Mt Beerburrum is a 35-minute drive from Bribie Island and surrounds up the Bruce turning off at Steve Irwin Way the trail head is a few kilometres past the exit and well signed with car parking next to the Beerwah School.
As part of the Glasshouse Mountains Mt Beerwah was the only volcanic peak to erupt above ground with the other peaks being volcanic plugs of lava that now stand high due to years or erosion removed surrounding soils and softer sandstone.
This area is home to a variety of trees and 170 species of animals some of which are listed as rare or vulnerable including the peregrine falcons and glossy black cockatoos. The eastern quoll, southern glider and long nosed potoroo also call the area home. 11 species of native frogs also live in the wetlands between the rocky peaks.
These mountains are 25 to 27 million years old and are one of the oldest volcanic ranges in eastern Australia. The Kabi Kabi and Jinibara people are the traditional guardians of the area. Legend has it that Mt Beerburrum was the grandmother of the family of surrounding mountains including Mt Tibrogargan who was the father of the family.
You can see the whole family of mountains from the summit of Mount Beerburrum which is a 3.5km or 1 hour 30 minute walk from the car park. At 280 meters above sea level it is the sixth highest Glasshouse Mountains peak and the last 750 meters is steep concrete path requiring reasonable fitness and the need to pace your ascent stopping every 200 meters to catch your breath.
You will walk through scribbly gums, rainforest and kangaroo grass on your journey and take in many views of Tibrogargan and other peaks on your way up.
An alternative for the serious walker is Yul-yan-man track which branches off the summit track for a 9 km return walk via Tibrogargan train head and returning via Soldiers Settlers trail taking 3 to 4 hours. This is a grade 5 walk for experienced walkers who have navigation skills for very rough, steep and unmarked trails.
Mt Beerburrum is the first peak to be climbed by Europeans in Queensland during the first inland expedition in July 1799. This was when Matthew Flinders was sent to explore the area sailing up the Pumicestone Passage crossing to Donnybrook and up Elimbah Creek to explore the mountains.
With two sailors and Eora indigenous headman Bungaree Flinders climbed the mountain to survey the Caboolture Sunshine Coast area and also spotted the Brisbane river. A sign of things to come.
The town of Beerburrum began as Australia’s first and largest soldiers settlement after the first world war. At its height it had 1000 residents and the regions first hospital however their success was hampered by poor soils for farming, low produce prices and many of the men suffered psychological trauma from war.
Today it is a picturesque town of a few blocks of houses and shops and the Burrum Café which is well worth a stop to refresh and rest your weary legs after that final 750 meter walk to the top which according to my Iphone equates to climbing 56 flights of stairs. I think a pie and a cold drink is appropriate after all that.
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