Sunshine Coast and hinterland national parks

One of the many views from the Yul-yan-man track Robert Ashdown © Qld Govt Rainbow lorikeet (left); Yul-yan-man track (right); rock scrambling on Mount Tibrogargan summit route (far right) © Tomek Z Genek (left); Kate McGuiness © Qld Govt (right); © Qld Govt (far right) Be enchanted as you walk beneath changing forest canopies—see candlestick banksias blooming bright yellow, rainbow lorikeets peeking from tree hollows, and spectacular views that stretch to the horizon. Things to do Bushwalking Enjoy bushwalks to lookouts and through the forests around the mountains. For families, the Mount Ngungun summit walk 2 is a adventurous walk with spectacular bird’s-eye views of nearby Tibrogargan, Beerwah and Coonowrin. For an extra challenge and feeling of remoteness trek along the Yul-yan-man track 5 , taking in the views on the Trachyte Ridge. Must dos • Drop into the Glass House Mountains Visitor Centre for more ideas on places to explore. • Visit Glass House Mountains lookout 3 to the west in Beerburrum State Forest for a spectacular view of all the Glass House Mountains’ peaks or at the many vantage points along the local roads. • Explore many walks around the peaks. Behold the striking monument of Organ Pipes—viewable from Beerwah day-use area 1 —where volcanic magma has cooled and cracked into impressive hexagonal columns. • Walk, horse or bike ride into the shadows of a historic rail tunnel in nearby Dularcha National Park and imagine a time when puffs of steam and the sounds of ‘clickety-clack’ filled the passage. Getting there The Glass House Mountains area is about 70km north of Brisbane. Follow the Bruce Highway to the Glass House Mountains tourist drive exit and follow the signs to the park. Each recreation node—Beerburrum, Beerwah, Ngungun and Tibrogargan—has a different access road. Summit routes During your visit consider enjoying views of the mountains from the many walking track vantage points rather than climbing the mountains. Jinibara and Kabi Kabi peoples do not climb these mountains as they have great cultural significance and ask visitors also to refrain from climbing the mountains. If you decide to ascend, note that only experienced, very fit and well-prepared climbers can reach the summits of Beerwah and Tibrogargan. These summit routes are extremely challenging, with exposed rocky sections, steep cliffs and areas requiring rock scrambling and climbing skills. If you are inexperienced or have young children, these climbing routes are not for you. Pause and imagine the powerful forces that forged the towering volcanic plugs that rise dramatically above the surrounding scenic patchwork of pine plantations, bush and farmland. Reflect on their deep spiritual significance to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people, for whom these mountains and surrounding plains are home. Glass House Mountains National Park 16