Walk the Scenic Rim

Day 1: Gold Coast / Tamborine National Park

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.

Day 2: Mount Cordeaux / Main Range National Park / Boonah

Start the day by driving towards Mount Cordeaux, 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. 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

Meals Included

• Lunch

Special Information

The Mt Cordeaux track is rated Grade 4 (6.8km return, approx 2.5 hours walking time).

The Rainforest circuit is rated Grade 3 (1.6km, approx 25 min walking time).

Day 3: Mount Mitchell / Main Range National Park / Boonah

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. 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/Moogerah.

 

Accommodation

• Motel (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).

Day 4: Mount Barney National Park

Start the day with a visit to Mount 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, 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. 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 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 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

• Homestead (1 night)

Included Activities

• Mount Barney – Sunset guided hike
• Mount Barney National Park – Lower Portals Hike

Meals Included

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Special Information

The Lower Portals track is rated 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. The sunset guided hike is a shorter walk within the property where we stay for the night.

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.

Day 5: Lamington National Park / 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. Return to the Gold Coast in the afternoon, where on arrival your Scenic Rim adventure comes to an end at approximately 5pm.

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.