As you steer the car west from the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, you can’t miss the incredible craggy peaks of the Glass House Mountains, where outdoor treks and epic sunsets are just the beginning.
The Glass House Mountains are a group of 11 ancient peaks that formed millions of years ago. This is a spiritually significant area for our First Nations Peoples, the local Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples, with many ceremonial sites still present and protected today. We encourage visitors to be mindful of this significance when visiting the area and to keep to the designated walking trails and lookouts. See here for any further information or guidance.
With stunning panoramic views, challenging hikes, and plenty of local delicacies to indulge in, we’ve put together the ultimate guide so you can discover what makes the Glass House Mountains so special.
Where to play in the Glass House Mountains
Tibrogargan Circuit, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Lace up your hiking boots and tackle the Tibogargan Circuit or the Trachyte Circuit, where you'll clock in some serious steps and soak up some incredible scenery along the way. For some unmissable views, the Mount Ngungun Summit walking track features lockscreen-worthy shots of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah... so you’ll want to make sure your smartphone has enough juice for this 2.8km (1.6km each way) stretch of wilderness. Track closures can occur, so check in on the Queensland Government's Parks and Forests website for any updates before setting out on your next adventure.
Reminder: you can also hire an electric mountain bike from the crew at ecoTekk to explore local mountain biking spots around the Sunshine Coast.
Glass House Mountains Lookout, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
When the hunger starts to bite, you’ll want to be placed in prime real estate. Pack a picnic spread of local goodies or sizzle up a chain of kebabs on the BBQ while you marvel at the sky-high views of Brisbane, Moreton Island, Maroochydore and Caloundra at the Glass House Mountains lookout day-use area.
If you're keen to fill your day with wildlife, the world-renowned Australia Zoo is a must-do when you're in the area. With a huge focus on conservation, Australia Zoo holds several daily shows including Grace's Bird Garden Feed Out, an Africa Keeper Talk, and conservation shows. If you’re keen to scale up for even more jaw-dropping action, you can’t miss the Wildlife Warriors Show, packed with plenty of slithering, snapping and swooping theatrics!
Feeding the kangaroos at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Not many places look like they’re from straight out of a picture book but Bankfoot House packs some serious 19th-century charm. You can make the most of a free guided tour around this heritage-listed estate which also happens to be the oldest residence in Glass House Mountains, having served as a meeting place for social events, rest for travellers and a farming property since the late 1800s.
Where to eat in the Glass House Mountains
Warrior Restaurant & Bar at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
You can’t put it past the Warrior Restaurant & Bar – located at Australia’s Zoo’s The Crocodile Hunter Lodge - to plate up an unforgettable modern-Australian feast after all that adventure. The menu not only takes a leaf from First Nations plant knowledge that has been used for thousands of years, but also draws inspiration from the Sunshine Coast’s distinctive local produce (like chillies harvested from Australia Zoo’s Elephantasia).
Elsewhere and as its name suggests, The Lookout Cafe offers up the kind of dessert you’ll want to devour with your eyes. When you’re not tantalising over views of the mango orchard and Mount Coonowrin, dive into a delicious assortment of sweet treats, toasted sandwiches, and more. Keep the good views coming at Glasshouse Plantation, where you'll get to admire glimpses of some of the iconic peaks while sipping on Australian-grown coffee.
Coffee at Glasshouse Plantation, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Where to stay in the Glass House Mountains
Glass on Glasshouse, Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Some might say if you’re not perched somewhere on a hilltop in the ancient ridges of the Glass House Mountains, you’re doing them wrong. Glass on Glasshouse offers total immersion in the impressive surroundings, with its stunning floor-to-ceiling glass walls giving you front-row seats to the best natural show around. Meanwhile, over at Seven Peaks Farm Stay, you’ll get to combine dreamy vistas with grazing animals. Enjoy a spa bath on the deck, take a stroll through the gardens, and cosy up in front of fireplace… all while checking out the iconic ‘peaks’ that keep watch over this beautiful place.
Glass House Mountains Ecolodge, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
For a getaway that clocks in as the perfect base for all your outdoor adventures, Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge is conveniently located right in the beating heart of the Glass House Mountains. Don’t just expect any run-of-the-mill getaway though. Your choice of accommodation here ranges from train carriages, bungalows, and even a 125-year-old timber country Queensland church.
Crocodile Hunter Lodge at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
For a little bit of luxury on the wild side, the Crocodile Hunter Lodge offers the ideal place to unwind. Inspired by the legacy of Australia’s very own ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin, you’ll be privy to unlimited Australia Zoo entry and a sneak peek into the zoo’s celebrated wildlife hospital too during your stay here.
By Visit Sunshine Coast
Published 8 days ago
