Walking Mt Ngungun

As part of my training for doing the Kokoda Challenge, I am going to attempt to walk up Mt Ngungun every Thursday morning, or if not Ngungun, perhaps Mt Beerberrum. Both of these are a part of the Glass House Mountains. Beerberrum is nasty - a short, but very steep climb up a concreted path - yep, concrete. When it's wet, it can be very, very slippery. There is a fire tower on the top, which in the dry season is manned during daylight hours. The view from the first platform, where walkers can climb to, is quite something.

Sunrise. Looking out to the Sunshine Coast

It takes me about 20 to 22 mins to get from the car park to the top of Mt Ngungun. I'd really like to get that time down to 18 mins and then be able to do it twice in a row. As the mornings get lighter I should be able to achieve it. I do enjoy watching the sunrise from up there and sunset is just as stunning. A couple of years ago my husband and I carried a little cooler bag up, with cheese, crackers and some other delicious snacks and of course a beverage and watched the sun setting. We took head torches to make our descent safer. The path down is quite rocky and it is easy to "go over" on your ankle if you aren't careful.

About half way up, there is a lovely spot to stop and catch your breath and gaze out at Mt Tibrogaran, the father of all the Glasshouse Mountains. From certain angles, he looks like a gorilla sitting down.

Mt Tibrogaran

Mt Beerwah is Mum and the rest of them are their children.  Here is the link to the legend of the Glass House Mountains. http://www.coolrunning.com.au/ultra/glasshouse/glassh3.shtml

Mt Beerwah with Mt Coonowrin in front.

I'm really lucky that the Glass House Mountains are all within easy travelling distance; I think it takes me about 5 mins to get to Ngungun. If I'm at my son's house, it is literally out the back door and onto the fire trail that runs around the base of the mountain. We all used to walk up it regularly with my little granddaughter in the backpack. Now at 4 years of age, she walks it herself, which is great, but does slow the process down a great deal.

Leave a Comment Fitness, Glasshouse Mountains, Hiking, leisure