A look at the incredible natural landscape of the Glass House Mountains
I REGULARLY get asked by locals what compels me to repeatedly climb the Glass House Mountains, and with Mount Beerwah recently re-opening, I thought I’d take this opportunity to introduce the many of you who have not yet ascended Beerwah to a few of its unique offerings:
• The tourist track: This track was first climbed by Europeans, Andrew and John Petrie in 1840.
The tourist track is a mixture of slab rock climbing, lush rainforest trail that opens onto ‘The Cathedral’, a sandy walk directly under the ‘Organ pipes’, and ends with an Australian bush walk to the summit.
• Shell Rock:
Shell Rock is a large hollow rock on the Southwest side of Mount Beerwah ‘big enough to park a bus in’ formed by a gas bubble in the cooling Trachyte approximately 25 million years ago.
Shell Rock is one of the harder attractions to get to and should only be attempted by experienced climbers under the supervision of an experienced guide.
• The Arch: A naturally formed rock archway on the southern side of Beerwah that picture frames Mount Coonowrin, the archway marks the end of the Northwest trail. From the arch, climbers ascend ‘The Cheese-grater’ and make their way back to the main tourist track.
• Crocodile Rock: A funnel type cave with a crocodile head shaped rock (bottom right of picture).
Crocodile rock marks the end of the Southeast trail, from here climbers return to the East trail and ascend to the summit.
I am very honoured to be back climbing Mount Beerwah, it is always a thrilling, invigorating adventure sharing a connection with this geological giant and finding solace in the embrace of nature’s majesty.
It is a pleasure to share some of the awe and wonder experienced by those climbing Glass House Mountains. As a local, I am grateful to have access to such truly remarkable recreational areas to enjoy.
Basics for those interested in climbing Mount Beerwah:
• If it’s your first time, go with an
experienced guide
• Mount Beerwah is considered
a difficult climb, only those
with a good level of physical
fitness should attempt to climb.
• Allow 2 to 3 hours return for the
tourist track, wear appropriate
clothing, pack 2-3L of water and
snacks
• Do not climb Mount Beerwah if
its wet or there is a chance of rain
• Climb respectfully, this means minimise impact by staying on track and not disturbing natural features
• Take pictures and leave only
footprints, carry all food
wrappers and other rubbish out.
Ben Heaton is a local Glass House Mountains resident of 15 years, a father, regular climber and founding member of ‘SOS Save Our Summits’, an association formed to maintain access to mountain summit trails.
www.saveoursummits.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/saveoursummits/