If you have been around the Glasshouse Mountains, you would have came cross the Aboriginal story around the 5 peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains, and Mount Beerwah is the mother mountain in this dream-time story, and a significant heritage and culture sight to its people. It has become an increasingly popular site for rock scrambling and hiking activities, and its unveiled beauty has spread like a wild fire.
After my failed attempt to reach the summit almost 2 years ago, a couple of months back, I decided to re-attempt this majestic mountain a second time. It was such a great day of fun! I've met up with my regular hiking group around 7am on a Saturday at the Mount Beerwah carpark, and began the scrambling journey up the mountain shortly after. As most of the track is completed exposed under the sun, it is very important to attempt doing this track at very early hours in the morning and always go with someone who is very experienced with the tracks. These two factors will pretty much determine how good your experience will be.
After we left the carpark, the track starts off flat and you will reach the shaded picnic are. There is a toilet next to it, and it is the only toilet available for this track. Passing the picnic area, you will be greeted with a small wooden gate and shortly after that, the stairways begin. At the top of the stairways, the actual track ascending Mount Beerwah begins, and this is a no stopping zone, to avoid any injuries by potential rock falls. For newbies to the track, there is an easier route to detour around the first section of the track shown in the below photo.
The uphill climb will continue until you reach the bottom of the cliff face. After this first section, there is a small flat area where you could take a brief break and catch your breath if need be. The second section is slightly steeper compared to the first, but if you know the foot hold spots and get used to the height, you will be fine. Once you reach the bottom of the cliff-line, take your time to enjoy the beauty of the natural erosion. You will discover amazing caves and unique outcrops, such as The Nose, The Darth Vader and The Ear etc..
Turn right and follow the cliff-line until you reach a rock not too far away from the cliff drop-off. Reach its top while navigating carefully around that and follow the slightly upward track to a mini lookout where the base jump site is. This is a great spot to observe the bladed cliff known as the Organ Pipe.
Return back to the track and follow it all the way up to the summit! Carefully explore around the summit, take some photos, and enjoy the awesome view and your achievement.
We only live once, live for the things you enjoy and appreciate the beauties that surrounds you!
