Mount Ngungun Summit Track, Brisbane - Mountains covered in trees under a clear blue sky.
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Mount Ngungun Summit Track Brisbane

4.7
·122 reviews·Glass House Mountains, Australia

Conquer Mount Ngungun for breathtaking Glass House Mountains views! An accessible, rewarding hike perfect for families and sunrise/sunset lovers.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Beat crowds & heat

CrowdLow
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Mount Ngungun Summit Track, Brisbane - Mountains covered in trees under a clear blue sky.

Mount Ngungun Summit Track Brisbane

Best Time

Early morning

Beat crowds & heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Conquer Mount Ngungun for breathtaking Glass House Mountains views! An accessible, rewarding hike perfect for families and sunrise/sunset lovers.

4.7
(122 reviews)

"The view above is majestic. On the way down, more people started coming in, some with kids in tow. Highly advisable to come very early."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast! Aim for before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot .

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The summit has no shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your hike .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Glass House Mountains and beyond. Perfect for sunrise or sunset.

The 'Cave' Overhang

The 'Cave' Overhang

Along the track

A unique rock formation offering a cool spot to rest and admire the surrounding landscape.

Well-Maintained Track

Well-Maintained Track

The entire trail

Enjoy a clear, often fenced path with many stairs, making it accessible for most fitness levels.

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Go Early!

The Mount Ngungun Summit Track is incredibly popular, especially on weekends. Arrive before 8 AM to secure parking and enjoy a more peaceful ascent. Many visitors recommend an early start to avoid the midday heat and crowds.Reddit

Kid-Friendly & Rewarding Hike

This track is a fantastic choice for families, offering stunning views with a manageable effort. While some apps list it as 'hard,' most agree it's an easy to moderate hike, perfect for introducing kids to mountain trails.Reddit

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Beat crowds & heat
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Mid-week
Why
Quieter experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

You gotta check out this spot!! 🥾⛰️ #hike #goldcoast #brisbane #waterfall #thingstodo #PlacesToVisit
@pieterjohnsen
7K likes • 121K views

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast! Aim for before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The summit has no shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your hike.Reddit

reddit.com

Glasshouse mountains climbing

reddit.com

Best Glass House Mountains hike?

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

No toilets or water sources on the track. Pack enough for your visit.Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

While not overly difficult, good shoes provide stability on the stairs and rocky sections.

reddit.com

Mt ngungun hiking track open or closed?

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Arrive Early for Parking

The car park fills up fast! Aim for before 8 AM on weekends to guarantee a spot.Reddit

☀️ Sun Protection is Key

The summit has no shade. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your hike.Reddit

💧 Bring Water & Snacks

No toilets or water sources on the track. Pack enough for your visit.Reddit

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

While not overly difficult, good shoes provide stability on the stairs and rocky sections.

🐍 Watch for Snakes

Be aware of your surroundings, especially during warmer months. Keep a safe distance.

🔦 Headlamp for Sunset

If staying for sunset, a headlamp is essential for a safe descent.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(122 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Mount Ngungun's stunning panoramic views and its accessibility, calling it a rewarding hike for all ages. While some find the 'hard' rating on apps misleading, most agree it's an easy to moderate climb perfect for families. The main drawbacks are limited parking and the lack of facilities, emphasizing the need for early arrival and preparedness.

"We arrived a little after 5am and the car park is already almost full. This track runs short so we reached the summit after many steep stairs. The view above is majestic. On the way down, more people started coming in, some with kids in tow. Highly advisable to come very early."

Cess

"Love this walk… great views… beautiful ferns, a big cave/overhang, the kids loved it.. views to Coloundra and all around the Glasshouse mountains …"

Bonita Leahy

"Easiest hike ever. For some reason the all trails app / website has its listed as hard. Do not be fooled, this is not a hard hike, people were bringing their toddlers up this hike. It is fenced off pretty much the whole walk up so you want fall, the drops not very steep tho. I would suggest getting there Early as the car park is limited and it gets busy after 10:30.

Also slip, slop, slap because at the top there is no shade, but the trail itself is pretty shaded.

Watch out for snakes.

Good "hike" (had a lot of stairs)"

Alex Croft

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Kid-friendly and accessible
Well-maintained track

What People Dislike

Limited parking
No toilets/water

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Mount Ngungun Summit Track is located in the Glass House Mountains National Park, about an hour's drive north of Brisbane. You can drive directly to the car park. Public transport options are limited; you can take a train to the Glass House Mountains station and then potentially arrange a taxi or rideshare, though this adds significant travel time.Reddit

While trains go to the Glass House Mountains station, direct public transport to the trailhead is not readily available. It's best accessed by car. Some travelers have managed with rideshares, but it's not always reliable.Reddit

Driving is the most practical way to reach Mount Ngungun for sunrise. Ensure your car's GPS is set to the Mount Ngungun Summit Track car park. Be aware that the car park can fill up very early, even for sunrise.

Currently, there are no parking fees for the Mount Ngungun Summit Track car park. However, it's important to note that parking is limited and can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak times.

It's challenging but possible. You can take a train to the Glass House Mountains station and then attempt to get a taxi or rideshare to the trailhead. This will significantly increase your travel time and may require pre-booking transport.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Mount Ngungun and its summit track is free. There are no tickets or admission fees required to access the national park or hike the trail.Reddit

Mount Ngungun is open 24/7 as it's part of a national park. However, it's highly recommended to hike during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Sunrise and sunset hikes are popular but require a headlamp for the descent.Reddit

Yes, the Mount Ngungun Summit Track is fully open. While some rock climbing areas in the Glass House Mountains may have had temporary closures, the hiking trails, including Ngungun, are accessible.Reddit

No, there's no need to book a time slot. Mount Ngungun is a free-access national park. However, due to its popularity, arriving early is the best strategy to ensure you can park and enjoy the hike without excessive crowds.

Pets are not allowed on the Mount Ngungun track. Otherwise, access is generally open to hikers. Be mindful of park regulations and any temporary alerts issued by Queensland National Parks.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike to the summit and back typically takes 40-50 minutes, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the top. It's considered a relatively short but rewarding hike.Reddit

Most visitors describe Mount Ngungun as an easy to moderate hike. It involves a lot of stairs and some rocky sections, but it's well-maintained and suitable for families and beginners.Reddit

The summit offers spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Glass House Mountains, including Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah, as well as views towards the coast.Reddit

Yes, Mount Ngungun is generally considered safe for solo female hikers because it's a popular track with many people around, including families and other hikers. You'll often see other solo hikers there.Reddit

No, there are no toilets or water sources available at the Mount Ngungun trailhead or along the track. It's essential to bring your own water and use facilities before you arrive.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no food or dining facilities directly at Mount Ngungun. You'll need to bring your own snacks and drinks for the hike. The nearest towns, like Glass House Mountains or Beerwah, offer cafes and restaurants.

You can bring a picnic to enjoy at the summit or at the base near the car park. Remember to pack out all your rubbish to keep the area clean. There are no designated picnic tables, so a picnic blanket is a good idea.

It's recommended to bring at least one liter of water per person, especially on warmer days. Pack easy-to-eat snacks like trail mix, fruit, or energy bars. Ensure you have a bag to carry out all your waste.

The town of Glass House Mountains, just a short drive away, has several cafes and bakeries. For more options, you can head to Beerwah or Caloundra, which offer a wider range of dining experiences.

Absolutely not. It's crucial to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles. Pack out everything you pack in, including all food wrappers, fruit peels, and any other waste, to preserve the natural beauty of the park.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography, with golden hues casting over the Glass House Mountains. Midday can be harsh, but the panoramic views are still impressive.Reddit

You can capture stunning landscape shots of the Glass House Mountains, panoramic summit views, interesting rock formations like the 'cave,' and candid shots of fellow hikers enjoying the scenery.

No, a smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing great photos. However, if you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens, you can get even more expansive landscape shots.

The summit itself provides the best overall vantage point. The 'cave' overhang also offers unique framing opportunities. Look for interesting rock textures and the winding path as you ascend.

It can be challenging during peak times. Arriving early or visiting mid-week will significantly reduce crowds, making it easier to compose your shots. Be patient and wait for moments when people move through.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mount Ngungun is an excellent choice for families. The track is well-maintained with many stairs, making it manageable for children aged 7 and up.Reddit The relatively short duration (40-50 minutes round trip) keeps little legs from getting too tired. The summit views are a huge hit with kids, offering a sense of accomplishment and a fantastic backdrop for photos. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the mountain.Reddit The 'cave' overhang is also a fun feature for kids to explore.

🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Hikers

For solo travelers and those on a budget, Mount Ngungun is ideal. It's free to access, and the hike itself is rewarding without requiring expensive gear or guides.Reddit The track is popular and generally busy, making it feel safe for solo hikers, especially during daylight hours.Reddit While public transport is tricky, if you can arrange a rideshare or are comfortable with a longer journey from the train station, it's a feasible option. The main costs will be fuel if driving or transport fares.

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Chasers

If you're aiming for the 'golden hour,' Mount Ngungun is a prime spot. The summit provides unobstructed views perfect for capturing stunning sunrise or sunset photos.Reddit Be prepared for cooler temperatures and ensure you have a reliable headlamp or torch for your descent, as the track can be tricky in the dark.Reddit Arriving very early for sunrise or staying a bit later for sunset is crucial to avoid the midday crowds and experience the mountains in their most beautiful light.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mount Ngungun Experience: What to Expect

The Mount Ngungun Summit Track is a popular choice for hikers visiting the Glass House Mountains National Park, offering a fantastic balance of accessibility and rewarding views. Unlike some of its more challenging neighbors, Ngungun is known for being a relatively easy hike, making it ideal for families and those new to mountain climbing.Reddit The track itself is well-maintained, featuring a significant number of stairs that lead you steadily towards the summit. This clear path ensures you can focus on the stunning scenery unfolding around you, rather than navigating difficult terrain.

Upon reaching the summit, you're greeted with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. This is where the real magic happens – you can see the distinct shapes of other Glass House Mountains like Tibrogargan and Beerwah, and on a clear day, even catch glimpses of the coastline. Many visitors spend 10-20 minutes at the top soaking in the scenery.Reddit There's also a notable rock overhang, often referred to as a 'cave,' which provides a unique spot for photos and a brief respite. The entire experience, from start to finish, typically takes around 40-50 minutes, making it a perfect addition to a day trip from Brisbane.Reddit

Navigating the Glass House Mountains: Ngungun vs. Others

When exploring the Glass House Mountains, Mount Ngungun stands out as a prime recommendation for its accessibility and impressive views. Many Redditors suggest it as the best starting point for those new to the area or looking for a less strenuous climb than peaks like Tibrogargan or Beerwah.Reddit While Beerwah offers challenging climbs and expansive views, it's often described as significantly harder and can be slippery after rain.Reddit Tibrogargan, while rewarding, is a more demanding climb and is strongly advised against for solo ascents.Reddit

Mount Beerburrum is another option, but some find its views compromised by the fire tower and nearby train station, detracting from the wilderness feel.Reddit Wild Horse Mountain is considered too short to be a proper hike. Coochin and Tibberwuccum are pleasant but less rewarding in terms of length and views compared to Ngungun. Therefore, for a hike that offers a great payoff for effort, with well-maintained trails and stunning vistas, Mount Ngungun is consistently recommended as the top choice for a rewarding, yet manageable, Glass House Mountains experience.Reddit

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