If you’re looking for one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast, Mt Ngungun should be right at the top of your list.
Located in the heart of the spectacular Glass House Mountains National Park, Mt Ngungun is one of the region’s most popular hikes and for good reason! The trail is relatively short, suitable for most fitness levels, and rewards you with breathtaking 360-degree views over the iconic volcanic peaks that make this part of the Queensland coast so unique.
I’ve hiked Mt Ngungun several times over the years, and it’s one of my favorite walks of all time. Whether you’re tackling it at sunrise, on a crisp winter morning, or as part of a day exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, it’s a hike that’s well worth adding to your itinerary.
Top Tours on the Sunshine Coast:
– Noosa Heads: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Sunshine Coast
– Noosa; Noosa Ocean Adventures – Whale Watching
– From Noosa: K’gari (Fraser Island) Small-Group Tour
– TreeTop Challenge
– Australia Zoo Tickets & Transfer
Where to stay at Caloundra
Budget: Pelican Waters Golf Resort Sunshine Coast
Mid-Range: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Luxury: Pumicestone Blue
Mt Ngungun Hike at a Glance
| Distance: | 2.8 km return |
| Time: | 1–1.5 hours |
| Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Elevation Gain: | Approximately 250 metres |
| Location: | Glass House Mountains National Park |
| Suitable for: | Most fitness levels |
Where is Mt Ngungun?
Mt Ngungun is located in the Glass House Mountains National Park, approximately:
- 40 minutes from Mooloolaba
- 45 minutes from Noosa
- 1 hour from Brisbane
The trailhead is easy to find and has a dedicated car park, making it a perfect half-day trip from anywhere on the Sunshine Coast.
How to Get Around the Sunshine Coast
Having a rental car on the Sunshine Coast gives you total freedom especially if you’re planning to explore spots like Noosa National Park, and the Glass House Mountains, or nearby coastal towns.
About the Glass House Mountains
Before you start hiking, it’s worth appreciating just how unique this landscape is. The Glass House Mountains are a collection of ancient volcanic plugs that formed over 25 million years ago. As the surrounding softer rock gradually eroded away, these dramatic peaks were left standing above the surrounding landscape.
The mountains are also deeply significant to the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) Peoples, the Traditional Owners of the region, who have cared for this Country for thousands of years. The peaks feature prominently in local Dreaming stories and continue to hold great cultural and spiritual importance.
Today, the Glass House Mountains are one of Queensland’s most recognisable natural landmarks and are a favourite destination for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.
About The Mt Ngungun Hike
The walk begins gently through open eucalyptus forest before gradually climbing towards the summit. The track is well-maintained, wide, and easy to follow throughout the entire hike, making it one of the most accessible summit walks in the region.
As you gain elevation, the trees begin to thin out and glimpses of the surrounding mountains start appearing through the forest. The final section becomes a little steeper with a few rocky steps as you make it to the summit where insane views await you!
The Summit Views
The summit is undoubtedly the highlight of the hike.
From the top you’ll be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views stretching across the Glass House Mountains, rolling farmland, and all the way to the coastline on a clear day. Standing on the rocky summit, it’s easy to understand why this is one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular hikes. Take your time at the top, bring a snack, soak in the scenery, and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in South East Queensland.
What to Bring
A few essentials will make your hike a smooth one:
- Plenty of water
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Light snack for the summit
If you’re hiking for sunrise or sunset, don’t forget a head torch.
Helpful Tips for Mt Ngungun
After hiking Mt Ngungun a few times, here are a few tips I’d recommend:
- Start early, especially during summer.
- Wear proper walking shoes – the rocky sections near the summit can become slippery.
- Stay on the marked trail.
- Check the weather forecast before you go.
- Leave plenty of time to enjoy the summit views.
- Be respectful of this culturally significant landscape by taking all rubbish with you and staying on designated tracks.
Nearby Places to Visit
Mt Ngungun makes a fantastic half-day adventure, leaving plenty of time to explore more of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland afterwards.
Some nearby places worth visiting include:
- Maleny – Boutique shopping, cafés, and scenic lookouts.
- Montville – A charming hinterland village filled with galleries and artisan stores.
- Australia Zoo – Just a short drive away and perfect if you’re turning your visit into a full weekend. Book tickets in advance here: Australia Zoo Tickets & Transfer
- Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve – A beautiful rainforest reserve with walking trails and stunning views of the Glass House Mountains.
- The Big Pineapple – One of Queensland’s iconic roadside attractions, complete with the TreeTop Challenge high ropes course.
Mt Ngungun is one of my favorite hikes of all time. With its relatively short trail, rewarding summit, and central location, it’s one of the best hikes on the Sunshine Coast and a must-do for anyone visiting the region.
Sunshine Coast Helpful Links
Where to stay at Caloundra
Budget: Pelican Waters Golf Resort Sunshine Coast
Mid-Range: Ramada Resort by Wyndham Golden Beach
Luxury: Pumicestone Blue
Top Tours on the Sunshine Coast:
– Noosa: Afternoon Cruise through the Noosa Everglades
– Noosa Heads: 2 Hour Surf Experience on the Sunshine Coast
– Noosa: Epic Ocean Kayak with Dolphins & 4WD Beach Adventure
– Noosa; Noosa Ocean Adventures – Whale Watching
– From Noosa: K’gari (Fraser Island) Small-Group Tour
– TreeTop Challenge
– Australia Zoo Tickets & Transfer
How to Get Around the Sunshine Coast
While Mooloolaba itself is super walkable, having a rental car on the Sunshine Coast gives you total freedom especially if you’re planning to explore spots like Noosa National Park, and the Glass House Mountains, or nearby coastal towns.
I recommend using discovercars.com to compare prices from multiple providers in one place. It’s an easy way to find the best deal, whether you’re picking up your car at Sunshine Coast Airport or the Brisbane Airport. Having a car makes early-morning national park visits, beach hopping, and chasing sunset viewpoints way easier (and way more relaxed).
👉 Compare rental cars from Brisbane with discovercars.com here
Australia SIM Card: Airalo eSIM
Staying connected in Australia is a must for maps, transport apps, bookings, and Googling “best coffee shops near me” (trust me). I used Airalo, an eSIM app that lets you download an Australian data plan before you even land.
There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards or hunt down a store at the airport. Just activate your eSIM and you’re online the moment you arrive – easy, affordable, and super convenient.
👉 Get your Australian eSIM with Airalo here
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you
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