Mount Tibrogargan

This climb is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Note that I used the word climb - not hike or walk - because this 100% involves climbing and shouldn't be undertaken lightly.

You will need your hands, some good leg muscles  - not to mention shoes with good grip - and a decent level of fitness to make it to the top.

That said, if you are fit and healthy and not too afraid of heights, the views at the top of Mt Tibrogargan make it worth the effort.

The mountain isn't the highest in the world, standing at just 364m above sea level, but it sure is steep! You can think of it as less hike and more a rock climb without a rope.

You do get to ease into this workout though, starting on the Tibrogargan circuit track, winding through the bush. If you don't want to make the climb, this 3.3km walk is a great alternative and does offer some nice vistas of the surrounding Glasshouse Mountains area in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

After you pass the Mountain View Lookout just under a kilometre from the main carpark, you will see several signs assuring you this is a dangerous path if you choose to continue on the uphill slog.

If there is one thing I can't recommend enough at this point, is to come prepared with plenty of water - preferably in hands-free form as you will be busy clinging to the side of the rock.

Unfortunately for those fearing heights, the hardest part of the climb actually is the very first section and quite a few people turn back at this point or at the top of it.

The way to get through this is to take your time and not worry about the people behind you or those rushing to come down. There are plenty of handholds and foot placements. Also - don't look down.

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 but I spent plenty of time on the top enjoying the view, hydrating and catching my breath.

For all that hard work, there is an amazing reward to greet you at the top - you feel like you are on top of the world! On the day we climbed, I could see all the way to Brisbane but the real stars are the unique shapes of neighbouring Mt Ngungun and Mt Beerburrum.

It took us just over an hour to make it to the top and a little longer to get down (safety first!) and felt we had earned everything we ate for the rest of the day!

The next day by arms and legs were still telling me I had done an epic workout... I will be back to visit some of the other climbs you can do in the area.