The Mount Ngungun walk in the Glass House Mountains National Park offers a lot of bang for your buck. By that, I mean it’s less than 1.5 kilometres to the summit for the most amazing 360-degree views of the peaks of Mount Tibrogargan, Mount Coonowrin and Mount Beerwah. I always feel like I’ve done the perfect amount of exercise when I do this hike as although it’s steep in spots, it’s not too over the top. In fact, you can even do this one with kids.
Everything you need to know about this fantastic walk
Where is the Mount Ngungun Walk?
Mount Ngungun is found in the Glass House Mountains National Park in the Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. It’s around 80km south of Brisbane City and if you were to use Google Maps, you would find the trailhead under “Mount Ngungun summit track carpark”.
Alternatively, make your way to the Glass House Mountains via Steve Irwin Way. Once you hit the town, turn onto Burgess Street, then left onto Coonowrin Road and finally a right onto Fullertons Road. The carpark is well-signed and can be found around 1.2km along Fullertons Road.
Good news! The carpark is free. Also, it’s not too far from Australia zoo so it’s worth spending a few days in the area.
How do I pronounce Ngungun?
The jury seems to be out on this one. Some people say “noonoo”, others say “gungun” and others say “nungen”. I haven’t been able to get an official answer yet.
Important stats on the Mount Ngungun Walk
- Length: 2.8km return – allow around 2 hours (approximately 45 minutes to the top)
- Height: 253 metres above sea level
- Difficulty: Grade 4 track
What to expect on the Mount Ngungun Walk
The Mount Ngungun Walk is a return hike that follows the same track down. Once you’ve reached the summit you can expect amazing views of the surrounding mountain peaks and hinterlands. Many people carry some snacks for a mini-picnic once they reach the top and you can usually find a rock to sit on.
Don’t forget your camera!
The hike is mainly through open forest with a lot of ferny undergrowth, particularly at the beginning of the hike. It’s quite a nice landscape and you won’t be disappointed, although it pays to spray on a bit of bug spray before you head out.
A cave can be spotted at around the halfway point and although you used to be able to access it, it has since been fenced off to preserve the environment. It’s pretty cool either way!
The majority of the hike is on well-trodden rocks and dirt so good footwear is essential. The track is known to be very slippery in the rain and although the path is steep in spots, it’s not too difficult a hike. Kids can do this hike although there are steep drop-offs so you will need to keep them very close at times, particularly at the summit.
Some sections feature rock stairs (hello thigh burn) and once you reach the summit, you can choose to view it from where the track spits you out, or rock hop across the narrow ridgeline for better views.
Are there toilets and facilities?
No there are none. Make sure you go to the toilet before you leave and carry enough water and snacks for your hike. Mobile phone reception is reasonable.
Best time to do the Mount Ngungun Walk
Most definitely sunrise and sunset for the views. If I had to choose one, I would choose sunset. However, if you do go at sunset, bring a decent torch for the hike back down. It’s best to head out early on the weekends as it can get hot in the warmer months and it’s a popular track. The fewer people when you hike, the more chance you have of getting a good spot at the top!
It’s not recommended you do this walk in the rain due to the slippery rocks and steep drop-offs. I got caught out once on the return journey and it was quite slippery which was a bit of a challenge as I was wearing a toddler at the time.
Where can I find a Mount Ngungun trail map?
Queensland National Parks have a simple trail map although don’t rely on the map to be exact. There is good signage on the Mount Ngungun walk and the track is really obvious so you won’t actually need to follow it.
Are dogs allowed on the Mount Ngungun walk?
No. Dogs are not allowed as it’s a national park.
The verdict on the Mount Ngungun walk
This is one of my favourite hikes to do on the Sunshine Coast as it’s short, appropriately challenging without being too difficult and the rewarding views at the top are amazing. It’s also a good hike for kids in that it’s challenging but not too long.
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