Essential Trip Information

• The Scenic Rim Trail is rated as moderate to hard. Hikers must have a high level of fitness and be able to complete all point-to-point walks as there is no support vehicle on this trip.
• Hikes proceed in all weather conditions unless directed by your local leader.
• A toilet is located at the start of the hike and at camp, otherwise bush toileting is required. Each camp is exclusive to the Scenic Rim Trail, with comfortable lodgings but shared facilities.
• You’ll have to carry your own clothing, sleeping bag, towel and personal items as you hike. Pillows and a top sheet are provided. Optional luggage porterage (maximum 12 kg) is available on request at an extra cost.

The Scenic Rim Trail is rated as moderate to hard and is comparable in difficulty to Tasmania's Overland Track. As such, hikers must have a good level of fitness, balance, and stability. The trail is 60km in total, with daily hiking distances ranging from 10-18kms across flat to very steep trails - as there is no vehicle support it is essential that you can cover these distances comfortably on foot, even in adverse weather conditions. Most days we will be walking on some Grade 4 & 5 tracks (Australian Walking Trade Grading Standard) which means tracks are less defined and are rough and steep in sections. Approximately 50% of the trails are Grade 5 rainforest trails. There is no formed track, and you can expect tree roots, rocks and obstacles. In wet weather it maybe slippery underfoot.

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE CRISIS OR EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY (if applicable), you can reach our local office on the numbers listed below. When calling, select option 4 then option 2 from the phone menu to speak to our local Operations Team:

GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES
First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

This trip requires a minimum of two (2) clients to operate.

This trip involves plenty of hiking over at times challenging terrain and is only suited to travellers with a good level of mobility and fitness. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Queensland weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. More details on each day's hike can be found in the itinerary.

The walks included on this trip range from Grade 3 on the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) scale (some bushwalking experience required), up to Grade 5 (experienced bushwalkers. Tracks are likely to be very rough, steep, and unmarked). Hikers must have a high level of fitness and stability, and be able to complete all point-to-point walks as there is no support vehicle on this trip.

The trip finishes on arrival into Brisbane, usually between 5:30pm and 6pm. Our vehicle will do drop off stops at Brisbane's Roma Street train station and the Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane

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

It is essential that your read the Packing List on this trip carefully as there are a number of items that are essential to bring with you.

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  http://www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

This is a very physical trip that has significant sections of trail that are outside of phone and vehicle range. As such it is vital that you are confident in your physical ability to complete all sections of this trip before booking.

As part of their Health & Safety process, your group leader/guide will be assessing your ability to complete the hiking portion, and has the right to prevent you from hiking if it presents a realistic and significant risk to either yourself or the group. If you are injured or concerned with your ability to complete the day's walk please discuss this with your group leader/guide. Our aim is for you to have a safe and enjoyable hike and we will endeavour to help you achieve that goal in any realistic way possible.

PICNIC LUNCHES
Most lunches on this trip are taken in a scenic spot during the day's walk. Check the Itinerary for which days lunch is included. These meals are typically a sandwich or wrap and fruit. You're welcome to bring additional snacks; muesli bars, dried fruit and nuts all make great hiking snacks. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

At camp, continental breakfast will be at 7am daily and share style dinner will be at 6pm nightly. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are included at camp. Lunches will be made by guides and carried by each guest and trail mix, muesli bars & fruit will be available for snacks - you would like more snacks feel free to bring extra. 

Beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted. Soft drinks, beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted while hiking on the Scenic Rim Trail.

We can cater to the following dietary needs:

* Gluten free
* Vegetarian / Vegan
* Diabetic
* Lactose free

Given our remote setting and style of our tours we are unable to cater to all dietary preferences. If you have a food allergy, please let us know and if required our chef will arrange a time to call you.

For any dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent at time of booking or at least 14 days prior to departure.

Soft drinks, beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted. Any purchases at camp at to be in cash only. Beers is $12 per can, Wine is $14 per glass (minimum half bottle)

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Your accommodation on the Scenic Rim trail will be in eco-conscious camps and you will be sharing basic facilities with other guests at the property. While you may have to forgo modern facilities during your time here you will be in the middle of nature with beautiful views of the mountain ranges. If you have booked a single supplement please remember that the nights at the homestead are excluded. Instead you will be sharing a room with another member of your group. Each camp is unique and exclusive to the Scenic Rim Trail - see the day to day itinerary 'Special Information' section for more details. Pillow, pillowcase and sheet will be provided at each camp. Continental breakfast will be at 7am daily and share style dinner will be at 6pm nightly, and tea & coffee is included. Soft drinks, beer, wine available for purchase.

All camps on the Scenic Rim Trail are off-grid so we don’t have conventional heating or cooling. Electric blankets are provided for winter and communal lodges are heated by fireplace (gas or wood).
For the warmer months windows can be opened, and rooms have ceiling fans. Winter is cold in the mountains and can be cold indoors so please come prepared with thermals, layers and appropriate clothing. You are staying in a remote luxury bush camp, which have many modern conveniences but not all.

Phone reception & Wi-Fi
There is very minimal phone reception throughout the region. All camps have Wi-Fi in the main lodge and you can generally make calls over Wi-Fi on your phone. Given the remote locations Wi-Fi can be patchy.

BEER & WINE WHILE HIKING
Soft drinks, beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted. Any purchases at camp at to be in cash only. Beers is $12 per can, Wine is $14 per glass (minimum half bottle)

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

AUSTRALIA
The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Card payments, including digital card payments like Apple Pay, are the most common form of payment in Australia. Many vendors add a small surcharge for card payments. Cash is accepted in most places and ATMs are common.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
Tipping your group leader or local representative is highly appreciated if you feel they’ve provided outstanding services throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, the recommended amount is 4-7 USD or EUR per traveller per day (in a currency relevant to your destination). Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

ITERS PROVIDED ON THIS TRIP

• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash & moisturiser are provided (must use provided products for septic systems)
• Pillowcase and sheet provided at each camp (not required to be carried)
• Suncream and insect spray
• Lunch box
• Hiking poles (if you don't have any)

ITEMS TO BRING

It is important not to underestimate Queensland winter in the mountains, be prepared.

• Water bottles / bladders with minimum 2.5L and 3L during the warmer months
• Day backpack with waist belt & rain cover min 23l size (running vests not suitable); or suitable multi-day hiking pack if carrying your gear
• Water resistant duffel style luggage bag if portering, max 12kg per bag
• Quality rain jacket
• Head torch
• Hiking shoes with good grip worn regularly & recently
• Inside shoes for camp
• Wet shoes for communal showers (optional)
• Lightweight long pants & lightweight sleeved shirts
• Fleece jumper
• Warm, lightweight, insulated jacket (puffer jacket)
• Comfortable camp wear (acceptable to wear the same outfit nightly)
• PJ’s, underwear and suitable socks
• Gloves, beanie, neck buff
• Thermals, winter PJ’s, extra warm layers (if travelling in winter)
• Second jumper if carrying your gear for camp in case you get wet
• Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, deodorant, lip balm, chafe cream, sanitary items, personal medications
• Phone charger
• Hat, sunglasses
• Plastic bag or dry bag for dirty clothes
• Microfibre light weight towel
• Sleeping bag suitable for the season (in winter can reach below zero overnight)
• Sleeping bag liner for provided sleeping bag
• If your bag is being ported, we request a water-resistant duffel style luggage bag with a maximum weight of 12kg, bags will be weighed on arrival. Bags are transported in open vehicles and may get dirty, please bring a suitable bag.

If you are carrying your gear and not opting for luggage porterage, here are some recommendations:
• Pack: If you don’t have a multi-day hiking pack, go to a hiking store, get properly fitted and buy one with a rain cover
• Training: with your pack (full of your gear) is critical, you must be prepared
• Weight: Minimalist approach – pack light, the lighter the better
• Dry bags: Pack all your gear in dry bags to protect from heavy rain
• Water: 1 litre of water weighs 1 kilo and you’ll need 2.5L – 3L so factor this in
• Provided items: Lunch, trail mix container approx. 500g in weight
• 1 or 2 pairs of pants for hiking, wearing the same pants daily is common practice
• 1 set of evening clothes for the duration of your trip including a second jumper
• Light weight and quick dry are key
• If washing clothes use provided was as septic systems are sensitive

PHONE COVERAGE & WIFI
In remote areas of Australia travelling even a small distance from populated areas will see phone coverage drop off dramatically. The extent of coverage will depend on your phone provider. If you are spending longer in Australia it might be a good idea to purchase a local SIM card. Telstra and Optus deliver better coverage in rural and regional areas, while Vodafone can be very patchy. Wifi is common at accommodations in urban areas of Australia, but many of the more remote properties may not offer this service, and some properties may charge a fee for usage.

Phone reception & Wi-Fi
There is very minimal phone reception throughout the region. While hiking on days 4 and 5 you will have no signal for the majority of the day. All camps have Wi-Fi in the main lodge and you can generally make calls over Wi-Fi on your phone. Given the remote locations Wi-Fi can be patchy.

While on trail we ask all guests to switch their phone to flight mode that we aren’t interrupted by the odd call or text when we get a moment of service. This allows all guests to switch off and immerse themselves into nature.

Winter
In winter the days are shorter (sunrise around 6:30am and sunset before 5:30pm) and the daytime temperatures are milder, from the low teens to the mid 20s(°C). Due to the elevation – approx. 1000m above sea level - evening/nighttime temperatures can get cold and easily drop below 10(°C).

AUSTRALIA LEADERS
All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!

This trip is operated in conjunction with our local partners Scenic Rim Trail. On the hiking section of the trip you will have two leaders - your Intrepid leader and a guide from the Scenic Rim Trail. These leaders will share the responsibility to be either the lead or the tail guide. Your tail guide will normally stay at camp for around 30mins in the morning to pack down the kitchen then catches up to the group.

At least one of the leaders will have a Wilderness First Aid qualifications and extensive outdoors experience to manage weather & emergencies, and carry an emergency PLB and two-way radio at all times during the hike. They will also have a food safety certificate qualification for the safe preparation of guests' food.

Please note our leaders' working hours are from 6am to 8pm. While they will be available for emergencies only outside of those times please respect that they need their sleep to be at their best on the trail.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. We also recommend saving the phone number for emergency consular assistance for your government’s consulate in the destination/s you’ll be travelling. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

This trip is operated in conjunction with our expert local partners, Scenic Rim Trail. Our partners act in accordance with (and at times exceed) all Intrepid's health and safety policies and process

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting:
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
As an Australian-owned business with a vision to change the way people see the world, Intrepid is committed to reconciliation and strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples. While Intrepid might have done a lot to empower communities, businesses and our partners around the world over the years, there’s still a lot for us to do here at home. We are working towards a better, more inclusive and fairer Australia. You can find more information about our Reconciliation Action Plan here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/reconciliation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit.

We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities.

Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground.

Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/

This trip supports Greening Australia, who are restoring landscapes at scale – in ways that work for communities, economies and nature. They’re taking action to rebuild resilient ecosystems across Australia, from the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to the cool island ark of Tasmania. Donations help them tackle Australia’s complex environmental challenges through large on-ground restoration projects and research initiatives that help scale their impact. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

To find out more or make a donation, visit: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/greening-australia