Hike at a glance

15,982

Quick overview: Explore the highest peak of Glass House Mountains, Mount Beerwah, located 66km from CBD, near the town of Glass House Mountains in Queensland. This challenging 4.3km return trail, with a grade 5 difficulty, requires a good fitness level and some rock scrambling skills. A journey through wet eucalypt forest and heath, sprinkled with grass trees and banksias, leads to breath-taking 360-degree coastal views and glimpses of other Glass House peaks and the D'Aguilar Range. Start and end at the Mount Beerwah Carpark. Remember to respect local Indigenous culture by considering the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples' request not to climb the sacred Beerwah and Tibrogargan peaks.

Hike length

4.3km

Average duration

1.5 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 441m
Min elevation: 179m
Total Ascent: 336m

Start: Mount Beerwah Carpark

End: Mount Beerwah Carpark

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park

State: Queensland

Nearest town: Glass House Mountains

State capital distance: 66km

Latitude: -26.89081321

Longitude: 152.88527548313144

Check current conditions
Track conditions, access and closures can change quickly due to weather, fire, maintenance or safety concerns. Always check the relevant land manager’s website before you visit. Trail Hiking Australia does not provide real-time track and closure monitoring, and land managers remain the authoritative source for current alerts, closures and access restrictions.

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Summit routes are very challenging and only suitable for climbers or hikers with a high level of fitness, experience and skills in rock scrambling. This route includes steep, strenuous climbs with sheer rock faces. Rocks can be slippery and rockfalls can happen at any time. Summit routes are not walking tracks and are unsuitable for inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted.

Hike summary

Mount Beerwah (556m) is the highest of the Glass House Mountain peaks. This is a steep climb, requiring high fitness levels and some rock scrambling skills. The route takes you through wet eucalypt forest before opening up into heath, dotted with grass trees and banksias, as you climb towards the summit. At the summit you are rewarded with stunning 360 degree views of the coast, other Glass House peaks and the D'Aguilar Range to the west.

The Beerwah North Face Summit Track Route or "Hikers' Route" is the easiest and most popular access route. The summit route starts from the Mountain View lookout and continues for 300m up the western slope of the mountain. This first section of summit route has very loose and unstable rock until you reach the ‘No waiting zone’. The route then continues up a near vertical rockface to the summit—364m above sea level.

When deciding whether to climb the summit routes, consider respecting the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples request to not climb the culturally-sacred Beerwah and Tibrogargan peaks.

Additional Information:

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.

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (difficult) badge

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Remote, unmarked, and high consequence
These are the most challenging walks and are only suited to highly experienced and well-prepared hikers.

Expect very rough, steep, and often unmarked terrain, with limited or no signage. Navigation skills are essential, and you must be self-reliant, including emergency preparedness. Distances may exceed 20km, and conditions can quickly become serious if things go wrong.

Safety note: There is little margin for error. Mistakes in navigation, weather judgement, or preparation can have serious consequences.

Planning essentials

Practical Information:

Summit routes are not walking tracks and are unsuitable for inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted, bushwalkers and young children.
Summit routes are suitable for people with a high level of fitness, experience and skills in rock scrambling. They have steep rocky sections and irregular surfaces with loose stones that require rock scrambling skills.
People accessing the summit routes must be well-prepared climbers with a high level of fitness and rock-scrambling experience.
The summit routes have exposed, steep rocky sections and irregular surfaces with loose stones that require rock scrambling and climbing skills.
Serious injuries have occurred on summit routes, death may occur.
Rock falls may occur at any time. If you access the summit routes you need to be aware of the risks. Your safety is your responsibility.
Summit routes are not walking tracks and are unsuitable for inexperienced people who cannot climb unassisted and young children.
If you feel unsure about your ability to climb or keep up with the rest of your group, then don't attempt it.

Map and GPX file

Mount Beerwah Summit Walk (4.3km)

Total distance: 2006 m
Max elevation: 441 m
Min elevation: 179 m
Total climbing: 336 m
Total descent: -336 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.

Free checklists

Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.

Getting there

Glass House Mountains National Park

To get to Mount Beerwah carpark from Glass House Mountains township by car:
The trailhead for the Mount Beerwah Summit Walk starts at the Mount Beerwah Carpark. If you're driving from Glass House Mountains town, the journey is easy. The total distance is only 9.1 kilometers and takes approximately 10 minutes by car.

From Brisbane, follow the Bruce Highway north, take the Glass House Mountains tourist drive turn-off and follow the signs to the Glass House Mountains.

The Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre is a great place to visit first for an orientation to the area. It is located at Settler's Rotary Park on Bruce Parade, corner of Reed Street, Glass House Mountains.

Within the national park, there are separate entrance points to each of the recreation nodes around the mountain peaks—Beerburrum, Beerwah, Ngungun and Tibrogargan entrances.

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here →

Get there with Google Maps

Access Conditions:

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Large Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Shelter
Picnic Table

Accommodation nearby

Find hotels, cabins, and campgrounds near the trailhead. Click the button below to open an interactive map automatically centred on this hike's location — no searching required.

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Beerwah, Elimbah, Glass House Mountains, Landsborough, Maleny, Moodlu, Mooloolah Valley, Woodford

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About the region

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 views 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.

Explore nearby hikes

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Weather on the trail

Glass House Mountains National Park

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

4 Reviews on “Mount Beerwah Summit Walk (4.3km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

This well-worn trail offers a challenging, yet rewarding, hike. The initial section is particularly daunting – a steep climb with smooth rock surfaces that can make finding good footholds difficult. Proper footwear with good tread is crucial for safe navigation. Halfway up, you’ll come across a welcome flat section with interesting caves nestled into the cliff walls. Beyond this point, there’s another climb, but thankfully less strenuous than the first. The summit rewards you with panoramic views, making the effort worthwhile. For a more comfortable experience, consider tackling this climb early in the morning to avoid the harsh midday sun.

24/04/2024, 21:29

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount beerwah summit walk (4. 3km) trail hiking australia

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a glance

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Indigenous Lore of the Glass House Mountains

Track difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Glass House Mountains Lookout Track (800m)

Mount Ngungun Summit Track (2.8km)

Mount Coochin Peaks Traverse (2.5km)

Mount Tibrogargan Summit Walk (3.8km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

4 Reviews on “Mount Beerwah Summit Walk (4.3km)”

Leave a Review. Cancel reply

Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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