Hike at a glance

15,167

Quick overview: Experience an exhilarating hike at the Glass House Mountains National Park with the 2.8km Mount Ngungun trail. This Grade 5 (Difficult) route offers the challenge of ascending ancient volcanic peaks, revealing panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. From traversing through open forests to exploring the culturally significant "Lovers Cave", the trail ensures an enjoyable adventure. Remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring ample water, and exercise caution post-rain or near cliff edges for a safe, rewarding bushwalk.

Hike length

2.8km

Average duration

1.5 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 5 (Difficult)

Hike Type

Return

Technical details

Max elevation: 221m
Min elevation: 64m
Total Ascent: 193m

Start: Mount Ngungun Carpark

End: Mount Ngungun Carpark

Location: Glass House Mountains National Park

State: Queensland

Nearest town: Glass House Mountains

State capital distance: 72.9km

Latitude: -26.90371829367537

Longitude: 152.93526113214892

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

This track passes close to cliff edges so please supervise children closely. Take extra care around the summit area in wet weather as rocks can become very slippery.

Hike summary

The Glass House Mountains National Park is known for its dramatic volcanic peaks, including Mount Ngungun. This 2.8km hike offers a challenging but rewarding trek to the summit, where you'll be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views.

As you ascend Mount Ngungun, you'll be traversing an ancient landscape. The park holds cultural significance for the Gubbi Gubbi people, and the volcanic rock formations are millions of years old.

The 2.8km return track starts in open forest and gradually gets steeper. Be prepared for some sections with steps and uneven terrain. Halfway up, you'll pass "Lovers Cave," a spot steeped in Aboriginal legend.

The final climb gets trickier, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastline. Unlike other peaks in the area, Mount Ngungun offers a natural summit experience, free from man-made structures.

This Grade 4 track requires a moderate fitness level and takes about 2 hours to complete. Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and don't forget sun protection. The path can be slippery after rain, so be cautious, especially near the summit. Young children need close supervision due to cliff edges.

If you're looking for a challenging hike with stunning views in the Glass House Mountains, Mount Ngungun is the perfect choice. It's the closest peak to the township and offers the most rewarding climb for your effort.

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:

Rated as a Grade 4 walking track, you will need to have a moderate level of fitness for this track, which will take about two hours to complete.
Be sure to take plenty of water, wear supportive boots and sun protection.

Map and GPX file

Mount Ngungun Summit Track (2.8km)

Total distance: 2447 m
Max elevation: 221 m
Min elevation: 64 m
Total climbing: 193 m
Total descent: -193 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

Reaching the Mount Ngungun summit walking track from the township of Glass House Mountains requires a car. Public transport isn't available to take you directly to the trailhead, so having your own vehicle or renting one is recommended.

The drive is easy and takes about 10 minutes. Start by heading onto Steve Irwin Way, which is located just off the M1 motorway. Turn onto Reed Street and follow it until it meets Bruce Parade and Burgess St. Take a left turn onto Burgess St, which will eventually turn into Coonowrin Street.

Once you're on Coonowrin Street, look for a right turn onto Fullertons Road. The car park for the Mount Ngungun summit track will be on your right after about 3 kilometers from the Glass House Mountains Information Centre. You can see the route on Google Maps if you need a visual aid.

Once you've parked your car, the Mount Ngungun summit walking track conveniently begins right there at the car park. From there, you can embark on your hike and enjoy the stunning views that await!

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

Get there with Google Maps

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.

Find Accommodation

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.

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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

9 Reviews on “Mount Ngungun Summit Track (2.8km)”

Overall rating

Darren Edwards Trail Author

This moderate walking trail offers a refreshing escape without being overly strenuous. It’s perfect for those seeking a brisk morning hike to get the heart pumping. The well-defined track features a few strategically placed stairs to assist with elevation gain. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views. Take your time and enjoy – there are plenty of spots to relax and soak in the scenery. At a brisk pace, the entire hike can be completed in around an hour, making it an ideal choice for a quick and rewarding hike.

24/04/2024, 21:25

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Wesley DeMuth

As of 14/07/2019 the trailhead and access is closed. No mention of when it will re-open.

24/03/2022, 05:24

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Acknowledgement of Country

Mount ngungun summit track (2. 8km) 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

Mount Tibberoowuccum Summit Walk (2.5km)

Mount Tibrogargan Summit Walk (3.8km)

Trachyte Circuit (6.4km)

Mount Tibrogargan Circuit Walk (4.5km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

9 Reviews on “Mount Ngungun Summit Track (2.8km)”

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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