These ancient volcanic crags have always intrigued people, from the Kabi Aborigines, who wove legends around their craggy shapes, to Cook, who gave them their present name as he was sailing by in 1770 – and children in the back seat today still peer to see the glowering face hidden in hulking Tibrogargan’s pitted scarp. Glass House Mountains National Park protects eight of the peaks, along with rare plants, animals and birds. To find a picnic site with close-up views, you can detour through the townships of Beerburrum, Glass House Mountains, Beerwah and Landsborough, or take the Beerburrum Forest Drive through Beerburrum State Forest and Forest Reserve. These little townships are ideal places to buy provisions for a hike, or refreshments on your return. A longer stay at one of the comfortable B&Bs, motels or tourist parks with campsites and cabins will allow you to explore at your leisure. For unusual perspectives, check out the views from Glass House Mountains Lookout on the forest drive and Wild Horse Mountain Lookout east of the Bruce Highway. As you pass the Glass House Mountains and continue up the Bruce Highway, look out for the iconic Ettamogah Pub and Aussie World - for all things Aussie!

Beerburrum

Nestled among pineapple plantations and other small-crop farms is the township of Beerburrum, on Steve Irwin Way. At the start of Beerburrum Forest Drive, you can climb the track to Beerburrum Mountain Lookout, where the fire tower provides spectacular views.

Glass House Mountains township

South of the township of Glass House Mountains is Matthew Flinders Park and the turnoff to the main Glass House Mountains Lookout, which has unsurpassed views of these remarkable weathered volcanoes and the surrounding farms and forests. Take off on one of the area’s walking trails to experience the allure of these mountains. The newest, the ‘Tibrogargan Circuit’, offers completely new viewing aspects.

Beerwah

Beerwah, on Steve Irwin Way, has splendid views of the 13 spectacular volcanic plugs that rise abruptly from the pine plantations and pineapple farms of the surrounding countryside. The town takes its name from one of the peaks. Between Beerwah and Landsborough is Australia Zoo, renowned for the exploits of TV’s famous ‘Crocodile Hunter’, the late Steve Irwin. Get as close as you dare when the ravenous crocodiles are fed, and visit the new exhibits, including elephants, tigers and cheetahs.

Landsborough

This historic town, named after explorer William Landsborough, was once a Cobb & Co. staging post. While you’re here, step inside the old Landsborough Hotel opposite the railway station to experience living history. And don’t miss the superb Landsborough Museum; it has over 4000 exhibits portraying local pioneer life and a magnificent mural showing the story of the Sunshine Coast. North of Landsborough towards the Bruce Highway is the Big Kart Track, and on the Maleny Road you’ll find De Maine Pottery and Gallery, home of renowned ceramicist Johanna De Maine.

Mooloolah

A pleasant sidetrack off Steve Irwin Way leads to the peaceful country town of Mooloolah. Here the Diamond Valley winds to the start of the Mooloolah River and makes for great horse-riding. You can take a walk into Dularcha National Park between Mooloolah and Landsborough, where an old railway tunnel is home to a bat colony, or enjoy a picnic under the trees in Ewen Maddock Park and then take one of the tracks to explore Ewen Maddock Dam.