Mount Beerburrum Walking Track to the Summit & Lookout
If you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding hike in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, then the Mount Beerburrum Summit Walking Track in the Glass House Mountains should be on your list. This steep, paved trail might look straightforward at first glance, but don’t be fooled, it packs a serious leg workout in a short distance.
When I first planned to take on this walk, I had a basic assumption of what I was in for. However, making it to the top wasn’t without several stops (and some very sore legs afterward!).
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about climbing Mount Beerburrum, from the track length and difficulty to what to expect along the way, plus my own experience of reaching the lookout. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s ahead and whether this summit hike is right for you.
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Mount Beerburrum Walking Track Information
Mt Beerburrum stands at 278 metres high above sea level. Obviously not the highest in the Glass House Mountains, but doesn’t lessen the intensity.
It does offer great views of the surrounding countryside, and on a clear day, you can see the ocean, Bribie Island, Moreton Island,( 3rd & 4th Largest sand Islands in the world) and even Brisbane.
- Distance: 3.5 kilometres return
- Time: 1.5 hours return
- Difficulty: Moderate fitness but harder with elevation.
- Height: 278 metres above sea level
- Type of vehicle: two-wheel drive vehicle to the car park on a sealed road
- Grade: 3
- Footwear: closed-in footwear and angle support for those that need it.
- Facilities: Bathrooms at Parrot Park (next to the school)
My Experience and Review!
The summit hike car park is located in Beerburrum (Please see map here), in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, otherwise known as the Glass House Mountains National Park. It’s an easy day trip from Brisbane city, and will take about 1 hour to drive there, exiting on the Steve Irwin Highway.
If you’re staying on the Sunshine Coast, it will be about 30 minutes to drive from places like Caloundra, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, or roughly an hour from places like Noosa Heads or Coolum Beach.
Overall Review!
The Mount Beerburrum Summit track is brilliant for those after some heart-starting exercise and suitable for those who are confident with walking at elevation. However, If I lived closer, then I would probably do it again and again, but, overall – I think I preferred Mount Ngungun.
It’s considered a Grade 3 track, which is classed as a formed track, with some obstacles, steps and requires a moderate level of experience.
Please use the Glass house Mountains hiking map here for more details.
The First section
The hiking trail starts from a car park on Mount Beerburrum Road, shared with the School next door. The first one kilometre will trek relatively easy through the rainforest bushland, over rocks and dirt tracks.
It winds through a wet eucalypt forest and eventually opens up into a drier open forest. If there has been some rain around, you’ll find a lot of these tracks muddy and slippery, but still easy, and very little elevation.
Make sure you take care of the rocks as some of them move or slippery since they are covered in moss.
The Steep Section
The last 700 metres is the strenuous uphill portion but probably makes it easier with the whole lot being cemented. Each time you think you’re getting closer to the top, there is another bend in the road and another hundred metres.
I felt like it was going on forever!
Some paths have up to 45 degrees in elevation and affect the calf muscles, for those not used to it. Keep in mind that some people might need to use their hands to help navigate the terrain.
I must admit we both stopped several times to catch our breath, and even walked up backward to use different muscles. The difficulty rating requires a good level of fitness but not necessarily advanced skill at climbing or hiking in general.
Finally, At the top
You’ll pass through some pine forest before reaching a lookout point on top with views of nearby mountains and beaches in both directions. The summit includes a fire tower with two levels, even though the second level seemed to be blocked off on my visit.
Still good enough for 360 degree views, although, large trees are blocking certain sections and needing a serious mowing(lol).
The walk back down could be classed as harder for some people. Although it’s less strenuous, pushing your toes into the tops of your shoes is a bit harsh on the steep parts.
Ultimately, it’s a very strenuous hike and not really suitable for extremely hot days. At best, you can climb at first light for your regular exercise and be back home for breakfast.
Fun Fact: This Lookout fire tower is actually used by the rangers to detect, monitor, or manage fires in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The summit lookout was worth the hike, however, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The cemented paths provide safe footing, although there are moments where you will need to use your hands for balance. I’d highly recommend taking plenty of water on this one!
In the end, it was a great experience – a brilliant day out, and I’m glad I did it.
Car Parking?
There is a large Car Park right next to the School. (I think it’s shared with the school).
Therefore, if you’re travelling on the weekend you will find plenty of parking. However, a weekly visit might be more difficult and need to use street parking instead.
Conveniently, you have Parrot Park right next to the school and public bathroom facilities (if you need them). Plus, a small coffee shop and bakery across the road for that instant coffee hit or snacks after the hike.
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Best Time to visit
The best time to hike in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is during spring (September to November) or winter (April to June). During these seasons you’ll avoid sweltering temperatures on the mountain top.
The wintertime around June/July has brilliant sunny days, with cooler temperatures and therefore a great time to hike. Alternatively, it’s magnificent for a sunrise or sunset viewing point but make sure you bring a torch for the low light hiking.
Other Things to do Nearby?
Beyond its waterfalls and scenic lookouts, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is full of outdoor adventures, hikes, and unique attractions worth adding to your itinerary. Here are some highlights to explore:
- The Town of Maleny & Montville – Two charming hinterland towns filled with boutique shops, cafés, art galleries, and local produce.
- Mount Ngungun Summit Hike – (one of my favourites) A short but rewarding hike with panoramic views over the Glass House Mountains.
- Wild Horse Mountain Lookout – A quick uphill walk to a fire tower with 360° views across the coast and hinterland.
- Mount Coolum Lookout Walk – A popular trail offering a challenging ascent and stunning views across the Sunshine Coast.
- Kondalilla Falls Circuit – A scenic rainforest walk with swimming holes and a dramatic waterfall.
- Mary Cairncross Reserve – An easy rainforest walk with views of the Glass House Mountains.
- Booloumba Walking Trail & Waterfall – A peaceful trail through Conondale National Park, leading to cascades and swimming spots.
- Gardners Falls swimming hole – A short stroll to a series of cascades and a natural swimming hole near Maleny.
- Glass House Mountains Lookout – A fantastic vantage point to take in sweeping views of the dramatic volcanic peaks.
- Australia Zoo – World-famous for its wildlife encounters and conservation efforts, founded by the Irwin family.
- Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World – Beautiful gardens paired with a large aviary where you can meet colourful exotic birds.
About the Glass House Mountains!
The Glass House Mountains are a small cluster of thirteen hills located in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. These include Mount Ngungun, Mount Tibrogargan, Mt Beerwah, Mt Beerburrum, Mount Elimbah and Mount Coochin.
Most of these you can hike in and around, with Mt Beerwah being the highest at 556 metres over sea level.
While it’s not part for the hinterland, Mount Coolum presents a gorgeous hiking trail to it’s summit, along with beachside coastal views.
Like the rest of the Hinterland, the mountains have all been created millions of years ago by molten lava cooled to form hard rock. More importantly, all the peaks are considered significant to the traditional owners, The Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal people.
Wrap Up!
Thanks for watching todays video on the Mount Beerburrum Walking Track to the Summit and I hope you found the information your looking for. Please make sure you check out more Sunshine Coast Features HERE for inspiration and planning!
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