Review: Glass on Glasshouse in the Glass House Mountains

For a short getaway to the serene Glass House Mountains National Park, these stunning units at Glass on Glasshouse were a great choice. They offered all the comfort and facilities we needed in a peaceful, natural and adults-only environment.

As we drove through the Sunshine Coast the cragged Glass House mountains loomed up around us.  It's not much more than an hours drive from Brisbane but the relaxation started almost immediately.  To get a perspective on the mountains, our destination for the next couple of days, we detoured off to Wild Horse Mountain.  

The walk is only 1.4 km return but the first 700m is straight up on a smooth path, no weaving and circling the hillside just a short sharp climb.  My calves were burning a little by the time we reached the lookout but being to the east of the main mountain group we were rewarded with fabulous views.  

The outlook isn't only to the rest of the Glasshouse mountains but out towards the coast, Pumicestone Passage and enormous tracts of forestry in all directions.  On a clear day, you can see as far as Morton Island and Brisbane city.

With the layout then fixed in our minds we continued our drive seeking out interesting perspectives on the peaks and spots to explore.  We passed through the township of Beerburrum and it was only a few kilometres from there until we start a steady ascent surrounded by nature, the Glasshouse Mountains National Park on one side and Beerburrum State Forest on the other.

After several more detours and a delicious lunch with sweeping views at the Lookout Cafe, we arrived at our destination.  We stayed at Glass on Glasshouse, a 'Glamping' experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.  

It was our first introduction to the world of glamping and while I had some idea of what the term might mean I was in for some surprises too.  The general concept of glamping is getting out into nature, like camping but with a degree of luxe and comfort.  Glamping experiences range from high-end tents to yurts, tree houses and eco-pods.  Others are cabins and nature lodges in spectacular natural settings with all the comforts of home and more.

Like most things in life glamping fits on a spectrum and it became clear very quickly that our glamping initiation was going to be hitting the heights of glam plus the best nature can offer with its location, views and wildlife.  At the top of the driveway, a flock of 10 yellow-tailed black cockatoos caused a ruckus as they flew overhead.  

As we approach our Glasshouse pod we could see kangaroos resting on the grass bank, a king parrot sitting on a tree off our deck and a chorus of birdsong surrounds us.  We love to get out in nature, we hike and get so much enjoyment from seeing the wildlife in its natural habitat but the body isn't really up for a sleeping bag on the ground anymore and canned food has very little appeal so the concept of glamping has a definite attraction.

You know what they say about people in glass houses ...

The accommodation is really something special.  There are only three units and while I believe they were at full occupancy we didn't see any other guests the whole time we were there.  The spacing and positioning on the property maximise the view and also your total privacy.  

The architecturally designed pods as they call them are open plan with two full walls made of glass which incorporate louvre windows that open to allow airflow to keep the inside cool in summer.  The floor to ceiling windows give incredible views from the living space, bedroom and bathroom.

The bathroom is a feature in itself with a huge free-standing spa bath that looks out to the mountain peaks beyond.  As an added novelty the bath fills from the ceiling keeping plumbing out of sight and continuing the feeling of space and minimalism.

The pods are fully self-contained and come with an integrated galley style kitchen that uses minimal space but has everything you need.  It's stocked with the cooking basics like oil and seasonings and all the makings for a lavish breakfast.  A variety of bread, bacon and eggs, cereal, yoghurt and fresh fruit are all supplied.  There's a jug of milk, butter and gorgeous hand-made chocolate each for an evening treat.

With a drink in hand, the deck is the perfect spot to relax close to the wildlife, we could watch kangaroo from there and an impressive variety of birdlife.  It's set up with a table and chairs for relaxing or dining and an electric BBQ if you prefer to cook outdoors as we do.

All in all, it was a super comfortable space, we loved the feeling of being truly alone in the natural surroundings.  There's no reason to shut the blinds and it is such a treat to wake up to the peaceful bird song and gentle light touching the mountains beyond your window.

Our thoughts on glamping in the Glasshouse Mountains

We loved our introduction to glamping, the property and the surrounding area provide so many options to spend your day.  Whether you want to hike the trails, scramble to the top of the more rugged peaks, savour the views from the lookouts or simply relax in nature in the beautiful surroundings.  There are options to eat local at the Lookout cafe or venture further afield to Maleny and Montville in the nearby Blackall ranges.  Small towns in the Glasshouse Mountains offer other meal options or it's only a 25-minute drive to Caloundra if you want to spend some time by the sea.

I can definitely see more glamping in our future, the serenity and relaxation that comes with time out in nature with all the comforts of home have a lot of attraction!

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