Where does the Scenic Rim Experience take place? 

The walk is located in the Main Range National Park, west of the Gold Coast, in south east Queensland.  On the first day, you’ll summit Mount Mitchell for beautiful vista views out over the valley and of the surrounding peaks in the Main Range.  The following day, you’ll summit Spicers Peak before finishing up on the Spicers Private property at the Spicers Peak Lodge.

What is so special about exploring Queensland’s South East wilderness?

The region is part of the Gondwana Rainforest region of Australia and a declared World Heritage Area.  It’s famous for its peaks, ridges, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus. 
I’m originally from the Darling Downs, and I have never hiked in the area, so it was extra special to see what’s on my old doorstep.  One of the most memorable things about the walk is the variety – you’ll be walking in temperate rainforest and suddenly it will change to forest. 

What were your top three highlights of the trip?

- Vista views from our lunch spot on day 1 at the summit of Mount Mitchell.
- Laying in my tent with the doors open and watching the lightning storm roll past.
- Sitting in the hot tub looking at where we walked on day 1 of the trip.

Were there any challenging sections of the trail and how fit do you need to be for this walking experience?

You need to have a good level of fitness for the trip. There are some steep hills especially on the second day, so taking the hiking poles (provided free) is a good idea. There was also a rope that we had to use to climb up about 2 metres close to the top of Spicers Peak. The trail changes dramatically when you get into the rainforest and you are ducking under vines and you even have to get down on your hands and knees and crawl under some collapsed vines for a couple of metres.

During your two nights on the trail, can you describe the accommodation and meals offered.

Everything you need each night is ready for you in your own semi-permanent tent. The tents have a wooden platform and front deck with a lounge chair to relax in when you come back from your hike. Bathrobes have been supplied for you to use for when you are heading down to the hot tub or to the bathrooms which are close to the tents. The beds are extremely comfortable, and I really didn’t want to get out of it to start hiking or to leave the trip.  

The food was amazing, and we were all extremely impressed with the quality.  In the morning a continental breakfast is served with a selection of hot options prepared by the chef. A packed lunch and trail mix were prepared for us and ready to go both mornings before we headed out on the trail.  In the evenings, a three course dinner was prepared each night by the local chef.  All liquor, wine, beer and soft drinks are included.  For coffee lovers, a coffee machine is in the open kitchen dining area for you to help yourself.

Did you spot any wildlife on the trail?

We saw lots of animals on the trip: Wallabies, Goannas, Wedge Tailed Eagles, Southern Angle Headed Dragon, Yellow Faced Whip Snake, Python Snakes, Trapdoor Spider homes and many different types of birds, including Glossy Black Cockatoo which like to eat the seeds on the She-Oak Trees and the Blue Fairy Wren.

What would you say to a walker considering the Scenic Rim Experience? 

Do it!  It is amazing waking up in the morning to the sounds of the birds in the trees. There are not too many hikes where you can sit back and relax after a day of hiking and see where you have walked that day and where you will walk the next day. The food is incredible, and the guides are amazing with their knowledge of the local history, flora and fauna. The staff were always happy to assist us with anything that we needed and went above and beyond what was expected.

The Scenic Rim Experience is a 3 day walk and there is an extended trip over 6 days, the Scenic Rim Walk for those wanting to explore more of the trail.