The name of the mountains can be traced back to the late 18th century when Captain Cook likened he mountains to a glass house. Cook admitted to the fact that looking at the mountains, memories of glass furnaces in Yorkshire came alive.
One of the most fascinating things that visitors learn about the mountains is that the range was the result of lava cooling following volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. The names of the mountain peaks are as follows: Wild Horse Mountain, Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Tunbubudla, Mount Beerwah, Mount Coochin, Mount Beerburrum, Mount Miketeebumulgrai, Mount Ngungun, Mount Tibberoowuccum and Mount Elimbah.
Note that each of the mountain peaks is protected within the national park’s enclosure in a bid to preserve and protect the natural environment. In fact, the ‘mountains have been listed as one of Australia’s landscape with national significance.
Nature abounds at Glass House Mountains, so some of the most famous activities include bushwalking along the nature trails, mountain hiking as well as bird watching. The walks range from easy leisure strolls to mentally taxing and physically strenuous walks.
These walking trails guide you to the open forests where you get sweeping views of the land yonder. Nothing beats these panoramic views from the towering mountains, perfect for a trip at dawn if you are keen on getting great shots at sunrise. Other notable attractions that you can catch while at the mountain peaks include Moreton Island, Brisbane city as well as the incredible Caloundra.
Note, however, that only Mount Ngungun and Tibrogargan are accessible to the general public. Additional activities that you can indulge include rock climbing for the more adventurous, abseiling for a befitting must-do holiday target as well as mountain trekking. If you prefer the more laid back activities, take time to ride a horse through the selected trails and simply soak in the beauty of this mountain range.
Nature lovers are always awed by the diversity of vegetation on the mountains. Sample the eucalyptus woodland that covers the expanse of the park, and is home to native flora and fauna. If you like, you can always take a walk through the Beerburrum state Forest located close to the mountains.
For those who would like to experience a touch of the local life, spend some time in between the mountain peaks where locals have settled and engaged in a wide range of activities such as farming, commercialized forestry, poultry-keeping as well as quarry activities.
Some of the facilities at Glass House Mountains include the Interpretive Centre, a resourceful facility from where you can learn more about the mountains, their cultural significance as well as the history of the region, walking trails as well as resting places at the base. At the mountains, you also get vantage spots for panoramic views of the region. There is no doubt this is one of the most exciting tourist attractions.
Address: Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Opening hours: as regulated by the park.
Distance from Brisbane CBD: 70 kilometers
