Glass House Mountains National Park

Glass House Mountains National Park protects a group of volcanic plugs on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, known for a cluster of steep, isolated hills that dominate the surrounding plain. The group comprises 11 major peaks that are the park’s signature landforms.

The park offers walking tracks, lookouts and short climbs to vantage points that provide sweeping views of the surrounding plains and other peaks; popular named summits include Mount Beerwah, Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Coonowrin. Trails range from short lookout walks to steeper routes used by experienced hikers and climbers, and the area is a focus for nature observation and photography.

The peaks are remnants of volcanic activity from many millions of years ago; over time erosion left the harder plugs standing while surrounding material wore away. The area has been recognised for its geological and cultural significance and has long been a landmark for local communities.

The national park sits inland on the Sunshine Coast, near the township of Glass House Mountains and approximately 70 km north of Brisbane, set on coastal lowlands that rise sharply where the plugs occur.

• Volcanic plugs: Formed of a cluster of volcanic plugs; there are 11 major peaks that rise abruptly from the coastal plain and are the park's defining features.
• Accessibility: Located near the small town of Glass House Mountains and about 70 kilometres north of Brisbane, making it a common day trip from the city.

What to See #

• Mount Beerwah: One of the tallest and most visited peaks in the group, prominent on the skyline and visible from surrounding coastal plains.
• Mount Tibrogargan: A distinctive tor-like peak popular for short climbs and known for its rounded, craggy profile seen from the Bruce Highway.
• Mount Coonowrin: A steep-sided peak that is prominent in many classic views of the group and is commonly included on walking itineraries.