Trachyte Circuit – Glass House Mountains National Park

Description: Spend a day in beautiful Glass House Mountains National Park (NPAQ’s July Park of the Month) about 70 km north of Brisbane. The Glass House Mountains were named by Captain Cook in 1770 as he sailed northwards along the east coast of Australia, because they reminded him of the glasshouses (kilns) in his native England. The walk, the Trachyte Circuit, meanders around the base of Mt Tibrogargan. Rest assured we won’t be climbing the steep ascent to the top of the mountain!

The undulating Trachyte Circuit, from the carpark, features open woodland and heathland before crossing Tibrogargan creek and ascending the graded track to Jack Ferris Lookout for excellent views of nearby peaks. This is also a good spot to enjoy morning tea, as we soak in the views. From here, it is downhill to another crossing of Tibrogargan Creek, enjoying the dry heathland along the way.

The section of the walk around the base of Mt Tibrogargan features views of the peak itself from various angles, as well as views of nearby peaks from Mount View Lookout. This section is also noted for its casuarina groves, and open eucalypt and melaleuca forests.

After almost encircling Mt Tibrogargan, it is a 2–3 km stroll back to the carpark. Alternatives on return could be to have lunch as a group or drive a few kilometres north to the village of Glasshouse Mountains to enjoy lunch and/or a coffee before driving home. The information Centre here is also worth a visit.

Please do not attend this activity if you are feeling unwell.

Walk Grading: Easy. Total walking distance is approximately 10 km with a steady climb to Jack Ferris Lookout. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Meet – When & Where: 8.30 am at Mt Tibrogargan Carpark for an 8.45 am start.

What to Bring: Hat, 2Ls of water, jacket, rain gear (just in case), torch, insect repellent, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, $5.00 NPA Fee.

Directions: Travel north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, turning left onto Steve Irwin Way. After passing Mt Tibrogargan on your left, keep an eye out for Barrs Road, turning left into this road and left again immediately after you cross the railway line. Mt Tibrogargan Carpark is on your left a few kilometres along Barrs Road. As these are popular walks and the carparks are often near capacity, carpooling is recommended.

Nominations: Via NPAQ Website.

Leader:  Frank Freeman Ph: (07) 3824 3954. Mob: 0427 655 514 Email: frank_fr@bigpond.net.au

NPAQ Activity Report

Trachyte Circuit Mt Tibrogargin

Saturday, 26 July, 2025

Around 8.45am, eight walkers left the carpark to complete the 8 kilometre circuit. Track work and detours prevented the stop at the picturesque waterhole in the upper reaches of Tibrogargin Creek so the group moved on to Jack Ferris Lookout. Here, after soaking in the spectacular views of the surrounding forestry areas and mountains, a break was taken to enjoy morning tea.

Avoiding the track erosion from recent heavy rains, a stand of flowering banksias brought the cameras out to photograph the large blooms. Moving on, the group paused to inspect the licensed beehive area (no hives in residence at the time) before moving on the fenced off well/mine, a relic from the past.

After crossing Tibrogargib Creek again (quite picturesque) the group ascended to the foot of Mount Tibrogargin before turning right to walk around the base of the mountain.

Passing through several different types of bushlands, (casuarina, open eucalypt and melaleuca forests), climbers were watched as the braved the difficult climb/descent of the steep face of the mountain. Moving on, stops were made to admire views of Cooee and Crooked neck Mountain. Two pretty stone-arched bridges were crossed along the way.

After passing the start of the steep track to the top of the mountain, it was a sharp right turn onto the track to the carpark. Another stop to view walkers as they traversed the track to the top of the mountain before completing the circuit to the carpark, ready for lunch.