Rising to New Heights: Exploring Glasshouse Mountains National Park

Trip #12

Forecast shifted. Cold and wet now dry, warmer, but windy. We hopped in the Wotpod, headed North for Caboolture, gateway to Glasshouse Mountains trails.

Mountain peaks spring abruptly from the ground, towering with awe-inspiring height

• Caboolture Showground
• Starry Night
• Glasshouse Mountains
• Steep Climb to lookouts
• Markets
• Rail Trail

A simple setup at the showground. The portable fireplace came out at dusk.

Camping at Caboolture Showground. Tents pitched, fires crackling. Night sky, a blanket of stars. Smell of smoke and nature. But then, the sound of trains, roaring through the night, piercing the stillness. Sleep interrupted, but only briefly. Morning, birds singing, a new day of adventure ahead.

Each evening, my night sky photography improves, capturing the raw beauty of the stars with growing proficiency. A view of the galactic centre, between Scorpius and Sagitta, also known as “The Dark Emu”

At Caboolture Showground, people gathered for more than just camping. Horse people arrived with their equine companions, ready for competition. The sounds of hooves echoed through the grounds, as riders put their horses through their paces. Tension and excitement filled the air as they prepared for the show. Even at night, the horses remained restless, snorting and neighing, their energy palpable. The horse people, a tight-knit community, shared their passion for these magnificent animals, forming bonds that extended far beyond the showground.

View north from Jack Ferris Lookout.

Glasshouse Mountains, rising high, a natural wonder. Rocks, jagged and imposing, jutting out from the earth. Shadows, cast by the sun, danced across the peaks.

Trails, winding and treacherous, leading to the summit. The air, crisp and clean, filling the lungs with each breath. From atop, a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stretching out to the horizon.

For those brave enough to climb, a sense of accomplishment and freedom, for few sights can match the beauty of the Glasshouse Mountains.

From higher up, a new view of the Glasshouse Mountains reveals itself, this time from the East, casting a new light on their rugged beauty.

The showground in Caboolture comes alive on Sunday mornings, with a lively and eclectic mix of vendors and visitors. Amidst the hustle and bustle, you’ll find hardworking farmers and passionate horse lovers sharing their expertise and products. However, it’s unfortunate that the coffee falls short of expectations, leaving visitors disappointed. (Not as disappointed as coffee from the lookout cafe, but almost). Despite this setback, the showground remains a unique and enjoyable experience, offering an abundance of plants, fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and horse gear to explore. It’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate their shared interests, with locals proudly displaying their big cars, from pickup trucks to SUVs. While the lack of a good cup of coffee may leave some feeling let down, the lively atmosphere and sense of community make the Sunday morning markets in Caboolture worth the visit.

It’s unfortunate that the coffee falls short of expectations, leaving visitors disappointed.

The Bracalba trail, a 12.2-km out-and-back route near Queensland. Moderately challenging, it takes an average of 3 hours and 12 minutes to complete. A place for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but also for those seeking solitude during quieter moments. Amidst the mixed eucalypt bushland and rainforest, a shared-use trail follows the Old Wamuran rail trail, meandering through dense understory and small creeks. With a little variation, the trail can become a loop, leading back through the Glass House Mountains National Park. An adventure for those seeking a true taste of Queensland’s natural beauty.

Amidst the remnants of the rainforest lies a beautiful 12.5 km trail, meandering through the lush foliage, echoing with the sweet melody of birdsong.

Two more nights passed, bringing the total number of nights to 38, each one a unique experience etched into memory with the passage of time.