Mount Tibrogargan could easily claim the tag of Sunshine Coast's best natural workout. The 364m track is no walk through the park, even if it is technically in national park land. This is a climb, you will need your hands, some good leg muscles and a decent level of fitness to make it to the top. With it's ape-like appearance, Tibrogargan is easily the most recognised of the Glass House Mountains.
Give it an hour, or two, and you'll be on top of Mount Tibrogargan
Tibrogargan is an Aboriginal word believed to mean 'biting grey glider'. Like the other Glass House Mountain peaks, the mountain is held sacred by Aboriginal people. It also has to be the most exciting and adventurous climb of the
Glass House Mountains. This is the ultimate adventure for any weekend warrior. Let's get one thing clear -
you need to be prepared for this. Good footwear, good sunscreen, plenty of water. This isn't a gentle, elevated stroll up a mountain. You'll be dripping sweat by the time you get back to base.
The view from the top. Totally worth it.
The start of the walk is tough, but you ain't seen nothing yet. The path, made mostly of loose rocks, winds up until you come to your first major hurdle - the cliff face. I saw a few people reach this point and just turn around, and I don't blame them. I myself was taken back quite a bit in the massive jump in expertise suddenly required to climb this mountain. However, this is where the real fun begins.
The climb is only just beginning.
One handy tip I can pass on is for you to keep an eye out for the red markers. They're single stripes, easier to stop when coming down than going up I experienced. They plot out the best path to take. Believe me, you'll need them. I saw a couple of people climb up the wrong way, realise the error of their ways, before backtracking slightly.
Be careful with the climb up, and down.
Take your time with this, take it one hand and one foot at a time. There have been
cases in the past when people have slipped and fell, sometime injuring themselves badly. Once you're up there, it may seem daunting, but you'll realise there's nothing to worry about. Just be careful, watch your steps and you'll make it.
The view down is great, but make sure you watch your footing.
One thing running through my mind on the climb up was how on earth I'd make it back down after. The climb up was long and exhausting, I couldn't imagine how we'd go coming back down. I came across plenty of climbers making it down. There's a couple of different methods, the easiest I found is best described as a crab walk, it might make it easier for you to see where you are going.
It's the best and cheapest workout you could ask for.
For all that hard work, there is a marvellous reward to greet you at the top. The mountain peak is beautiful. You'll have great views of the Sunshine Coast and out to Moreton Bay. Spin around and you'll have a wonderful view of the other Glass House Mountains as well, including
Mt Ngungun and
Mt Beerburrum.
Just a snippet of the view from the top
When you reach the bottom, enjoy a meal on one of the picnic tables.
