Wild Horse Mountain Lookout is along the Bruce Hwy north of Brisbane and one of thirteen mountains in the Glass House Mountains, the second shortest of the group of mountains at 123 metres.
The 700-metre walk from the parking area to the lookout tower, 1.4km return, is the most accessible of the Glass House Mountains. It is one of two with sealed paths to the top, the other being Beerburrum Lookout , although it is quite steep up the concrete path with the steepest section as you get closer to the top.
It isn’t as steep as climbing up the 278-metre high Mount Beerburrum and it isn’t as long, which is why Wild Horse Mountain is the easier of the two to climb. If you have been to Mount Beerburrum, you will understand how much easier Wild Horse is to climb.
There were a few people walking their dogs up to the tower and back. We were not sure if dogs were permitted here or not so we left our dog at home. There are no signs prohibiting dogs and with others walking their dogs there, we will bring our fur baby with us next time.
The lookout offers different viewing at various times of the day. Our first visit in 2017, was late afternoon and managed to see the sun setting behind the Glasshouse Mountains. In 2021, we were there early afternoon so we had more light displaying the greens of the forests and mountains. We want to come again in the morning to get the sun shining more directly onto the mountains.
The tower has some information to read and views in 360 degrees, 123 metres above sea level. When it is clear you can see Brisbane, Redcliffe, Moreton Island, Bribie Island, and more.
The glasshouse mountains set a nice horizon to the west of Wild Horse Mountain with many of the peaks viewable, including Mt Beerburrum , Mt Tibrogargan, Mt Coonowrin , and Mt Ngungun .
We went there late in the afternoon, and the air was hazy so it wasn’t a good day for great photos. The mosquitos thought it was a great time to be out and swarmed us, so if you are going around dusk insect repellent is highly recommended. A bottle of water would be a good idea too, even though it is a fairly short walk the steepness makes it more tiring.
To Get There
Exit the Bruce Hwy where the Shell service stations are north of the Steve Erwin Way exit. Turn at the brown sign into Johnston Rd. If coming from the south, you will cross over the highway. Continue to Wild House Rd, turning right following the park sign. When you reach the parking area there will be another park sign. The walking track starts at the back of the parking area toward the right-hand side.
When you arrive at the parking area, the sign pointing left for parking can be a little misleading, don’t continue along the road to look for parking, you have already arrived. If you end up on a dirt road you have gone too far.