camping Ground. For hikers and nature lovers there is plenty to keep you entertained in this area for a few days.
Now when I drive to the Sunshine Coast I will be able to identify these odd looking peaks by name (although some are very hard to pronounce!) Don’t you find that when you detour off the main road you uncover some of the best treasures? As I did this day!
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Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
January 5, 2016I love all those Aboriginal names. Thanks for that very informative post Kathy. They are very dramatic in the way they are set along the horizon aren’t they?
Kathy
January 5, 2016I’ve always thought they were weirdly scattered on the horizon. I’m so glad I took the time to detour off the main highway to seem them up close and personal and to learn about their strange names. :)
budgettraveltalk
January 5, 2016I’m liking the thought of the Landsborough Pub and the view from the Outlook Cafe. The glasshouse mountains have always held a certain mystique for me too!
Kathy
January 5, 2016They are very mystical and are surrounded by so much beautiful countryside and little country towns. I loved my morning in the Glass House Mountains and a stop at the Outlook Cafe with those magic views. :)
Melissa @ All Around Oz
January 7, 2016We haven’t spent much time in that area…..hopefully will get a chance to this year. Can you believe I’ve never heard of Landsborough but that pub looks it’s waiting for me to have a beer there!
Kathy
January 7, 2016Landsborough is where Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo is located. It’s a lovely area, very lush and green. On your way up north just take a detour off the Bruce Highway at Beerburrum, the drive isn’t that far off the main road. I think the Landsborough Pub looks like it might have a beer waiting for you!! :)
Estelle Anderson
July 5, 2019I find the Glass House Mountains intriguing too Kathy. They are such odd shapes, and there are so many of them. Plus you can see them in the distance from many places. I prefer the Aboriginal names, however I’m in awe of how many places Capt Cook named as he sailed along the east coast. Such an interesting post.
Kathy
July 6, 2019Yes Captain Cook is responsible for naming so many of out Aussie landmarks. The town of 1770, near Gladstone, Qld is one such place that was named after the year he discovered it and stopped here to hunt for fresh meat. I’m always in awe of these group of mountains and yes the aboriginal story and names are so interesting.
Debbie Harris
July 5, 2019We drove past these just recently Kathy and said we’ll have to return one day and give them some proper attention. thanks for your post it helps fill some gaps in our knowledge. Ive pinned this on my group board.
Kathy
July 6, 2019Thanks Debbie. There is so much to see when you’re driving along our highways and it’s sometimes impossible to stop to check everything out. I was so glad we took the time to explore these interesting group of mountains.