Glasshouse Mountains

On May 17, 1770 Captain James Cook (a rather perceptive fellow) wrote the following in his journal: These hills lie but a little way inland, and not far from each other: they are remarkable for the singular form of their elevation, which very much resembles a glass house, and for this reason I called them Glass Houses.

The Glasshouse Mountains are a series of steep-sided volcanic plugs which dominate the landscape of the Sunshine coast Hinterland. According to science, they were formed of rhylite and trachtyte, lavas which hardened inside the vents of teritiary volcanoes that have been greatly reduced by about 25 million years of erosion. The real locals have a different story to tell (see history).

Anytime of the year is a great time to bushwalk or picnic in the beautiful Glasshouse Mountain National Park. The mountains are located 31 kilometres from Brisbane and are approximately 30 minute drive North. The population of permanent residents is 715.

History

According to Aboriginal legend, Tibrogargan (364 m high), the father and Beerwah (555 m  highest peak) the mother, had a number of children. Coonowrin (377 m high  narrowest and most dramatic of all the volcanic plugs) was the eldest, Tunbubudla were the twins (293 m and 312 m), Coochin (235 m), Ngungun (253 m), Tibberoowuccum (220 m), Miketeebumulgrai (199 m) and Elimbah (129 m).

The legend tells of Tibrogargan noticing that the sea was rising and calling out to Coonowrin to help his pregnant mother gather the young children together so that the family could flee from the rising sea. Coonowrin ran away in fear and Tibrogargan, incensed by his son's cowardice, followed and hit him so hard with a club that his neck was dislocated. When the seas retreated the family returned to the plains. Conowrin, teased about his crooked neck and ashamed of his behaviour, went to Tibrogargan and asked for forgiveness but the father just wept with shame. Conowrin then approached his brothers and sisters to ask forgiveness but they too could only weep with shame, thus explaining the area's many small streams. Tibrogargan then called Conowrin and asked why he had failed to help Beerwah. He explained that he felt she was big enough to look after herself, though he did not know she was pregnant. Tibrogargan then turned his back on his son and still gazes out to sea today, refusing to look at his son who forever hangs his crooked neck and cries. Beerwah, the mother, is still pregnant, as it takes time to give birth to a mountain.

Captain James Cook was the first European to see the mountains. On May 17, 1770 he wrote in his journal These hills lie but a little way inland, and not far from each other: they are remarkable for the singular form of their elevation, which very much resembles a glass house, and for this reason I called them Glass Houses.Matthew Flinders was the next European to visit the area in 1799. During his explorations he came ashore and climbed Mount Beerburrum from which he surveyed the whole of Moreton Bay.

Climate

The subtropical Sunshine Coast averages 7 hours of sunshine daily - one of the highest rating in the world. The residents and visitors can enjoy year round warm balmy temperatures. During summer temperatures range from 160C to 340C and winter temperatures range from between 100C and 280C.

How to Get There

The Glasshouse Mountains are approximately 30 km from Brisbane and 120 km from the Gold Coast, travelling time is half an hour and 1.5 hours respectively. The Bruce Highway provides access to the mountains.

Coach and Bus Services

Coach and Bus services operate regularly between the town of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Hinterland and Brisbane.

Train

Regular train services run from Brisbane to Sunshine Coast.

Air

Brisbane Domestic and International Airport is less than 30 minutes drive north to the mountains.

More information

• Glasshouse Mountains National Park visitor information brochure (450Kb PDF) - Includes great map and a 'spot the mountain' guide
• Glasshouse Mountains crop circles
• Glasshouse Mountains rock climbing guide