Feeling like I needed a nature fix before the start of the working week so I 'PHONED A FRIEND' Cathy was happy to join me on the Trachyte / Tibrogargan circuit in the Glasshouse Mountains National Park and and a climb to the summit of Mt Ngungun near the Glasshouse township.
So lucky to have this intriguing National Park so close to Sunshine Coast - where 1 minute you can be basking in the sun on the beach to hiking trails or climbing the mountains in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
The Glasshouse Mountains had volcanic beginnings and has dramatic peaks (all shapes and sizes), easy walking tracks (suitable families), magnificent views (from lookouts and mountain summits).
Follow Barrs Road to the 2nd carpark as you are more likely to find a park. There is a choice of starting the hike on the Trachyte circuit first or the Tibrogargan circuit - they both join up making a hike of appx 8-9 kms.
We started on the Trachtye Circuit and headed up a gentle incline towards the 'Jack Ferris' lookout. Make sure you look behind you to see Mt Tibberoowuccum standing tall above the forest skyline and to your right - Mount Tunbubudla (East & West).
Looking back at Mt Tibberoowuccum
Mount Tunbubudla (East & West)
A short climb up to the lookout didn't disappoint with views of some of the surrounding peaks - Tibberoowuccum, Coonowrin, Tibrogargan, Mt Ngungun. Since the last time I have been to this lookout there has been a lot of pine plantation logging which makes it look rather stark.
Mt Tibrogargan in background - from Jack Ferris Lookout
Logging of pine plantations
Recent rains have made the landscape very green, the track a little muddy in places and Tibrogargan creek a small boulder hopping cross over.
Love the scribbly gums with interesting patterns made by the scribbbly gum moth on the smooth bark of the trees. The yellow flower spikes of mountain banskia beside the trail added color to the bush with the occasional purple bush orchid and not to miss out on my favorite- fungi. Birds were singing in the trees and a large goanna stopped us in our tracks, eyeing us off before he scuttled up the tree.
Banksia always adds colour to the bush
Didn't want to get out of our way!
They move very quickly up the tree
As we walked around the base of Mt Tibrogargan the Mountain soared above us and I looked at it and thought 'NO WAY - NOT FOR ME TO CLIMB TO THE SUMMIT!!). I have taken the path up to the beginning of the hike to the summit and even that was scary enough with all it's signs of how dangerous if you continue - beware of falling rocks. I have been in the area with the rescue helicopter hovering around to find people who have become stuck whilst rock climbing. The rescue teams are absolutely amazing with the skills required to rescue someone in a tricky situation.
Mt Tibrogargan - 364m high
We decided to have a cold drink at the Glasshouse Mountains Lookout Cafe which is about a 5 minute drive from the carpark. As you sit and relax there are stunning views of a mango orchard and Mount Coonowrin.
View from Outlook Cafe
A short drive to Mt Ngungun and we are ready for a climb to the summit. It is a very popular mountain since they put the steps in. It is great to see families out including very young children and babies in their carriers cuddled up to their mum or dad as they head up to the summit.
Mt Ngungun would have to be my favorite mountain to climb - the 360 degree views at the top are incredible overlooking surrounding peaks and farmlands. I have been up this mountain for sunset and full moon - great place to have a champers and biscuits and cheese and coming down by moonlight with some help from light of my headlamp.
This mountain is very popular for training for those heading off to trek Kokoda track in Papua New Guinea. I chatted to one lady who had a heavy looking pack as she headed up for the 3rd time.
Beautiful sunset summit Mt Ngungun
View from summit Mt Ngungun - peaks of Mt Beerwah & Mt Coonowrin (Crookneck)
On top of the world enjoying one of my favorite views from summit of Mt Ngungun
Summit Mt Ngungun with my friend Cathy
Mt Tibrogargn in background and Glasshouse Mountains farmlands
After enjoying our time on the summit and chatting to many different people including 2 guys from Germany who love mountain climbing we decided it was time to descend as it started to sprinkle with rain. No sooner were we down and there was a downpour. Wonderful way to finish off a weekend being out in nature doing a bushwalk and a mountain climb.
What mountains have you climbed in Glasshouse Mountains - would love you to leave a comment about your experiences.