Glasshouse Mountains Eco Lodge - Queensland - Australia
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The Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge is peaceful and relaxing eco-friendly accommodation.
The remarkable Glasshouse Mountains are a unique series of steep sided volcanic plugs which dominate the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The Glass House Mountains Eco Lodge is an ideal base for exploring the many attractions of the Sunshine Coast and the surrounding area. It is located just 90 minutes north of Brisbane in the heart of the National Heritage listed Glasshouse Mountains.
Features
back to topWildlife & Wildlife Walks
The eco lodge has identified over 80 species of birds on the property. The lodges bird identification book allows you to record your sightings. Binoculars are provided. The library also carries a range of bird and local wildlife books. On the property of the lodge itself there are two walks the "Orchard Walk" which allows you to use the lodges own tropical fruits guidebook to wander amongst the 60 tropical and exotic fruits that have been planted at the eco lodge over the past 20 years. Taste and smell the fruits and nuts in season. The "Bush Tucker Walk" allows you to meander through the regrowth rainforest and creek area. Use the eco lodge self guided bush tucker booklet to discover the different types of native foods and nuts available in the rainforest. National Park Walks are also close by, two of them start 400 metres from the entrance of the Eco lodge. There is a free map of the walks in the region provided by the lodge or you can buy a more detailed book . Take a packed lunch and off you go.
Fraser Island Day Tours
Explore this famous sand dune island by four-wheel drive bus with a great tour guide and enjoy a delicious fresh food lunch. You can take a day tour of Fraser Island returning to the eco lodge the same evening, allowing substantial savings compared to staying overnight at Hervey Bay. (The tour starts early in the morning and advanced bookings are essential).
Whale Watching
Several options to choose from leaving from Mooloolaba or further north from Hervey bay. Check out these awesome and gentle giants of the sea who are just as curious about us as we are about them.
For the Adventurous
The eco lodge adventures include; abseiling, climbing, skydiving, kayaking, or hot air ballooning. (The Ecolodge uses a variety of local operators to conduct these tours. All begin within 30 minutes of the eco lodge and booking in advance is essential).
Mooloolaba Beach on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is famous for its beaches and the lodge is only half an hour drive from many of them. Learn to surf. A great place to take the kids.
Facilities
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No. Rooms9 |
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Sustainable/Ethical Credentials
back to topThe waste management policy
The eco lodge has solar hot water for all guest bathrooms. Water saving devices are installed in all bathrooms and in the kitchen rail carriage where an on demand gas system provides hot water for cooking. The eco lodge is self sufficient in water as they harvest rainwater from 450m² of roof and store it in two 45,000 litre underground storage tanks. The tanks are supplemented by an onsite bore when required. All "grey water" is recycled via an on site commercial grade waste sewerage system and reused on the eco lodge coffee orchard. Low energy lighting is used throughout the property including a series of movement sensitive lights installed in public areas eliminating the need for permanent lighting in car parks and walkways. Composting of all vegetable matter for later use in gardens. Composting of all green trees matter and lawn clippings for use around the orchard. Recycling of all glass, metal and paper into the Sunshine Coast Regional Council waste management system. The eco lodge uses eco-sensitive, non-chemical cleaning agents in guest rooms and public areas. The eco lodge has no television sets or air-conditioning. The eco lodge has its own community vegetable and herb garden and tropical orchard from which guests can help themselves when preparing a meal, this reduces the amount of produce that is brought into the lodge.
Community Commitment
The eco lodge acknowledges the Gubbi Gubbi people as the traditional owners of this area and respect their stories and legends about these sixteen peaks that make up the Glasshouse Mountains area. Information is given with respect, authenticity and sensitivity to the traditional owners.
The eco lodge used 26 local contractors and suppliers of goods during the construction phase of the eco lodge thus ensuring 92% of the eco lodges expenditure remains in the locality. The eco lodge shop sells locally grown honey, coffee, macadamia nuts and condiments. A tangible way of supporting local farmers and enterprises, creating economic chains through partners in local businesses, ensuring the local community benefits with more job opportunities and the purchase of local goods and services. The eco lodge sells a range of local Aboriginal art, boomerangs and didgeridoos all crafted by Aboriginal people.
Conservation Initiatives
The eco lodge is an active member of the Glasshouse Mountains Advancement Network and a participant in their local environmental tree planting projects including the recent restoration of Coonowrin Creek. The eco lodge is active in developing a wildlife corridor with adjacent property owners. This links the nearby National Park with the Coonowrin Creek bushland area and has resulted in the increase in numbers of reptiles spotted on and near the eco lodge property.
The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly is at risk of extinction. The eco lodge has become part of a network of property owners who are actively planting the vines necessary for the ongoing survival of this beautiful butterfly. The eco lodge property is being developed as a wildlife sanctuary and is now the home for an increasing number of native birds and animals including kangaroos, possums, lace monitors, kookaburras and turtles.
Inviting guests to plant a tree on the property during their stay. Whilst respecting the philosophy of “leave only footprints — take only photos” the Eco Lodge believes this is a very neutral approach. The eco lodge wants help the bio-diversity of the area, the result of a guest visiting that area, should relate to an improvement of the local habit. As a result of this initiative, guests have enthusiastically planted over 800 trees on the eco lodge property since 2003.
The eco lodge contributes to the sustainability of the local creek system by not using chemical fertilisers. Ensuring the sealed car park storm water run-off is spread over a large grassed area prior to entering the creek.
Transport
The eco lodge encourages guests to reduce their vehicular movements, as excessive use of motor vehicles has a negative impact on the environment, by using public transport to travel to the eco lodge. The eco lodge provides a free courtesy pick-up from the Glasshouse Mountains train station. Guests are encouraged to walk to a number of local walks in the nearby National Parks as they commence at the front of the eco lodge.
Sustainable Awards
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Dining
back to topTransfers and Connections
back to topBy Train - From Brisbane: Trains run several times each morning and afternoon from Brisbane to Glasshouse Mountains station on the Nambour/Gympie North line. The Ecolodge is 3 km from the station and will collect guests that have given 24 hours notice.
By Train - From Brisbane Airport: You need to change trains at either Eagle Junction or Bowen Hills station depending on the schedule for that day. Go to www.qr.com.au, put in your desired travel times and you will be provided with a timetable for your trip. Trains from the airport do not operate after 8.00pm and there are limited services on weekends.
By Car - From Brisbane: Travel north along the Bruce Highway (Highway 1) for approximately 50 minutes and take the Steve Irwin Way exit on your left. About 7 kilometres from that turnoff Mt. Tibrogargan will appear on your left-hand side and about 3 kilometres from there turn left at the Mt Tibrogargan /Barrs Road sign. Cross over the railway line, turn left and the Ecolodge is 2 kilometres along Barrs Road on the right.
By Car - From the Sunshine Coast: Travelling south along the Bruce Highway (Highway 1) take the Landsborough/Steve Irwin Way exit. Continue along this road for approximately 20 minutes travelling past Australia Zoo and Beerwah township. Look out for Matilda service station on the left then 400 metres past turn right into Barrs Road.Cross the rail tracks turn left and the Ecolodge is 2 kilometres along on the right hand side.
By Plane - From Brisbane Airport: If driving follow the directions above by car, or catch the air train from the airport to the Eagle Junction station which is two stops and takes ten minutes. Transfer at Eagle Junction onto the Nambour/Gympie North line and leave the train at Glasshouse Mountains Railway station.
By Plane - From Sunshine Coast: Airport, Mudjimba: Unfortunately there is limited public transport available to and from the airport so hiring a car is the easiest option. Alternatively take a taxi to the Nambour Railway Station and travel by train from there to Glasshouse Mountains Railway Station.
