Scenic Rim Trail

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.

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

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

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

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

• 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

• Gold Coast accommodation pre/post trip
• Dinners; breakfast on day 1; lunch on day 5

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.

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!

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.