Wild Horse Mountain Lookout

Highlights

The Wild Horse Mountain lookout is in Beerburrum State Forest, east of the Bruce Highway/M1. This walk starts at the southern end of the car park up the cement road, and all the way up to the top, approximately 700m one way.

You’ll walk past casuarinas, grass trees and eucalypts. On your way you might be lucky to see kookaburras, wagtails and dragonflies.

While a reasonably steep climb of 123m elevation, there is shade and generous seating at the top in the fire tower rotunda, which is operated in partnership with the fire monitoring site on Mt Beerburrum.

From the tower you can see Brisbane to the south, as well as Pumicestone Passage and Coochin Creek. There are coastal plains to take in, numerous pine forestry plantations, and the various Glass House Mountains to the west and. Northwards you can also spot Mount Coolum and Mount Cooroora.

Look up while you are in the tower to read the information boards which describes the peaks you are looking at.

Afterwards

From this location you are close to an Aboriginal Bora Ring which is on the western end of Johnston Road before you get to Crittendon Road. It is signposted, so look for the signs to your right just after a forestry section.

If you’re after a bite to eat just back down at WILD Horse Mountains services area there are lots on offer for a quick pit stop including Beefys, Subway, golden arches and healthier options.

How to get there

To the starting point: Travelling on the M1 look for the Johnston Road turn-off that is signed Wild Horse Mountain Summit Lookout exit and Exit 171. (This is also the McDonalds / Beefy’s Pies exit.)

It’s located approximately halfway between Caloundra and Caboolture.

At the turn-off head East on Johnston Road and then take the first road to your right to Wild Horse Mountain. It is well sign-posted. Follow this road to the end to the car park. Before you leave your car, make sure your vehicle is locked and any valuables are taken with you. Sadly, vehicles do get broken into here from time to time.

The end point: This is an up and back route. The end point is the same as your starting point.

About this place

Suitable for walking

Walking track grade: Grade 3; A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Seen a problem on this trail?

A fallen tree, a washed-out section, missing signs, or a detail on this page that's wrong: tell us and we'll look into it.

Safety

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
- Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
- Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
- Always bring more water than you think you will need.
- Be Sun Safe!
- Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

4 ratings

Jessica7 years ago

Steep but so very worth it! Although one of the shorter walks, do not under estimate this beauty; you do need a certain level of fitness. The effort is so worth it at the top with spectacular views and the beautiful shade.

Nathan7 years ago

Best sunset view of the Glasshouse Mountains. Steep but short little walk up a concrete road. On top is a really nice large covered viewing area. Well worth a quick detour on sunset