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Map of Walk Queensland's 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 Mount Cordeaux, summit Mount Mitchell, uncover tranquil rockpools near Mount 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.

  • Join a First Nations guide for a smoking ceremony and cultural walk to Yellow Pinch lookout where you’ll learn about Mt Barney from the Land’s traditional owners and connect with Country using Aboriginal ideas.

  • Wind your way up Mount Cordeaux, Mount Mitchell and discover Mount 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 Mount Barney.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied 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 walk can be found in the itinerary.

  • The walks included on this trip are Grade 3 (suitable for most ages & fitness levels, some walking experience recommended, tracks may have short, steep sections, a rough surface and many steps) and Grade 4 (walking experience recommended, tracks may be long, rough & steep)

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

  • 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 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 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
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Meeting time is at 9:30am at the Vibe Hotel Gold Coast. According to the Australian Walking Track Grading system, Palm Grove circuit is a Grade 4 walk (2.7km return, approx 1 hour walking time) and Curtis Falls track is Grade 3 (1.1km return, approx 30 mins walking time), however feedback from past groups has been that these walks are easier than rated. Your leader will use today's walks to assess the group's fitness and walking experience for more difficult walks later on the trip.

Start the day by driving towards Mount Cordeaux (Niamboyoo), with a stop for you to purchase breakfast and your picnic lunch for later. Mount Cordeaux forms the northern side of Cunninghams Gap and overlooks 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 (Meeanjin). Continue on through high-altitude cool-temperate rainforest to Bare Rock for magnificent views spanning the northern Ramparts and Darling Downs. 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 - Mount Cordeaux Track
  • Main Range National Park - Rainforest Circuit
  • Main Range National Park - Bare Rock Track
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
The Mt Cordeaux track is rated Grade 4 (6.8km return, approx 2.5 hours walking time). The extension to Bare Rock is also Grade 4 (2.8km each way, approx 2 hours). The Rainforest circuit is rated Grade 3 (1.6km, approx 25 min walking time).

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before driving to Mount 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 Mount Barney, the Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks before descending down the mountain. Check into your accommodation, a delightful and eco-conscious homestead converted from a typical 1900s 'Queenslander' farmhouse where you’ll enjoy a veranda offering up stunning mountain views. In the late afternoon, you may like to take an optional stroll up to a lookout point and watch the sun set over Mount 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 enjoy this spectacular part of the world.
Accommodation
  • Homestead (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Main Range National Park - Mount Mitchell Track
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
The Mt Mitchell track is an energetic Grade 4 walk (10.2 km return, approx 3 hours walking time).

After breakfast, join a First Nations guide for a smoking ceremony and cultural walk to Yellow Pinch lookout. Connect with Country using Aboriginal ideas, learn about Mt Barney from the Land’s traditional owners and take time for silent reflection in this special place. This afternoon, visit Mount Barney (Boogarah Boogarah/Kaieee) 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, which you may need to cross in water up to thigh height in some places. You may be visited by a wallaby on your walk or spot black cockatoos flying above you. 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
  • Homestead (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Mount Barney National Park - Lower Portals Hike
  • Mount Barney National Park - Yellow Pinch Lookout walk
  • Mount Barney National Park - Yarriba Explore Ancient Beginnings tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Special Information
Yellow Pinch Lookout walk is Grade 4 (2km return, approx 1 hour although we will take our time with our cultural guide) The Lower Portals track is Grade 4 (7.4 km return, approx 3 hours walking time). We will allow more time for swimming in fine weather. This track has moderate to steep slopes and is rough in sections. There are two rocky creek crossings, which may involve wading in thigh deep water. Please note that we do not submit Mount Barney, as this involves technical rock-climbing skills and is not permitted for tour groups. Summiting is also not permitted by individual members of the group as an optional activity.

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 at approximately 4pm.
Included Activities
  • Lamington National Park - Binna Burra walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
From the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park there are a number of different walks available, from Grade 2 (1.2 km, 30 mins) up to Grade 4 (6-7km, 2 hours). Your leader will discuss the options with you to plan your time here.
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

walking, Private vehicle

Accommodation

Motel (2 nights), Homestead (2 Night)

Included activities

  • Tamborine National Park - Palm Grove Circuit
  • Tamborine National Park - Curtis Falls Track
  • Main Range National Park - Mount Cordeaux Track
  • Main Range National Park - Rainforest Circuit
  • Main Range National Park - Bare Rock Track
  • Main Range National Park - Mount Mitchell Track
  • Mount Barney National Park - Lower Portals Hike
  • Mount Barney National Park - Yellow Pinch Lookout walk
  • Mount Barney National Park - Yarriba Explore Ancient Beginnings tour
  • Lamington National Park - Binna Burra walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk Queensland's 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

START & END TIME
Your trip will begin on day 1 at 9.30am with a pick up on the Vibe Hotel Gold Coast and finishes upon return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon on Day 5 at approximately 5pm.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
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.

ROOMING
When sharing accommodation all rooms will be with twin beds. If you would prefer a double bed, please advise Intrepid as early as possible. Please note that double beds are on request and may not be available at all accommodation.

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding transport of baggage, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided, compact and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. We are unable to carry large suitcases or bags, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

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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