Sunshine Coast Council

Beerwah has an easy 200m-return walk to its summit viewing and day-use area.

SUITABILITY
Suitable for walkers of all ages and abilities.

HIGHLIGHTS
Australian mountaineering legend, Michael Groom, was first inspired to climb mountains after sighting the Glass House Mountains when he was just a little boy. So, who knows where a walk to this picnic area and look-out could lead?

This is a short stroll through eucalypt forest to an open grassed area with tables and a picnic shelter and bush toilets. (No drinking water available but there is a tap to wash your hands.) It’s also the access route to the start of walks to Mt Beerwah summit climb and the western boundary walk.

The picnic area clearing is the perfect spot to view the looming 556 m high Mount Beerwah and the Organ Pipes, a notable feature on Mount Beerwah’s north face. You can also chat to climbers returning from the summit about their epic experiences.

The day-use area has large signage panels on the mountain and the Jinibara People, native titleholders, who consider it sacred, preferring that the mountain not be climbed.

This is a place to pause and soak up the ambience and relive the awe people have felt for centuries encountering these amazing geological formations.

If you find the pathway to the picnic area too challenging there is always the parallel side trail that is easier and wider.

AFTERWARDS
You can make a day of exploring scenic and cultural sites around the Glass House Mountains with short stops at the Bora Ring off Johston Road, an Axe Grinding Area off Old Gympie Road, Dularcha Tunnel (easily accessible from Mooloolah), The Glass House Mountains lookout and café on Glass House Woodford Road, and even the Ewen Maddock Boardwalk, north of Landsborough.

HOW TO GET THERE
To the starting point: Heading north from Brisbane on the M1 take the Steve Irwin Way and turn off at the township of Glass House Mountains. Head through town past the Info Centre (Reed St, Bruce Parade, Burgess Street and left into Coonowrin Road. Follow this road all the way till a T Junction with Old Gympie Road. Turn Left and the take the first right onto Mount Beerwah Road. Follow this road for 5 km to the carpark.

Heading South, take the Steve Irwin Turn-off (or the Johnston Road turn off and head west on it till you get to Crittendon Road. Turn Right and then Left onto Bowen Road. When it joins Steve Irwin Way, turn left and pop back up into Glass House Mountains township and follow earlier directions from there. The walks start from the Mt Beerwah carpark.

To the end point: It’s the same as your starting point.