Beerwah

Get close to nature, explore lush forest reserves and glimpse native wildlife when you visit this relaxed mountain village.

Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, magnificent surroundings and a network of nature trails in Beerwah, one of the larger towns in the Glass House Mountains area. Beerwah’s biggest attraction is the beauty and majesty of the Glass House Mountains, but it is also home to exciting theme parks, including the famous Australia Zoo.

The name Beerwah comes from the Aboriginal Kabi word birrawaman, which is an abbreviation of the word birra-wandum where birra means “sky” and wandum means “climbing up”. With spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains, it’s easy to see how the town earned its name. If you are an experienced climber, tackle the challenging Mount Beerwah, the largest of the Glass House Mountains. From its summit, relish the stunning panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast.

Venture into the Beerburrum State Forest and the Beerwah State Forest. These extend north from Caboolture to Caloundra and from Pumicestone Passage west to Woodford. Take one of the short walks through exotic pine plantations and open eucalypt forests. Try to identify the changes in vegetation as you move through remnants of rainforest and and pockets of coastal wallum country. Wallum is characterised by shrubland and heath where wildflowers and the beautiful banksia grow.

You can also go four-wheel driving, trail biking or horse riding along the established forest roads. Experience the outdoors with a camping trip at Coochin Creek. This mangrove-lined creek is a great place to fish or explore in a canoe. The creek flows into the sheltered waters of Pumicestone Passage and into Moreton Bay Marine Park. The Coochin Creek camping area includes communal fire rings and sites for tents, camper trailers and caravans.

Set aside a full day to enjoy Australia Zoo. Established in 1970, Australia Zoo was brought to fame by the late wildlife enthusiast Steve Irwin. Australia Zoo features dozens of open enclosures filled with remarkable wildlife and spread throughout native bushland. Experience the one-of-a-kind crocodile show made famous by the Crocodile Hunter himself, Steve Irwin.

Beerwah is located about 70 kilometres (43 miles) north of Brisbane along the Bruce Highway. Only a short drive from the Sunshine Coast, Beerwah is the perfect spot to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast Hinterland where you will find the charming towns of Maleny and Montville.