Introduction to The Glasshouse Mountains

The Glasshouse Mountains are amid the most remarkable geological formations, they are a succession of volcanic plugs formed over 20 million years ago. They hold great spiritual importance to the first Australians. The Glasshouse Mountains are found southeast Queensland, in the Sunshine Coast’s Glasshouse Mountain Nature Reserve.

On this website you will find out all about the location, accommodation, accessibility, activities, climate, legends, geology, local wildlife, and terrain of the Glasshouse Mountains

Geology

The Glasshouse Mountains are volcanic plugs that have been eroded over 25 million years during the Miocene period, to form 9 steep sided mountains.

What’s a volcanic plug?

Volcanic plugs, also know as a volcanic neck or lava neck, occurs when molten rock hardens in the vent of an active volcano.

How where they formed?

Once between 30-22 million years ago south-east Queensland had a lot of volcanic activity, many volcanoes were formed, and in turn were blocked with volcanic plugs. Then they have been eroded for about 25 million years, to make them look as they are today (steep sided mountains).

How are volcanoes formed?

Volcanoes are formed differently according to the type of volcano they are, one example is; when there is a gap between tectonic plates; this exposes lava which rises and as the lava cools it creates the ‘walls’ of the volcano.

What causes volcanic activity?

Volcanic activity is cause by ‘hot spots’ in the earths crust.

How old are the Glasshouse Mounatins?

The Glasshouse Mountains are approximately 25 million years old.

- Whats the Miocene period?

The Glasshouse Mountains were shaped during the Miocene period. The Miocene period meaning less recent is a period of time about 25 million years from the present.

What rocks are in them?

The Glasshouse Mountains are made up of two igneous rock types; Rhyolite and Trachyte.

Examples of other volcanic plugs-

The Glasshouse Mountains are only one example of volcanic plugs, there are many more volcanic plugs around the world, and here are some examples:

1. A volcanic plug in Rhumsiki, Far North Region, Cameroon.
2. The Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, built on top of an ancient volcanic plug.
3. The Ochoco National Forest of Oregon, USA’s volcanic plug.
4. The volcanic plug situated in Sri Lanka.
5. The volcanic plug in Saint Lucia. 

Accomadation

Beerwah:

The Glasshouse Mountains Holiday Village is located on Steve Irwin way, Glasshouse Mountains, Queensland.

The Glasshouse Mountains holiday Village is described as ‘Queensland’s most scenic experience’ it is a remarkable holiday destination with the choices of staying in holiday units, the campsite and caravan park.

For more information visit their website: http://www.glasshousemountainsholidayvillage.com.au/

Beerburrum:

The Beerburrum Motel is located 412 Steve Irwin Way

Beerburrum, Queensland.

It is ‘in the heart of the scenic Glasshouse Mountain rainforest region’ making it an extraordinary place to stay, with breathtaking views, it is one of the best ways to see the Glasshouse Mountains.

For more information visit their website:

http://www.beerburrummotel.com.au/

Location

The Glasshouse Mountains are situated southeast Queensland close to the towns of Beerwah and Beerburrum in the Sunshine Coast, about 65km north of Brisbane.

Climate

the Glasshouse mountains

The Sunshine Coast region is known for its sunlight, so it’s no wonder that it is described as having “Warm balmy temperatures”

The summer temperatures vary from 16°C to 34°C, and in winter temperatures vary between 10°C and 28°C.

Accessibility

To reach the town of either Beerwah or Beerburrum, you can choose from a variety of transport options:

Train-

There are regular QueenslandRail trains that go from Brisbane to Beerwah.

For information on QueenslandRail Trains visit:

http://www.queenslandrail.com.au/Pages/Default.aspx

Coaches/bus services-

There are Translink buses that travel from Brisbane to Beerburrum/Beerwah.

for more infomation on Translinktrains buses visit:

http://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sitePage.cfm?code=beer-lands-bus

Drive-

Beerwah and Beerburrum are approximately 65km north of Brisbane; it would take you approximatly 1 hour to drive there.

Map and Directions thanks to Google Maps

Brisbane QLD (point A)
1.	Head north-east on Queen St towards Creek St	93 m
2.	Take the 1st left on to Creek St	450 m
3.	Turn left at Turbot St	52 m
4.	Slight left at Wharf St	240 m
5.	Turn right at Leichhardt St	61 m
6.	Continue onto St Pauls Tce	750 m
7.	Turn left at Brunswick St	450 m
8.	Continue onto Bowen Bridge Rd	1.0 km
9.	Continue onto Lutwyche Rd	3.4 km
10.	Continue onto Gympie Rd	9.2 km
11.	Continue onto Gympie Arterial Rd	5.3 km
12.	Continue onto Bruce Hwy	44.3 km
13.	Turn left at Scotts Rd	4.0 km
14.	Turn left at Kings Rd	600 m
15.	Take the 1st right on to Glass House Mountains Rd	3.9 km
16.	Turn left at Mawhinney St	350 m
17.	Turn right at Kilcoy Beerwah Rd	150 m
18.	Take the 1st left to stay on Kilcoy Beerwah Rd	49 m
19.	Turn left	5 m
Beerwah QLD (point B) Map and Directions thanks to Google Maps Brisbane QLD (point A) 1. Head north-east on Queen St towards Creek St 93 m 2. Take the 1st left on to Creek St 450 m 3. Turn left at Turbot St 52 m 4. Slight left at Wharf St 240 m 5. Turn right at Leichhardt St 61 m 6. Continue onto St Pauls Tce 750 m 7. Turn left at Brunswick St 450 m 8. Continue onto Bowen Bridge Rd 1.0 km 9. Continue onto Lutwyche Rd 3.4 km 10. Continue onto Gympie Rd 9.2 km 11. Continue onto Gympie Arterial Rd 5.3 km 12. Continue onto Bruce Hwy 34.3 km 13. Slight left at Glass House Mountains Rd exit 1.1 km 14. Continue onto Glass House Mountains Rd 3.9 km 15. Turn left at Beerburrum Rd 350 m Beerburrum QLD (point B)

 

Other Natural attractions

As well as the incredible Glasshouse Mountains, the sunshine coast is home of many other natural attractions. Some of these include;

Currimundi Lake-

Currimundi Lake leads off from the ocean via a small stream and provides a great sheltered swimming area with large sand banks surrounding it. Currimundi Lake is located in Currimundi, north of the Glasshouse Mountains.

Double Island Point-

Double island point “is a magnet for marine life” there you can see dolphins, whales and many more. They are a formation of four volcanic pinnacles. It is well known as a great dive spot.

Magic Mountain-

Magic Mountain is a big group of rocky outcrops from the sea floor. It is located on the outer Gneerings reef. At this site is you can dive and see spectacular sea life, such as; bullseyes, catfish, urchins, sponges, wobbygongs and many more

Mapleton Falls National Park-

Mapleton falls National Park is home of the Mapleton falls, where you can see pencil creek flowing over ledges to make magnificent falls. There are is a large population of birds including, the peregrine falcon, eastern whipbird, and the wompoo fruit-dove.

Mount Coolum-

Mount Coolum located in Mount Coolum National park, is a “green cloaked dome” mountain, it is surrounded by lowlands, and after rain has a number of stunning cascades that fall down the weathered cliffs.

Noosa National Park-

Noosa National Park is a large mass of untamed coastline that juts out into the ocean. Noosa National Park is located in Noosa; the park is one of Australia’s most popularly visited.

Mount Tinbeerwah-

Mount Tinbeerwah is situated in Tewantin forest reserve; it is the home of ancient flooded gum forests, wallum heaths, and cabbage-tree palms.

Glasshouse Mountains Activities

Abseiling

While soaking up the splendor of the Glasshouse Mountains, you can also enjoy several outdoor activities, such as; scenic bush walks, picnics, abseiling and rock climb.

To find out more visit:

http://www.australianexplorer.com/tourist_attractions/glass_house_mountains.htm

Terrain

The terrain surrounding the Glasshouse Mountains are quite varied, types include; Rain-forest, Wallum, Eucalypt open forest, Woodland, Montane Heath and Shrubland.

Local Wildlife

The Glasshouse Mountains are surrounded by forest that is the home for much native wildlife.

These are some of the many native plants and animals you might encounter while at the Glasshouse Mountains;

Plants

Eggs and Bacon  
pultenea villosa 

Swamp Banksias  
banksia robur               

 Ngungun Maybush  
leptospermum leuhmannii

Animals 

 
Glossy black cockatoo  
calyptorhynchus lathami

Peregrine falcon  
falco peregrinus

Eastern grey kangaroo  
macropus giganteus

Legend of the Glasshouse Mountains (Aboriginal story)

The names of the mountains are; Tibrogargan (father), Beerwah (mother), Coonowrin (eldest), Tunbubudla and Miketeebumulgarai (twins), Elimbah (she’s bent for she carries many cares), Round (because she’s small and fat), wild horse (always strayed). Other mountains are Ngungun, Beerburrum, and Coochin who are not mentioned in the legend.

One day Tibrogargan gazed out at sea and sensed a rising of the waters. He knew there was going to be a flood and became worried for Beerwah his pregnant wife, for she would not be able to reach safety without help.

Tibrogargan looked for help from his eldest son Coonowrin, and asked him to take Beerwah to safety while he gathered all of his other children.

Tibrogargan went to check on how Beerwah was doing, but was disappointed to find Beerwah along, and Coonowrin running off in the distance.

This made Tibrogargan very angry and he took of with is nulla nulla(an aboriginal war club) at hand. Then with a swift movement he cracked Coonowrin over the head and dislocated his neck (which has never been straight since).

Once the floods had stopped the family returned. All the children teased Coonowrin about his crooked neck, he felt so ashamed.

Coonowrin asked for forgiveness from Tibrogargan, but he was not permitted to in their tribe. Tibrogargan then wept for his son had disgraced him.

Mt Coonowrin (infront) Mt Beerwah (behind)

Coonowrin then asked Beerwah for the forgiveness but she could only weep, as did al of his siblings as he asked them one by one. This is the reason for the many streams leading out to sea.

Tibrogargan called upon Coonowrin and demanded to know why Coonowrin had deserted his mother? He said that ‘she is the biggest of us all, she can take care of her self’ for he did not know that she was expecting.

Then Tibrogargan turned his back on his son, and vowed never to look at him again. To this day he still stares out to sea.

Coonowrin hangs his head in shame and cries.

Beerwah is still pregnant for it takes a long time

to give birth to a mountain.

History

Yorkshire, Glass houses

'..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 the Glass Houses: the northern most of the three is the highest and largest; there are several other peaked hills inland to the northward of these, but these are not nearby so remarkable...'

Captain James Cook wrote this in his journal on the 17 may 1770 when he discovered and named the Glasshouse Mountains.