length

5 Days

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

trip cost

From $1885 pp ( varies)

Icons / stylised / time Created with Sketch.

length

5 Days

Icons / stylised / difficulty Created with Sketch.

difficulty

Moderate - Challenging

Icons / stylised /cost Created with Sketch.

trip cost

From $1885 pp ( varies)

Guided Trip

Walk Experts

  • Overview
  • Highlights
  • On the trail
  • Itinerary
  • Map
  • Inclusions
  • FAQ's
  • Positive impacts

Overview

Scenic Rim Trail

The Scenic Rim is a chain of forested mountains that form a semicircle ridge. The Scenic Rim Trail is a 47km walk that follows the ridge from north to south, along the steep slopes of a volcano that was active millions of years ago. The journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from rainforest and lush green valleys to remote mountains of Main Range National Park – part of the World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforest.

Hikers will not only have the opportunity to explore this diverse volcanic landscape but also discover the unique flora and fauna, including native animals, that call this unique area home. The varied landscape and the high rainfall during summer provides the region with an exceptionally unique blend of vegetation. Just a short drive from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim Trail is the perfect quick escape to the rainforest!

Explore  with a local leader who will bring the landscape to life and take care of all the little details. Discover the diverse terrain of Tamborine National Park, weave your way up Mt Cordeaux, climb to Mt Mitchell’s summit, uncover tranquil rockpools on Mt Barney and delight in the wonders of Lamington National Park, accompanied by plenty of opportunities to try world-class local wine and produce along the way.

This trip is guaranteed to depart with a minimum of 1 passenger and maximum group size of 11.

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Highlights

Get ready for

  • World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforest
  • Walk eucalypt forests and old logging trails
  • Ancient volcanic landscape
  • Rare wildlife 
  • Sweeping views of Mt Barney and Mt Mistake 
  • Pay a visit to a local winery in the heart of the Scenic Rim
  • Stay a night in a delightful, eco-conscious homestead converted from a 1900s farmhouse

 

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On the trail

The Experience

The Scenic Rim Trail has a lot of steep descents into valleys and back up again. The terrain varies between old forest roads and walking tracks to the dense rainforest with giant ferns to rocky outcrops and slippery mountain cliff edges. In some sections, the trail is not clear or marked and can be steep and difficult to traverse. During heavy rain, some sections can be very slippery and muddy and creek crossings may be necessary. You will need to have a good level of fitness, be comfortable with exposed drops and able to scramble up and down rocky slopes. 

Itinerary

Daily Details

Day 1: Transfer from Gold Coast; Tambourine National Park (4km, 1.5 hours)

Welcome to Australia’s Scenic Rim! Your adventure begins on the Gold Coast where you’ll be picked up at 9.30am by your local leader and meet your fellow travellers. From here, hit the road and drive towards Tamborine National Park, Queensland’s oldest national park and home to all manner of unique wildlife and landscapes. Step into a eucalyptus forest on the Curtis Falls track, which eventually gives way to lush rainforest punctuated with towering ferns. Continue to the shady Palm Grove circuit through the subtropical rainforest – be sure to look up to see strangler figs and Piccabeen palm trees, and look down to see collections of unusual fungi. Tonight you may like to get to know your group over dinner at a local restaurant recommended by your leader and reminisce about the day’s discoveries.

Day 2: Mt Cordeaux, Main Range National Park (9km, 3 hours)

Start the day by driving to Mt Cordeaux, forming the northern side of Cunninghams Gap and overlooking the Scenic Rim. Follow the walking track up the mountain, passing by an abandoned goldmine shaft where gold was never found. The track ends just before the summit and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with show-stopping views of the Main Range National Park, the Darling Downs and even the high-rise buildings of Brisbane.

Descend the mountain, then join the Rainforest circuit and venture through lush vegetation as your leader shares stories of the flora and fauna that call this place home. Climb to an incredible lookout point serving up views of Lake Moogerah and the Fassifern Valley. Later in the day, drive on to the Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard in the heart of the Scenic Rim. While here you may like to indulge in a wine tasting at your own expense (you’ll soon find out why the Shiraz is so acclaimed!) or perhaps just sit back and enjoy the serene location.

Meals: B, L

Day 3: Mt Mitchell, Main Range National Park (11km, 3 hours)

Enjoy breakfast at your gorgeous accommodation before driving to Mt Mitchell, a volcanic peak in the Main Range National Park to the south of Cunninghams Gap. Today you’ll be climbing to its summit, and while some parts of the track are quite steep, you can rest assured that the views from the top make every step worth it! Cross through mountain heath, woodland and diverse rainforest, and be sure to turn your head to the sky in search of peregrine falcons soaring above you. Stop at the top to admire views of Mt Barney, the Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks before descending down the mountain. After your hike, pay a visit to the beautiful lake Moogerah meaning ‘Place of Thunder’, home to the traditional owners, the Ugarapul people. Enjoy spectacular views of several mountains surrounding it including Mount Greville/Moogera and return to your accommodation in the evening.

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Mt Barney National Park (5–10km, 3–4 hours)

Start the day with a visit to Mt Barney where you’ll set off along the Lower Portals track, crossing undulating and sometimes rugged terrain. Pass through open bushland, peaceful rockpools and meandering creeks. You may be visited by a wallaby on your walk or spot black cockatoos flying above you.

This evening your accommodation is a delightful and eco-conscious homestead converted from a typical 1900s ‘Queenslander’ farmhouse where you’ll enjoy a veranda offering up stunning mountain views. As the sun begins to set, head out with a local guide to discover the plants and wildlife in the surrounding areas, learning about the role each plays in the environment. Take a relaxed stroll up to a lookout point and watch the sunset over the Mt Barney with a glass of local wine in hand, while snacking on some local delights like Scenic Rim olives and cheese – a perfect way to see out your last night in this spectacular part of the world. For a final taste of local culture, you may like to head down to the pub for dinner this evening and enjoy a classic country meal.

Today’s walk is approximately 5–10 km. Please note, we will not attempt to climb the summit of Mt Barney, which involves technical rock-climbing skills. We also can’t allow members of the group to attempt it in their free time.

Meals Included: B, L

Day 5: Lamington National Park; Return to Gold Coast

Take some time to enjoy a final breakfast before heading out to Lamington National Park, named after the same bloke as your favourite coconutty cake and every bit as appealing. This World Heritage Site is dotted with ancient trees, tumbling waterfalls and fascinating wildlife, all best discovered on foot. Venture into the park for a final walk and uncover its natural wonders with your local leader’s expert guidance.

The distance walked today may vary, depending on leader direction and the group’s wishes. 

Return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon where, on arrival, your Scenic Rim adventure comes to an end.

Meals: B

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Map

Scenic Rim Trail

Fast Facts

Length: 47km
Duration: 5 days
Grade: 3-5
Route type: Days walks
Start: Tambourine National Park
End: Mount Barney National Park
Location:  South East Queensland
Closest towns: Gold Coast

  • Tamborine National Park – Palm Grove Circuit
  • Tamborine National Park – Curtis Falls Track
  • Main Range National Park – Mt Cordeaux Track
  • Main Range National Park – Rainforest Circuit
  • Mt Mitchell – Mt Mitchell Track
  • Mt Barney – Eco Walking Tour
  • Mt Barney – Lower Portals Track

Lamington NP Walk

Inclusions

What's Included?

Included
  • Guided walks with local leader
  • Motel (3 nights), Eco Lodge Homestead (1 night)
  • 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches
  • Trailhead transfers by private vehicle
  • Return transfers from Gold Coast
  • National Park entry fees
  • Carbon offset for your trip
  • 10% GST
Not Included
  • Gold Coast accommodation pre/post trip
  • Dinners; breakfast on day 1; lunch on day 5

FAQ's

Need to Know

Essential information

This trip is operated by our partner Intrepid Travel and their local supplier.

Travellers on Intrepid trips are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

Your trip will begin at 8.30am at the Surfers Paradise Visitor Information and Booking Centre, 2 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217.

A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. It excludes night 4 where you will be in shared accommodation. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

When sharing accommodation, all rooms will be with twin bedding. If you would prefer double bedding please advise us at time of booking; however, please note that double bedding will be on request and is determined by the availability of the accommodation on your trip.

This trip finishes upon return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon on Day 5. Please do not book any flights until after 4pm this evening.

Walks indicated in the day-by-day itinerary are our best pick, but we may need to change them sometimes depending on the track and weather conditions.

How fit do I need to be?

This trail is best suited to reasonably fit and experienced bushwalkers as it involves walking over varied terrain. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Queensland weather and walking poles are recommended. The weather in this part of the world can be unpredictable, even in the dry season, so be sure to pack for all conditions!

Best walking season?

The best time to walk the track is between April to September. These cooler months provide more temperate hiking conditions, with less rain and leeches. Summer months bring hot humid days and heavy rainfall. 

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Positive impacts

Social and environmental

All our adventures are fully carbon offset so that you know your travel has minimal impacts. Hiking itself is a low impact activity but we offset the cost of all our office operations and food production as well, so you can be satisfied that you have chosen a form of travel that is both good for you and good for the planet. Each year we also plant trees on behalf of every customer who has travelled with us, aiming to build towards a carbon positive effect with our operations.

 

 

TRIP date selection

when would you like to travel?

Please select your preferred dates for on-demand trips or select a scheduled date for group departures. If you have booked a self-guided trip please understand that because your trip date is on demand and we must check availability of all properties on your chosen dates before it can be fully confirmed

dates
availability
price
single occupancy
dates
04/03/2023 - 08/03/2023
availability
price
$1,885
single occupancy
$335
dates
22/04/2023 - 26/04/2023
availability
price
$1,885
single occupancy
$335
dates
06/05/2023 - 10/05/2023
availability
price
$1,885
single occupancy
$335
dates
03/06/2023 - 07/06/2023
availability
price
$1,885
single occupancy
$335
dates
08/07/2023 - 12/07/2023
availability
price
$2,200
single occupancy
$335
dates
29/07/2023 - 02/08/2023
availability
price
$2,200
single occupancy
$335
dates
05/08/2023 - 09/08/2023
availability
price
$2,200
single occupancy
$335
dates
26/08/2023 - 30/08/2023
availability
price
$2,200
single occupancy
$335
dates
09/09/2023 - 13/09/2023
availability
price
$2,200
single occupancy
$335
dates
07/10/2023 - 11/10/2023
availability
price
$2,120
single occupancy
$335
dates
04/11/2023 - 08/11/2023
availability
price
$2,120
single occupancy
$335

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