Mount Beerwah is the tallest of the Glass House Mountains, a 556 m volcanic peak on the Sunshine Coast about 75 minutes by car north of Brisbane. Most visitors see it from the Beerwah day-use area, where a 200 m walk leads to a grassed viewpoint, rather than climbing it.
The summit route is a serious climb, not a bushwalk, and Mount Beerwah is sacred to the Jinibara people. This guide covers what the climb involves, the easy view walk, and other spots where you can see the mountain.
Can you climb Mount Beerwah?
Queensland Parks says the Mount Beerwah summit route is for well-prepared climbers with a high level of fitness and rock-scrambling experience. It has exposed, steep rock and irregular surfaces with loose stones, and rockfalls can happen at any time. The route is not suitable for young children or for anyone who cannot climb unassisted. Serious injuries and deaths have happened on the summit routes, including two young climbers who died in a fall on the descent after light rain left the rock slippery.
The Jinibara people consider the mountain sacred, and the park management plan says Aboriginal people hold the mountains in deep regard and do not consider it appropriate for the public to climb the peaks. The Queensland Government has said Mount Beerwah will not be permanently closed: closures are temporary, for track maintenance, wet weather, rockfall or emergency services.
Even experienced climbers get into trouble here: two rock climbers who ran out of water on a ridgeline were winched off by helicopter in a rescue that involved technical rescue crews and drones. If you do go, tell someone your plan, start in daylight and carry far more water than you expect to need. In an emergency call 000.
Mount Beerwah view walk
The easy way to see Beerwah up close is the Mount Beerwah view walk from the Beerwah day-use area. It is 200 m return on a formed track (grade 2) through eucalypt forest to an open, grassed clearing with views of the mountain and the Organ Pipes, the columns of volcanic rock on its face. A wider, easier side track runs parallel.
It suits walkers of all ages and abilities. The day-use area has picnic tables, a picnic shelter, bush toilets and a tap for washing hands. There is no drinking water, so bring your own.
Other places to see Mount Beerwah
- Glass House Mountains lookout: a drive-up day-use area with a constructed lookout, picnic tables and non-flush toilets, in Beerburrum West State Forest. It is covered in our Glass House Mountains guide.
- Mount Ngungun summit: a 2.8 km return walk graded 4 with 360-degree views that take in Beerwah. See our Mount Ngungun guide.
- Mount Tibrogargan: the big-faced peak next door, with a walk around its base. See Mount Tibrogargan.
Planning your visit
- How long: the view walk takes about 15 minutes, plus time for a picnic.
- Best time: mornings and late afternoons give better light on the rock. Avoid rainy days and the days straight after heavy rain.
- What to bring: water, sun protection, sturdy footwear and a hat. There is no drinking water at the day-use area.
- Dogs: not allowed. Queensland national parks do not allow domestic dogs apart from certified assistance dogs.
- Camping: not allowed in the national park.
- Cost: no entry fee is listed for the day-use area.
Getting there and parking
Mount Beerwah is about 75 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD (about 77 km by road). Take the Bruce Highway north, exit onto Steve Irwin Way towards the Glass House Mountains, then follow Mount Beerwah Road for about 5 km from the Old Gympie Road junction to the Mount Beerwah car park.
The car park is sealed and suits a 2WD car. The Glass House Mountains township, with a visitor centre and playground, is a short drive back down the road. For current closures, see the Queensland Parks page.
Beerwah and Glass House Mountains stations are the nearest train stations, but both are a drive from the car park, so most people come by car.
Nearby
- Glass House Mountains – the full guide to the walks, drive-up lookouts and township.
- Mount Ngungun – the summit walk with views of Beerwah.
- Mount Tibrogargan – the neighbouring peak with a circuit track around its base.
- Australia Zoo – the wildlife park at Beerwah, on the road in to the mountains.
Browse more hiking trails, lookouts and places in the Glass House Mountains.
Quick answers
Can you climb Mount Beerwah?
Only very fit, experienced climbers should try it. Queensland Parks warns of exposed rock, steep cliffs and rockfalls, and the mountain is sacred to the Jinibara people. Check park alerts first, as it closes after heavy rain.
Is Mount Beerwah open?
It is open when no closure is listed, but it can close at short notice, for example after heavy rain. Check the Queensland Parks alerts for Glass House Mountains National Park on the day.
How high is Mount Beerwah?
Mount Beerwah is 556 m above sea level, the highest of the Glass House Mountains.
Is there an easy walk at Mount Beerwah?
Yes. The Mount Beerwah view walk is 200 m return, graded easy, and ends at a grassed clearing with views of the mountain and the Organ Pipes.
Are dogs allowed at Mount Beerwah?
No. Dogs are prohibited in Glass House Mountains National Park.
How far is Mount Beerwah from Brisbane?
About 75 minutes by car from the Brisbane CBD without traffic.
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