Skip to main content
Adventure Sunshine Coast Sunshine Coast Council(opens in a new tab)
9photos

Glass House Mountains National Park: Trachyte Circuit

Beerburrum

Walking5.7 kmIntermediateCircuitDogs prohibited 4.9

Enjoy this trip around this amazing mountain and get some great views of the Glasshouse Mountains National Park

Suitability

Suitable for walkers, not much elevation, only distance.

Highlights

This circuit gets its name from Trachyte Ridge and the type of rock which forms the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains.

A firm favourite for the variety, and also the 100m stretch to the Jack Ferris lookout, on Trachyte Ridge, which provides an awesome angle to see Tibrogargan’s head along with views of other mountains. This 5.7km circuit leads through countryside linking Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Tibberoowuccum. The loop complements Tibrogargan’s base circuit and crosses several landscapes, from pine forestry to riparian rainforest, open woodland, and heathland. Watch for Grey Fantails and Red-browed Finches.

Recently the car park has been upgraded with great facilities and interpretive materials.

It is also easily possible to shortcut to just the lookout from Caves Road, a dirt road that is generally navigable by 2WD if its dry.

Afterwards

Enjoy a picnic in the presence of these solemn mountains.

You might like to add onto this walk by doing the 3 km circuit loop around the base of Mount Tibrogargan.

Or you can head to the information centre in the town of Glass House Mountains where there are facilities in the park and eating places in town.

How to get there

To the starting point: Mount Tibrogargan is located between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains townships, off Marshs and Barrs Roads.

Head to the township of Glass House Mountains off Steve Irwin Way (off M1). Continue driving south and turn right into into Barrs Road, which meets the car park entrance at Marshs Road (opposite a dragon fruit farm).

Driving from the South, take the Beerburrum Road off Steve Irwin Way, turn right into Beerburrum Woodford Road and right into Old Gympie Road. Turn right into Marshs Road and the car park will be about 1 km along this road on your right. The walk starts from the car pack.

To the end point: The end point is the same as your starting point.

About this place

  • Suitable for walking
  • Dogs prohibited
  • Picnic table on site
  • Toilets on site
Walking track grade
Grade 3
A formed track with some obstacles, up to 20km. Expect short steep sections and plenty of steps. Some walking experience helps.

Graded on the Queensland Parks walking track scale. Walk with care(opens in a new tab)

Managed by
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
Glass House Mountains National Park(opens in a new tab)

To report damage, a hazard or another problem with the trail:

Safety

Check park alerts before you go

Glass House Mountains National Park is managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Check their park alerts for closures and track conditions. Park alerts in the Sunshine Coast region(opens in a new tab)

In an emergency, call 000. Always adventure safely!

  • Always follow any local signage, it contains key information and conditions can change at any time.
  • Use the trails with consideration for your abilities, be prepared for the adventure ahead:
    • Be aware of the weather conditions, found here: Bureau of Meteorology — Queensland(opens in a new tab)
    • Always wear appropriate clothing, focus on good footwear.
    • Always bring more water than you think you will need.
    • Be Sun Safe!
    • Always let someone know where you are going that isn't going with you.
  • Just getting started try this site for good useful information: Trail Hiking Australia — hike safety(opens in a new tab)
  • Sunshine Coast Council does its best to keep this information current, but things change, so be aware that a trail may not be as listed here.

7 ratings
Review by Alison7 years ago

This is one of our favourite Sunshine Coast hinterland walks & we like to add on the 3km loop around Mt. Tibrogargan for great close-up view of the towering rock. It is an extremely varied walk with differing vegetation & views over the Glasshouse Mountains from the Jack Ferris look-out. We either picnic in the car park or drive to the Glasshouse mountains view point for lunch with a view!

Review by Carolyn7 years ago

Such an enjoyable walk. The views along the trail are truly sensational. Facilities also available - toilets, picnic tables and plenty of parking. A great day out.