Walk Queensland's 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.

Day 2 Mount Cordeaux / Main Range National Park / Boonah

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.

Day 3 Mount Mitchell / Main Range National Park / Mount Barney

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.

Day 4 Mount Barney National Park

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.

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 4pm.