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Map of Walk the Scenic Rim including Australia

Step into the diverse wilderness of Queensland’s Scenic Rim

Filled to the brim with national parks, soaring mountains and gorgeous vineyards, Queensland’s Scenic Rim isn’t just scenic by name, it’s scenic by nature. From lush valleys to sky-scraping peaks, enjoy a front row seat to some of Australia’s best scenery as you explore on foot 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.

Start
Gold Coast, Australia
Finish
Gold Coast, Australia
Destination
Australia
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
PZXR
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 11

Why you'll love this trip

  • Discover the Scenic Rim’s fascinating flora and fauna with the guidance of your local leader as you delve into Tamborine National Park, Main Range National Park and Lamington National Park, which are part of The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, World Heritage Area, containing the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world.

  • Pay a visit to a local winery in the heart of the Scenic Rim where you may choose to partake in a wine tasting or put your feet up and enjoy the peaceful location.

  • Wind your way up Mt Cordeaux, Mt Mitchell and Mt Barney on a series of hikes and be rewarded with truly unbeatable views of the surrounding landscapes.

  • Rest your head in a delightful and eco-conscious homestead converted from a 1900s farmhouse and soak in magnificent mountain views from your veranda.

  • Set out in search of wildlife surrounding your accommodation during a tour with an expert guide, followed by local wine and snacks as you watch the sun set over Mt Barney.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Queensland weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.

  • Please ensure you consult your local government’s advice regarding domestic travel prior to booking this trip.

  • This trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

  • The weather in this part of the world can be unpredictable, even in the dry season, so be sure to pack for all conditions!

  • 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.

Couple exploring in Lamington NP, Queensland, Australia
Australian Rainbow Lorikeet, native to Tambourine NP, Gold Coast Australia
Lower Portal Rockpools found in Mt Barney, Queensland, Australia
Wine tasting in the Scenic Rim
Serene view of Curtis Falls, Tambourine NP, Australia
Cunninghams Gap in Queensland, Australia

Itinerary
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Welcome to Australia’s Scenic Rim! Your adventure begins on the Gold Coast where you’ll be picked up at 8.30am 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 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.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tamborine National Park - Palm Grove Circuit
  • Tamborine National Park - Curtis Falls Track
Meals Included
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 4 kilometres, 1.5 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 showstopping 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.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Main Range National Park - Mt Cordeaux Track
  • Main Range National Park - Rainforest Circuit
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 9 kilometres, 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 Gorge swimming hole downstream from Lake Moogerah and cool off with a refreshing dip surrounded by nature, then return to your accommodation for an evening at leisure.
Accommodation
  • Motel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Mitchell - Mt Mitchell Track
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
Today’s walk is approximately 11 kilometres, 3 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 sun set 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.
Accommodation
  • Eco Lodge Homestead (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mt Barney - Eco Walking Tour
  • Mt Barney - Lower Portals Track
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
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.

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. Return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon, where on arrival your Scenic Rim adventure comes to an end.
Included Activities
  • Lamington National Park - Lamington NP Walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 3 lunches

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Motel (3 nights), Eco Lodge Homestead (1 Night)

Included activities

  • 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 National Park - Lamington NP Walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk the Scenic Rim trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

All travellers on Intrepid trips (outside Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands) are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. From 1 December 2021, all travellers on Intrepid trips, including in Australia, New Zealand and the Cook Islands, are required to produce proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Read details here.

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

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

3.When sharing accommodation all rooms will be with Twin Bedding. If you would prefer Double Bedding please advise Intrepid as early as possible, however please note that Double Bedding will be on request and is determined by the availability of the accommodation on your trip.

4.This trip finishes upon return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon on Day 5, Please do not book any flights until after 4.00 pm this evening.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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