Mount Beerwah: An Adrenaline Filled Climb in Australia's Glass House Mountains
- Stephen Warner
- Nov 9, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
The highest peak in Queensland’s Glass House Mountains, Mount Beerwah is not your average day hike. This route is short, but don’t let that fool you. The majority of it is a steep, exposed Class 4 scramble over smooth rock slabs. It’s more of a climb than a hike. But if you’ve got the experience (and nerve), the reward is one of the most unique summit views in Australia.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Mount Beerwah Track |
Distance | 2.6 miles / 4.2 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 2-3 hours |
Elevation gain | 1,000 ft / 300 m |
Highest point | 1,824 ft / 550 m (Mount Beerwah) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Paved lot |
Toilets? | Yes |
Dog friendly? | No (steep scrambles) |
Know before you go
This is a Class 4 scramble. While it doesn’t require technical gear, it’s exposed and dangerous. Smooth, steep rock slabs are unforgiving and falls could be fatal. Only attempt this if you have prior experience with similar terrain.
Do not attempt in wet conditions. Even dry, the rock can be slick. My friend and I had small slips on a perfect day. Wet rock would make this climb nearly impossible.
Consider gloves and a helmet. Rockfall is a known risk, and the Aussie sun can heat up the stone. A helmet and gloves aren’t required, but they’re smart additions.
Cultural significance: This mountain holds spiritual value for the Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people. While it’s legally open to the public, these groups have requested that visitors not climb it. You’ll need to make your own judgment about whether to proceed.
Other Trails Nearby
If you want to explore the Glass House Mountains without dealing with serious exposure, there are plenty of great alternatives:
Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km)
Elevation gain: 460 ft (140 m)
Details: A mellow loop that circles the base of this imposing peak.
Distance: 1.5 miles (3 km)
Elevation gain: 550 ft (170 m)
Details: A solid, more tame summit hike with rewarding views.
Distance: 7.1 miles (9.8 km)
Elevation gain: 1,200 ft (360 m)
Details: A scenic loop that tags multiple peaks and lookouts.
The Trail
After a short approach from the car park, you’ll get your first proper look at what you’re about to take on. Yep, that’s it. Pretty much straight up.
And then the climbing begins. Hope your shoes are grippy. My Merrell Moabs earned their keep as we moved over smooth, angled rock slabs.
Marc, of course, decided to climb shirtless for "sun exposure"... definitely not to impress any women at the Brisbane bars later that night with his new tan. Action footage was required.
The way up was intense, but honestly, it was the descent that really tested us. We crab-walked most of it, and I even hit a section where I couldn’t find solid footing. Instead, I scooted down 5 or 6 feet on my butt. Sometimes you just gotta send (or slide) it.
Eventually the scramble ends and the trail flattens out. You'll reach a ledge beneath the summit, marked by a cool honeycomb rock structure. This is the signal that you’re done with the vertical climbing. Follow the path right along the ridge for the final approach.
Here’s an aerial shot of the summit ridge. After what you just climbed, this part feels like a walk in the park.
Raise those arms—we made it! From the summit, you get a surreal view of the Glass House Mountains, each with its own bizarre, isolated shape. I’ve never seen a mountain range quite like this. Time to take it in… and then mentally prepare for the descent.
SS Reflections
If I had to pick a sound bite to sum up this hike, it’d be Marc saying, “We almost died.”
Now, I think he was playing it up a bit to impress someone over cocktails later, but to be fair, this was no joke. And even with my experience on exposed Hawaiian ridges, Mount Beerwah stands out as one of the sketchier scrambles I’ve done. Smooth rock, no one else in sight, no ropes, no real trail—just you and gravity.
But we made it. No injuries, just adrenaline. And those summit views? They stuck with me. This is the kind of hike that etches itself into your memory. And one you’ll still be talking about years later.
Hike & Flight Video
Want to see a long form POV & drone video of Mount Beerwah?
Other Helpful Resources
We Seek Travel's writeup about summiting this peak