When planning your trip to sunny Queensland, a visit to the Glass House Mountains is a must! Picture yourself immersed within rolling hills, beautiful forestry, picturesque scenes of the Glass House Mountains and scenic hiking trails all around this region. There is so many things to do here and is an easy short 1 hour drive from Brisbane, making it a perfect weekend escape for couples and solo travellers alike! As a Queenslander local myself, you can count on this post to be a true locals weekend guide to the Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast QLD.
First let’s make sure you have everything you need for your trip away-
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Getting to the Glass House Mountains
I would highly recommend having access to a car/vehicle when visiting the Glass House Mountains. The mountains are spread out which means hiking trails, scenic lookouts and even restaurants are most easily accessible via car. You’re looking at about a 2.5 drive from the Gold Coast, just over an hour from Brisbane or 35mins for the Sunshine Coast airport. If you are flying in to Queensland then you may want to consider car hire.
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Another great option is a day trip or tours to the Glass House Mountains so you can sit back and let the tour guide take you on your journey through this incredible region!
Your Weekend Itinerary to the Glass House Mountains
Check in: Farm Stay
One of the great things about the Glass House Mountains is the beautiful and cosy Farm Stays that are available within the region. Use a Farm Stay as your base during your weekend escape and enjoy the combination of farm life with the convenience of being close to all the main attractions and hiking trails. I loved my farm stay, our accommodation was so modern and chic and we got to walk around their land and interact with all the farm animals! There were horses, cows, chickens, goats and ducks! They also had a veggie garden and orchard which we were free to pick from!
Friday- Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout
The best introduction to the region of the Sunshine Coast is the picturesque scenic drive to the Glass House Mountains. One of the first lookout points on your way into the Glass House Mountains area is the Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout (if you’re coming from Brisbane).
Add this stop on your Google maps, which is right off the M1 Bruce Highway. A very steep 700m walk up to the lookout rewards you with 360-degree views of the Glass House Mountains and surrounds. The locals say that this walk is ‘short but brutal’- I would definitely agree! Prepare your leg muscles for the burn!
Be sure to take advantage of the beautiful scenery when driving through this area. You will find a popular Instagrammable photo op on Barrs Rd!
Friday- Glass House Mountains Lookout
You can either opt to do this before or after or even as an alternative to the Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. No walking required, you can drive right up to the top of the Glass House Mountains Lookout and still get 360-degree views of the Glass House Mountains.
Friday Lunch- Lookout Café
Conveniently located on the main tourist road to the major lookout for the Glass House Mountains (the only one you can drive to).
The cafe has wonderful views of Mango Orchards and Mount Coonowrin in the background, and is the perfect spot for a delicious breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack and coffee.
Friday Afternoon- Mt Ngun Ngun Hike at Sunset
This hike is suitable for all fitness levels and not as steep as the hike up for the Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Definitely plan your hike up Mt Ngun Ngun at sunset as the summit rewards you with incredible panoramic views over Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah. The soft golden light hitting the mountain peaks at this time is just unreal. The track is 2.8km and mostly pathed. The Mount Ngungun Summit Trail is well maintained and more friendly to beginners than some of the taller peaks. From the car park at the base, allot about 2 hours total for the climb to and from the summit, taking time to enjoy the expansive scenery from the top.
Saturday- Spend the day at Australia Zoo
You will need a whole day set aside dedicated to exploring Australia Zoo! The Zoo is huge so be prepared for a lot of walking! Australia Zoo is located very close to the Glass House Mountains region – around 10-15 ins off the Steve Irwin Way. Australia Zoo are passionate about the conservation of animals and the local wildlife. Steve Irwin’s legacy is super strong and very present throughout the entire Zoo.
Australia Zoo Must Not Miss Highlights:
If you’re visiting Australia Zoo, here’s a few things you shouldn’t miss:
- The main show at the Crocoseum (if you get a chance sit on the first row on top of the exit doors, you’ll see why in the show!) The best part of the show is the last 15-20 mins when you get to see them feeding the croc- I wouldn’t worry too much about missing most of the first part of the show as it is really boring.
- Feeding and petting the Kangaroos
- The Elephant talk/feeding
- Taking selfies with Koalas
- Bindi’s Island and the free roaming Lemurs
- The Animal rescue centre
Sunday- Explore Maleny
Close by to the Glass House Mountains region is a cute little town called Maleny. Considered to be part of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maleny is well known for its wine and fresh dairies and you can easily spend a day exploring the town.
Must Do Maleny Highlights:
When visiting Maleny, here’s a few things you shouldn’t miss:
- Maleny Mountain Wines- beautiful farm views and is meant to have some great drops of wine!
- Maleny Dairy- A very popular Dairy Farm in Maleny. They used to do farm tours which are currently on hold as they are doing some upgrades so hopefully they start running again soon.
- Gardener’s Falls- A very short and paved walk to Gardener’s Falls which takes about 10mins.
- Maleny Cheese- Stop in at these cheese shop that offer a whole variety of cheese! You’ll be sure to walk out with armfuls of cheese.
If you enjoyed this blog post or have any questions then leave me a comment below! Love hearing from all my readers and I read every comment!
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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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