An easy day trip from Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast, Mt Ngungun is situated in the Glass House Mountains just inland from the Sunshine Coast of South East Queensland and is a prime sunrise viewing spot.

Highlights

  • Views over the Glass House Mountains and the ocean
  • A fun short hike to the top of the mountain
  • A great way to start the day!
  • Easy day trip from Brisbane, Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast

Rise and Shine

A decent but short hike will get you to the top of Mt Ngungun for some stunning views over the Glass House Mountains and the sea. Why not jazz it up a bit by grabbing your head torch and hiking up in the wee hours of the morning to watch the sunrise from the top.

At a good pace, it will take you 20-30mins to get to the summit. Even during summer it can get a little breezy up there, so bring another layer to wear while you wait for the first rays of sunshine to colour the sky and light up the surrounding patchwork of bushland, cultivated fields and pine plantations. On a weekday you are less likely to have much company up there, maybe just a few locals on their daily walk.

Now that you have gotten a wonderful early start to the day, you have endless possibilities for how to spend the rest of it!

 

Linda Dillenbeck mt ngungun glass house mountains

Here are some ways you could fill the rest of your day:

1. Climb some of the other local mountains

Mt Tibrogargan and Mt Beerwah are great to do but they do require some rock scrambling on all fours to get to the top, so if heights aren’t for you, head to Mt Coolum instead. I have climbed Mt Beerwah at night but this is not for the feint-hearted and you should ideally have climbed it during daylight hours first!

2. Rock climbing and abseiling

The Glass House Mountains have an abundant supply of rock climbing and abseiling routes, however this should only be done if you know what you are doing or have a guide with you.

3. Head to the beach

There are tonnes of beaches along this stretch of coast. Have a swim and grab a feed at one of the many towns that dot the coastline.

4. Head to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Near Maleny, there are some great hikes through rainforests, waterfalls and swimming holes.

5. Freshwater swimming and kayaking

If you feel like a swim in fresh water, head to the Maddock Park at the Ewen Maddock Dam. It is a great place for kayaking too!

6. Visit the zoo!

At the Australia Zoo (“Home of the Crocodile Hunter”) you can have encounters with creatures great and small.

Essential Gear

  • Shoes for hiking
  • Comfortable clothing + an extra layer to wear at the summit
  • Head torch or regular torch + spare batteries
  • Adequate drinking water
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Insect repellant (the mosquitos can be bad!)
  • Snack (optional)
  • Camera (optional)

How To Get There

The Glass House Mountains are situated approximately an hour north of Brisbane. The trail head for the Mt Ngungun hike is off Fullertons Road.

There are no camping areas within the Glass House Mountains National Park. There is however, private camping (Glass House Mountains Camping Ground). This campground is located right in the middle of the main mountains and only a 5 minute drive from the Mt Ngungun carpark.

Activities

  • Hiking
  • Photography

Skill Level

Intermediate — there are some steep and uneven sections but the path is well marked.

Distance Covered

2.8km return from the carpark