Glass House Mountains

Travel Guide

Glasshouse Mountains National Park featuring tranquil scenes, mountains and landscape views
Glasshouse Mountains National Park showing tranquil scenes
Glasshouse Mountains National Park showing a sunset, landscape views and tranquil scenes
Glasshouse Mountains National Park showing tranquil scenes, a sunset and landscape views
Glasshouse Mountains National Park featuring forests and mountains

Sweeping views, scenic walking trails and stunning natural beauty make these ancient volcanic peaks one of the Sunshine Coast’s most fascinating spectacles. 

The Glass House Mountains are a collection of 12 volcanic crags that rise up dramatically from the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Surrounded by pineapple plantations, pine forests and gum trees, the mountains have an aura of mystique that makes them one of Australia’s most intriguing landmarks. Hike through this stunning landscape, climb one of the peaks or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the national park.

These mountains were originally formed as molten lava cooled in the cores of volcanoes around 26 million years ago. Explore the traditional lands of the Gubbi Gubbi people, where the Glass House Mountains are located. Discover Aboriginal Dreaming legends that speak of the peaks as a family of mountain spirits. The “glasshouse” name of the mountains came from Captain James Cook who saw the majestic peaks as was sailing along the Queensland coast in 1770. The shape of the mountains reminded the explorer of the huge glass furnaces (glasshouses) back in his native Yorkshire.

Take a leisurely drive through the Glass House Mountains National Park and stop at one of the many picturesque lookouts along the way. If you are feeling energetic, explore the network of hiking trails or spend a few hours climbing the steep slope of Mount Tibrogargan. Experienced climbers should put aside a half day to tackle Mount Beerwah. You can also abseil down some of the cliffs.

Rent a bicycle and ride through Beerburrum State Forest or hike up Wild Horse Mountain to experience 360-degree views of the stunning Pumicestone Passage, the Glass House Mountains and the surrounding coastal plains. Visit the Glass House Mountains Visitor and Interpretive Centre to find all the information you will need for your adventure. The centre has four multimedia kiosks and interactive activities for children.

The Glass House Mountains are about a 1-hour drive north of Brisbane. Divert off the Bruce Highway onto Steve Irwin Way to wind through dense forests and see close-up views of the peaks. Despite being a short drive from Brisbane, the beautiful Glass House Mountains feel a world away from city life.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
4 out of 5
42 First Avenue and Fairway Drive, Maroochydore, QLD
The price is ¥15,360 per night from Jul 18 to Jul 19
¥15,360
¥16,896 total
Jul 18 - Jul 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (724 reviews)
"The room was clean, comfortable, modern and very relaxing. The staff were friendly and helpful. The free breakfast included fresh, delicious rock melon and several flavours of Greek yoghurt which were also delicious. The cooked breakfast left a bit to be desired, with tough, dried out bacon and dried, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sunshine Coast by IHG
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
The price is ¥26,808 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
¥26,808
¥26,808 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,638 reviews)
Great value and location
"Amazing service and environment."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
4 out of 5
270 Ocean Drive, Sunshine Coast, Twin Waters, QLD
The price is ¥18,771 per night from Jul 28 to Jul 29
¥18,771
¥20,648 total
Jul 28 - Jul 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a beach locale, and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Rooms need a refurb - we have stayed various times & have noticed a lot of deterioration"

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
4.5 out of 5
Cnr Mooloolaba Esplanade & Venning St, Mooloolaba, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free parking, a fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,638 reviews)
Great value and location
"Amazing service and environment."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
4.5 out of 5
2 Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, QLD
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,607 reviews)
"Great location & resort. Kids had loads of fun!"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Landmark Resort
Landmark Resort
4 out of 5
11 Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba, QLD
Stay at this 4-star spa aparthotel in Sunshine Coast. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,006 reviews)
Awesome
"Great location, very comfortable apartment, friendly staff."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Landmark Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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