Caution: Very steep, paved track that can be slippery. Wear ankle-supporting shoes with good grip.
The Mount Beerburrum Summit Walk offers stunning panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains and beyond, but be prepared for a challenging climb. This hike is best suited for those with reasonable fitness due to the steep incline.
The initial section of the track treats you to a beautiful wet eucalypt forest. After roughly 1 kilometer, the scenery transitions into drier open forest. Here, the most demanding part of the hike begins. The remaining 700 meters consist of a very steep, paved pathway that can be slippery, particularly after rain. Sturdy shoes with good ankle support are crucial for safe navigation.
Persevere through the climb, and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views from the fire tower at the summit. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Brisbane's CBD! The fire tower plays a vital role in fire detection and management for the surrounding parks and forests.
Pace yourself throughout the climb, especially on the steeper sections. Take breaks as needed to admire the scenery and catch your breath. When descending the fire tower, remember to go down backwards for safety reasons, just like you would with a ladder. There are benches along the way to rest and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The return trip follows the same route you took up the mountain. The car park at the trailhead offers convenient parking for your vehicle.
Indigenous Lore of the Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains hold deep spiritual significance for the Aboriginal people of the region, particularly the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples. Their lore and customs are intricately woven with the landscape, and these mountains hold a place of immense importance.
One such example is Mount Beerwah. Considered the ancestral mother by the Jinibara people, respect for motherhood is a cornerstone of their culture. As such, they teach the importance of protecting Mount Beerwah and view climbing it as disrespectful to this sacred site.
The surrounding peaks hold significance as well. Tibrogargan is seen as the father figure, with Ngungun, his loyal dingo, by his side. The mountains themselves represent their children. This interconnection highlights the deep respect the Indigenous people have for the land and its formations.
In line with this rich Indigenous tradition, visitors are asked to refrain from climbing the Glass House Mountains. This act of respect preserves the cultural significance of these sacred places for future generations.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Total distance: 3390 m
Max elevation: 260 m
Min elevation: 50 m
Total climbing: 242 m
Total descent: -242 m
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Reaching the Mount Beerburrum Summit Walk trailhead is straightforward. By car, travel south on Steve Irwin Way and turn right onto Beerburrum Road in the township of Beerburrum. Keep an eye out for Parrot Park and Beerburrum State School on your left. Right after passing the school, look for a blue cemetery sign and turn right there. Park your car conveniently in the designated car park at the school. The trailhead for your adventure awaits at the back of the school car park.
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Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Explore the Glass House Mountains National Park: A Land of Dramatic Beauty and Rich History.
The Glass House Mountains National Park is a captivating landscape dominated by the craggy peaks that rise majestically from the surrounding plains. These volcanic plugs, formed millions of years ago, hold a significant place in Australian heritage and are listed on the Queensland and National Heritage Register.
Walking trails weave through open forests, leading you to lookouts boasting panoramic vistas of the mountains. Explore the base of Mount Tibrogargan for ever-changing perspectives, or conquer the summit of Mount Ngungun for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and landscapes.
For the adventurous, the Yul-yan-man track offers a challenging Grade 5 hike, perfect for experienced rock scramblers. Skilled climbers and abseilers will find other challenging routes and dedicated climbing areas to test their abilities.
Beyond the dramatic peaks, the park encompasses a scenic tapestry of pine plantations, bushland, and cultivated fields. Remnants of open eucalypt woodland and heath vegetation provide a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including 20 plant species of high conservation value.
Lieutenant James Cook named these distinctive mountains during his voyage along Australia's east coast. Geologically, they are intrusive plugs formed by volcanic activity 26 to 27 million years ago.
The park holds deep cultural significance for the Aboriginal Traditional Owners. The Glass House Mountains served as a meeting place for ceremonies and trade, and many sacred sites are still protected within the park's boundaries.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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2 Reviews on “Mount Beerburrum Summit Walk (3.5km)”
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This summit trek offered a challenging experience thanks to the unexpected downpour. The initial 1 kilometer through the bush was a breeze – a clear, flat trail with no difficulties. However, things changed dramatically when we reached the paved section. The incline here was incredibly steep. While pavement might seem preferable on an ascent, the angle made it surprisingly challenging.
Surprisingly, the ascent wasn’t the biggest hurdle. Even with worn-out shoes and limited grip, I managed to climb without much trouble. However, the descent in pouring rain was a different story. The combination of steepness and slippery pavement made it quite tricky, requiring a good level of hill fitness and caution for anyone with knee problems. This is definitely a hike for those seeking a challenge.