By Sonia Isaacs
THE hinterland could soon welcome a new world-class hiking trail connecting seven iconic peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains.
The so-called Seven Peaks Glass House Mountains Trail Project aims to establish a connected, nature-based recreation network across the World Heritage-listed Glass House Mountains.
Sunshine Coast Council, which has asked the State Government for $3 million to begin planning works, says the trail will link national parks with nearby townships and public transport hubs to create a high-quality trail experience.
The trail will connect seven iconic peaks; Mt Beerburrum, Mt Tibberwoowuccum, Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Cooee, Mt Ngungun, Mt Coonowrin and Mt Beerwah through a coordinated approach involving State and Local Government, Traditional Owners and community stakeholders.
The proposal seeks to unify existing walking and cycling routes across Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) and Forestry tenures, supported by new track connections and improved wayfinding.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the project aligned with strong community interest in the region’s natural assets and longstanding calls for enhanced eco-tourism opportunities.
“We believe there is a significant opportunity to enhance and establish a regional tracks and trails network that provides world-class experiences and builds on existing discreet trail experiences for the Glass House Mountains,” Cr Natoli said.
“It’s about connecting the assets we already have and improving the overall experience.”
She said realising the project would require a coordinated planning effort across government and key partners.
“The concept has great potential and could be realised through coordinated strategic planning and investment by three levels of government, Traditional Custodians and private businesses,” she said.
“If realised, this project would also open up significant linkage opportunities to enhance and expand the Hinterland Great Walk (both north and south) and create multiple east-west linkages to the coast.”
The Seven Peaks project has been identified as a priority in Destination 2045 and the Inter-Urban Break Plan.
Earlier this year, Council submitted a request to the Queensland Government for an initial $3m to progress detailed planning, site investigations and coordinated delivery across tenures.
Cr Natoli said the project would give visitors more options and help take pressure off several heavily visited mountain summits.
“Our desired outcome is to create a connected pathway network across tenures … that links the National Park with the communities of Beerwah, Glass House and Beerburrum,” she said.
“This would provide a full-day bike or multi-day hiking experience, while taking pressure off the mountain peaks.”
Although still in its early stages, several components of the wider vision have progressed. A new trailhead and carpark have been completed at Beerburrum, wayfinding signage now links Beerburrum Station to the trailhead, and planning for signage connecting all seven peaks has been finalised. QPWS has delivered new trails including the Yulyaman Trail and the Mt Ngungun link, while the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade incorporates a shared pathway plan expected to boost trail connectivity. Engagement with Traditional Owners is also underway to ensure cultural values guide land management and interpretation.
However, significant challenges remain. These include navigating complex tenure arrangements, securing forestry permits, managing operational closures and funding infrastructure upgrades at key trailheads such as Mt Beerwah. Safety improvements will also be needed at road crossings in collaboration with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Community groups have already voiced strong support. Representatives from the Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network (GMAN) said they welcomed the initiative and the shift towards lower-impact recreation.
“I think it’s very important to promote the environment,” John Quinn said. “There’s been far too many casualties, if you like, from rescues from the mountains, and to be able to promote trails through our beautiful environment, I think is very important, and encourage people to walk instead of climb.”
Cliff Schnick said the project also supported the preservation of vulnerable native species. “I guess it’s about the plants that are endemic to the area, and it’s about getting them out here and making people more aware that, you know, we live in a special place, and we need to protect it.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said demand for nature-based experiences had surged in recent years.
“Demand for nature-based experiences has grown by nearly 50 per cent in the last decade,” he said.
“Each encounter not only makes our state unique and competitive from a tourism perspective.
“I encourage any project that supports conservation and untaps the major potential for ecotourism in our local economy.”
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce President Naomi Pearce said local businesses were watching the project with interest.
“The possibility of the Glass House Mountains Seven Peaks Walk and Regional Trail Network progressing again is exciting for our region,” Ms Pearce said.
“This project has the potential to become a major driver of tourism, economic activity and regional identity, something our local businesses are in need of.
“For the Chamber, this isn’t just about a walking trail. It’s about creating a connected visitor experience that links our mountains, our townships and our operators.”
She said supporting infrastructure would be essential. “Trails alone won’t unlock the region’s potential; we also need the infrastructure that supports them.
That means accessible accommodation, campgrounds, amenities and safe trail connections so visitors have somewhere to stay and something to return to.”
Council says full realisation of the Seven Peaks Trail would create a landmark tourism product for South-East Queensland, expanding nature-based tourism, cultural storytelling and economic development across the hinterland.
