Mt Elimbah (The Saddleback)

GPS Tracks

At only 120m high this is an easy climb to the top of one of the two most southerly of the Glass House Mountains. The terrain is mostly rocks with grass or dense bush but has a surprisingly good 360° view from the top.

Lookouts

Scrambling or Climbing

No Dogs Permitted

No Camping Permitted

Eucalypt Forest

120m

Maximum Elevation

70m

Total Climb

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Tick Walk

Getting there:

Take the Steve Irwin Way from the Bruce Highway to the Beerburrum. Take the Beerburrum Road south to Elimbah, where you turn right into Smiths Road, then right into Old Gympie Road. At approx number 799 Old Gympie Road is a small entrance to the right into the National Park car park. National Park sign is off the road, tend to spot it as you drive past, if you get to the unsealed road you've gone too far. Map to the car park

Maps:

None found.

Route/Trail notes:

From the car park gate the trail winds around towards the mountain for 100 metres to a fork in the track which goes either way around the mountain. However, neither of these tracks go all the way around. You then have two options:

Take the left hand track (2.8km return) and followed it for about 600m crossing two creeks/gullies. Just beyond this the track turns sharp left and it is from here you head right through the open grass area towards the mountain. There are heaps of Wallaby tracks, but no defined walking tracks, so the best way is to head straight to the summit and work out the best way as you go.

Take the right hand track (1.7km return) and after 400m you will see the 'pink flagged' (also a white arrow on a tree) entrance to the ascent. This track is now well marked and defined and takes you directly to the top.

In both cases there is a requirement to negotiate the boulders and rocks and would require great care when wet.

Additional note June 2020: I'm leaving the description of two options from respect for whoever first wrote it, maybe it was a while ago and the area has become overgrown since. However I agree with various comments that the left hand track is of no use. It leads firstly to a locked gate, from which a pair of wheel tracks to the right follow a barbed wire fence to end at another locked gate. I saw no open grass areas and no view of the mountain to aim for. Take the right hand track, it is a clear path to the top.

Permits/Costs:

None.

Other References/Comments:

Kill two birds with one stone and climb Mt Miketeebumulgrai on the same day as it is just 6km up the road.

GPS Tracks

Comments

Carpark easyish to shoot past if not paying attention as it's recessed into the forest. Google Maps also lists the creek as Six Mile Creek, not Five Mile Creek (in case of confusion).

From carpark went through gate and after 60m took trail on left. After around 400m I crossed a small creek that is barely noticeable. From this point on ascending at any time to the right will take you to the summit, although in general the earlier you ascend the more rocky and difficult the ascent will be, so adjust appropriately.

From the access trail I waited another 250 - 300m or so beyond first creek until crossing another more notable creek where the path sharply turns to the left (north), directly away from the mountain (and within another 150m towards a fence and gate). Just where the trail turns to the left, I turned to the right (south) towards the mountain and began ascent through long thick grass. Ascent from this point was pretty easy, especially when heading for the lower (western) ridge that sits just below the summit on its right. A goat trail leads directly from ridge to summit, about 50m length.
MDWL on 20 Mar, 2016

Directions are easy to follow I took the left track and found a somewhat clear grassy area to begin my bush bash up the mountain. I would suggest not wearing shorts and a singlet, as I got cuts and scratches everywhere. On the return trip I decided I'd try going down the opposite side closer to where I parked my car, again you really have to forge your own track. Despite being ill prepared, the views were very rewarding, and I felt like a true explorer!
courtlalala on 7 Jan, 2016

From the car park walked through the gate and followed the fire management trail to a fork. Took the right track which ascended gradually to an open slab. The track continued up steeply to a cliff face then followed the base of the cliff to the right before ascending a ramp to a ridge. Turn right at this ridge and follow to the summit. Return via same route.Note on day of walk it was noticed that a flood of 1 metre deep at the National Park sign had been through the area and was fast flowing judging by the appearance of the vegetation.
GlasshouseBW on 31 May, 2015

Great little adventure this one! Followed the left track, found a sort of grassy area and made my way direct. Came across a crag and moved to the right and reached the summit nicely. Part of my 7 summits in one day challenge :D
dalehikes on 12 Apr, 2015

I took right hand track and followed it right past the mountain to a locked gate where I veered sharp left and made my way up the south western flank. No track and scrub is quite thick in places but relatively straightforward climb to summit. Descended via northern face but had to keep veering east to avoid a cliff face. Rejoined fire management track and back to car park. 1.8km return, 44 minutes, elevation gain 70 metres.
Grumps on 31 Jan, 2014

Took the left hand fork of the main track.
Found no visible tracks up through the bush towards the mountain so eventually picked a spot and headed towards it.
The bush was quite thick and the going was slow.
Eventually came to some steeper rocky sections that required scrambling but was quite an easy climb to the top.
Lots of loose rocks underfoot!
Greg on 28 Jul, 2013