Beerwah is a small hinterland town on the Sunshine Coast, about 72 km north of Brisbane, best known for Australia Zoo and as the base for Mount Beerwah, the tallest of the Glass House Mountains. It sits at the foot of the mountains, and the peaks are in view on the drive in.
Most visitors come for the zoo or a walk and then eat in town. This guide pulls together what is in and around Beerwah, and how to get there.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is on Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah. It opens 9 am to 5 pm daily except Christmas Day, parking is free, and tickets and shows are covered in the full Australia Zoo guide.
If you are coming by train, the zoo runs a free shuttle between Beerwah station and the zoo. Ring the zoo on 07 5436 2000 if no shuttle is at the meeting point.
Mount Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains
Mount Beerwah is 556 m high and rises above the town, and you can see it from many spots around Beerwah and along the drive in. The Mount Beerwah guide covers the easy view walk, parking and what to know before you go. Queensland Parks posts current track alerts, and the mountain has been closed at times, so check them first.
For a wider look at the mountains, see the Glass House Mountains guide. For more summits and views, try Mount Ngungun and Mount Tibrogargan.
Beerwah Hotel
The Beerwah Hotel at 53 Beerwah Parade has been serving customers since 1938. It is open from 10 am daily, to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and to 2 am Thursday to Saturday, and is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day. There is a bistro and beer garden, a kids area beside the beer garden, DJs on Friday nights, bands and DJs on Saturday nights and afternoon sessions on Sundays.
The bistro serves lunch from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and dinner from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm daily, with an afternoon service from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm Friday to Sunday. Bookings are essential for the bistro. Ring 07 5494 0555 or book through the hotel’s website.
Library, shops and the town centre
Beerwah Library is at 25 Peachester Road, opposite the Beerwah Marketplace, and has parking. It is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5.30 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, with a change table for parents.
A short history of the town
Beerwah grew up around fruit farming, timber, pineapples, tobacco and bananas. Its first school opened in 1888 as the Coochin Creek school and later became Beerwah State School, and a post office was operating by 1907. The Bruce Highway bypassed the town in 1985.
At the 2021 census Beerwah had 7,734 residents, so it is a working town rather than a resort: expect basic facilities, a relaxed pace and the mountains as the backdrop.
Coochin Creek and the forests
Beerwah sits beside the Beerburrum and Beerwah State Forests. Queensland Parks lists fishing, canoeing, camping and picnicking at Coochin Creek, in those forests. Read the Coochin Creek guide for the access road and rules.
Planning your visit
- How long: a full day for the zoo; a morning for the view walk and a pub lunch.
- Best time: clear mornings for the mountain views; check Queensland Parks alerts after heavy rain.
- What to bring: water, a hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes for the walk.
- Dogs: not allowed at Australia Zoo.
Getting there and parking
By car, take the Bruce Highway north and exit at Steve Irwin Way (Tourist Route 24) towards the Glass House Mountains. Beerwah is about 72 km by road from the Brisbane CBD, about 65 minutes by car without traffic. The zoo has free parking.
By train, Beerwah station is on the Nambour and Gympie North line, about 76 km from Brisbane Central, in zone 5, and has a car park with 26 spaces. Plan a trip on the Translink Journey Planner or call 13 12 30.
More detail is on the Beerwah Library page, the Beerwah Hotel website and the Visit Sunshine Coast Hinterland Beerwah page. Details can change, so check before you go.
Nearby
- Australia Zoo – the wildlife park just outside town.
- Mount Beerwah – the tallest of the Glass House Mountains.
- Landsborough – the next town north, with a museum.
- Glass House Mountains Lookout – a drive-up view of the peaks.
- Coochin Creek – creek fishing, paddling and camping.
- Things to Do on the Sunshine Coast – the wider region.
Browse more Glass House Mountains days out and scenic drives.
You might also like
- Maleny (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
- Montville (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
- Flaxton (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
Quick answers
What is Beerwah known for?
Australia Zoo and Mount Beerwah, the tallest of the Glass House Mountains.
How far is Beerwah from Brisbane?
About 72 km by road, around 65 minutes by car without traffic.
Can I get to Beerwah by train?
Yes. Beerwah station is on the Nambour and Gympie North line, and Australia Zoo runs a free shuttle from the station.
Is there a pub in Beerwah?
Yes, the Beerwah Hotel at 53 Beerwah Parade, serving since 1938, with a bistro, beer garden and kids area.
Can I climb Mount Beerwah?
Whether the summit route is open changes, so check Queensland Parks alerts before you go. The easiest way to see the mountain is the short view walk described in the Mount Beerwah guide.
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