It was supposed to be just another regular outing for our group. We were 9 of us. And only 1 had ever climbed Mt Beerwah earlier. The rest of us didnt have a clue of what was lying ahead. None of us had any mountain climbing experience and we all decided to climb Mt Beerwah – apparently the toughest in Queensland.
By the time we reached our destination it was already 11 am. The sign board there read “For experienced climbers only – 3 hrs”. We assumed we would do it in 3.5 hrs and be back home by 6. Some of us were already tired climbing the steps with the railings to the base of the mountain. Watching me struggle in the very first jump where i wondered whether my shoulders would be able to take my weight, 4 backed out. So only the 5 of us (Anirudha, Meenal, Sandeep, Prakash and myself) ended trying to climb Mt Beerwah.
It took us almost 2.5 hrs to reach halfway, near the limestone caves with Meenal stuck at one point for almost 25 mins and me at another for 15. I was in an embrace position at that point where i got stuck with nowhere to go and finally had to ask help from one of the climbers on his way back down whose way i was blocking.
Believe me there is a beach up there near the caves, ofcourse minus the waves. After catching some breath we continued further. The upper portion of the climb wasnt as intimidating as the lower. And we finally made it up there at 2:45 pm. It was all worth it. The view was just amazing. We could see Goldcoast, Brisbane City and Sunshine coast towards the horizon at different angles. We had run out of water and had to ask our fellow climbers to spare a bottle for us to which they luckily obliged.
Our way down didnt take that long. Having left the top at 3 we reached the base by 4. Had to take help from some professionals towards the bottom.
I had sworn never to climb Beerwah again as i was quite scared at a few points where i got stuck. But i guess i might end up doing it again due to the sheer adrenalin rush it gives you. Its a real test of endurance and determination. Not advisable to people suffering from vertigo.
Loved it …. definitely recommended.
