Glasshouse Mountains

History

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

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. 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 seven 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 16°C to 34°C and winter temperatures range from between 10°C and 28°C.

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.