Guide to the Glass House Mountains
The beautiful Glass House Mountains are a natural playground loaded with walking tracks and epic lookouts.
The 11 peaks of the Glass House Mountains are found in the hinterland of Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The area is a playground of walking tracks, waterholes and foodie haunts, offering a family-friendly escape with unique experiences to complement the incredible coastal adventures found nearby. Explore the quaint townships and wander through gardens, nature reserves and up mountain peaks. Or simply head to one of the area’s luxe accommodation options and enjoy the views.
Top things to do in the Glass House Mountains
Visit Australia Zoo
Home to the legendary Irwin family and the legacy of Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter", a visit here will have you getting up close to fascinating Australian native wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and, of course, crocodiles.
Explore Beerwah
Beerwah is the area's largest town and there are several pretty walking trails here, including the 30-minute Tibrogargan circuit and the easy Glass House Mountains Lookout track (which offers sweeping views to Brisbane and Moreton Island).
Check into gorgeous accommodation
Check into Glass on Glasshouse, a multi-award-winning collection of three beautiful cottages set in bushland, each with a freestanding bathtub, chic timber floor and two floor-to-ceiling walls of glass offering sweeping views of the mountains.
Hike the mountains
The Glass House Mountains hold cultural significance to the area's Traditional Owners, the Gubbi Gubbi people. Only two are open to the public for bushwalking; Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Ngungun. Both offer a range of tracks with spectacular views.
Drive the country roads
Hire a car and roll down the windows as you explore the winding back roads of the Glass House Mountains. The Blackall Range Tourist Drive is one of the most scenic drives in Australia, with views all the way back to the beaches on the coast.
Discover Maleny Botanic Gardens
This beautiful property of manicured gardens, waterfalls and ponds sits overlooking the spectacular Glasshouse Mountains and is surrounded by rainforest. Don’t miss a visit to the Bird Aviaries, home to over 700 native and exotic birds.
Take a dip at Gardners Falls
You’ll find this hidden gem tucked away in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The falls flow into a large freshwater pool that is perfect for a summer dip and is surrounded by a grassy bank and native forest making it the ideal spot for a picnic.
Stroll Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
This reserve of subtropical rainforest is considered a living museum of diverse plant and animal life. Wander through yourself or take a guided tour for insight into rainforest, its history and all the creatures that call it home.
Enjoy a cold craft brew
Craft brewery, Brouhaha, set in the rolling hills of Maleny is a must-visit. Started by locals who fused their passion for beer with their love of the land, this pub has a great community vibe where high quality craft beer meets fresh, honest food.