Trachyte Circuit

How to get there

1. Tibrogargan trailhead via Marshs Road and Barrs Road, between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains townships. Sealed 2WD from Steve Irwin Way.
2. Shared parking with the circuit and Yul-yan-man (Tibrogargan end). Early weekend arrival.
3. No through-road to Ngungun. Separate trailheads.

How to do it (step by step)

1. Clean footwear. Carry 2–3 hours of water. Follow signs for Trachyte Circuit, not the Tibrogargan summit.
2. Walk woodland and heathland toward Jack Ferris lookout on the northern end of Trachyte Ridge for views of surrounding peaks — including Coonowrin in silhouette. Mount Coonowrin is a Restricted Access Area — public access prohibited, on-the-spot fines.
3. Complete the signed return / circuit pattern. Do not drift onto Yul-yan-man pink markers unless that Grade 5 walk was the plan with Grade 5 kit.

What to expect

Official journeys copy (re-checked 2026-09-13): Grade 3, 5.7 km return, allow 2–3 hours from Tibrogargan trailhead. Open woodland and heathland linking Tibrogargan and Tibberoowuccum. Jack Ferris lookout, on the northern end of Trachyte Ridge, gives views of surrounding peaks. The ridge is named for trachyte, a volcanic rock that forms many Glass House Mountains plugs — useful geology, not a climbing invitation.

You will likely see Coonowrin. You will not go there. Mount Coonowrin is a Restricted Access Area — public access prohibited, on-the-spot fines. Traditional Owners ask visitors to refrain from climbing these mountains. This circuit stays on published Grade 3 walking track.

How the day works

Same arrival as Tibrogargan Circuit. Decide before you leave the car park: lookout-only (Mountain View), full base circuit (4.1 km), or Trachyte (5.7 km, 2–3 hours). Doing all three plus Ngungun is a fantasy itinerary.

No camping in the NP. No day fee listed on official pages when last checked (confirm live). Clean boots. Save the official walks PDF if you are new to the junctions with the shared trail and Yul-yan-man.

Hazards and realism

Heat on the ridge, wet rock, dieback, and navigation at junctions. Grade 3 is not Grade 5 — if pink triangles appear and you did not pack for Yul-yan-man, stop and reverse to Trachyte / trailhead signs.

Turning around

Reverse from Jack Ferris lookout or any signed point. Return to Tibrogargan trailhead toilets and picnic tables. Do not continue toward Coonowrin. Mount Coonowrin is a Restricted Access Area — public access prohibited, on-the-spot fines.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Queensland Parks before you drive.

Other walks from this area

Same arrival, different commitment. Open the guide that matches the day — do not stack them because they share a car park.

Tibrogargan Circuit

4.1 km circuit (QPWS journeys hub; 1 km to Mountain View lookout; re-checked 2026-09-13) · moderate

Secondary signature: Grade 3, 4.1 km circuit, allow 1 hour 30 minutes around the base of Tibrogargan. About 1 km / 20 minutes to Mountain View lookout with views of Beerwah, Coonowrin, Tibberoowuccum and Tunbubudla. Casuarina, open eucalypt and melaleuca forest; peregrine falcons often seen. Mount Coonowrin is a Restricted Access Area — public access prohibited, on-the-spot fines. This circuit is not the Tibrogargan summit route.

Open walk guide →