Wild Horse Mountain

From atop Wild Horse Mountain, located just 30 kilometres north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, walkers are rewarded with absolutely outstanding 360-degree views of the local countryside.

From the Glass House Mountains to the west, and across Pumicestone Passage and Bribie Island to the east, it is hard not to be impressed with the panorama, making you super glad you made the effort.

The exit from the highway is well sign-posted in both directions, and it only takes a few minutes for you to reach the she-oak and pine forest surrounded carpark.

Whilst the fully concreted walk is only 700m to the top and the mountain an elevation of a mere 123m above sea level, don’t be fooled – it is quite steep. This is more than just a short walk in the park.

The majestic timber lookout doubles as a functioning fire tower, and offers visitors a wealth of information, with panels and images that explain the history of the area and highlight exactly what you’re looking at, if you’re not familiar with the surrounds.

The Glass House Mountains are actually remnants of volcanic activity in the region some 25-27 million years ago, and over time, erosion across the terrain has gifted us with the striking topography we marvel at today.

The peaks - Mount Beerburrum 278m, Mount Beerwah 556m, Mount Coochin 235m, Mount Coonowrin (or Crookneck or Fakebig) 377m, Mount Ngungun 253m, Mount Tibberoowuccum 220m, Mount Tibrogargan 364m, Mount Elimbah (or The Saddleback) 109m, Mount Tunbubudla (or The Twins) 338m, and Mount Miketeebumulgrai 199m - are all popular climbs for hikers and bushwalking enthusiasts, with varying degrees of difficulty.

With the steep incline on the way up, you’ll mostly be focused on putting one foot in front of the other, that and grabbing a glimpse of the views as you also grab your breath. But the return trip allows you the chance to take it all in, with stunning vistas at every head turn, so don’t rush it if time is your friend.

Located within the Beerburrum East State Forest, the path is framed with eucalypt scrub and coastal wallum heathland and, depending on when you’re there, pretty and colourful Australian native wildflowers make the climb even more beautiful to enjoy.

So many of us have driven past Wild Horse Mountain on our way up to or back from the Sunshine Coast and noticed the prominent lookout at the top, without ever contemplating a look-see. But it is a rewarding way to break up the drive, especially if the highway traffic is a little slow, and definitely perfect for getting the blood pumping.

Need to know – there are no toilet facilities or a water bubbler here, but there are well-equipped service stations only a couple of minutes’ drive away.

Nice to know – If you’re a keen photographer, head up early for sunrise, or linger a little longer and enjoy sunset across the mountains.

By Danella Perrins

Looking for more ideas on walks around Queensland, then head to our comprehensive Walks section HERE! No matter your fitness, we're sure you'll find a walk to suit.