4
Introductory to Moderate
Activities
  • 6 days walking
Accommodation
  • 5 nights homestead / eco-camp and 2 nights lodge
Meals
  • 7 Dinners
  • 7 Lunches
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days$6492AUD

Trip Code: SR6

Scenic Rim Trip highlights


  • Spend your evenings at a mix of the Spicers logdes and at Spicers Canopy eco camps. Take in the tranquility and enjoy a touch of luxury
  • View the stunning collection of mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests and ancient volcanic plateaus of South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park
  • Traverse a variety of terrain including Mallee scrub, wet sclerophyll, ancient hoop pine forests and exciting rocky outcrops
  • Take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets

Why Book With Us

  • Join a small group on this all-inclusive walking adventure
  • Knowledgeable guides who will take care of all arrangements for you
  • Walk with just a day pack
  • This is the only Great Walks of Australia trip in Queensland

Spanning the entire length of the Scenic Rail Trail, this trip is our longest in the area. With seven nights of accommodation at eco-camps and lodges, 6 days of walking, and 2 days to explore and rejuvinate at our exclusive lodge, this 8 day itinerary allows you to experience this remote landscape, relax at the accommodation and enjoy the excellent level of service provided by your guide and the staff.

Set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just outside Brisbane, and surrounded by World Heritage listed National Parks, the Scenic Rim region is renowned for its exquisite natural beauty. The combination of rainforests, ancient volcanic plateaus, mountains, ridges, escarpments, forests as well as scenic wining and dining options has helped the Scenic Rim to quickly gain a reputation as one of Australia's most sought after gourmet walking experiences. With an abundance of unique Australian plants, native animals and distinctive vegetation types, this exciting trail embraces a region which is littered with the legend of the early pioneers who tried to make a living from the harsh but beautiful country. Your local guide will help interpret the land and its stories during each walk, many of which are on private Nature Refuge or National Park and can only be accessed via private land; making this trail one of the least frequented and most untouched walks in Australia. Plus, over the course of the six days you’ll have ample opportunity to relax with a drink in hand, savour a spectacular meal, connect with others in great conversation or simply find a moment breathe in the peace. Your accommodation is a journey in itself and will be an unforgettable highlight of your trip.

Activities:

Itinerary

Meet your guides and fellow walkers at 7.45am at Spicers Hidden Vale. After the group has assembled we’ll board our purpose built 4WD to be transferred through our private nature reserve to the Scenic Rim Trailhead. All your luggage will be transported for you. Over the next five hours, we’ll slowly ascend through our private Nature Refuge. Magnificent views and wildlife spotting are on the agenda today with sightings of the endangered brush tailed rock wallaby a possibility. The rock ladder is a highlight of the day, with a harness and helmet your guides will lead you through this exciting experience. If you have a grave fear of heights a walk around track is available. As we climb higher through the western part of the Scenic Rim you will learn about the history and ecology of the region. Mount Mistake is part of the ‘Main Range,’ a collection of over 40 mountain peaks, which are the remnants of a volcano that was active some 24 million years ago. The panoramic views open up as we head towards the ridgeline. The trail weaves through open eucalypt forests. Your mind will start to clear as you breathe in the fresh mountain air and the bird calls will become louder as your ears tune into the sounds of the bush. As we make our way along the ridgeline we enter a unique ecosystem, which protects an endangered species of rock wallaby. We’ll stop for morning tea on top of a rocky outcrop with views as far as the eye can see. Your guide will prepare you a cup of tea while you rest and take in your surroundings before we continue on. Throughout the trail, you’ll notice the beautiful xanthorrhoea grass trees with their green spiky bloom and charcoal trunk that feels like dragon scales. Grass trees are long-lived and slow growing with a lifespan of up to 250 years. You’ll come across trees that are up to 4m tall and hundreds of years old. As you stand below and peer up you’ll feel a sense of wonder. The trail today is suitable for experienced hikers. The trails will be long, rough and very steep. Some rock scrambling is required. Your first day of walking is rewarded with the most incredible views along the range. You’ll walk along the ridgeline with plenty of time to pause and take it in. We’ll take the opportunity to have lunch while enjoying the views over the Little Liverpool Ranges and the fresh breezes that rise from the valley below. As we come out of the forest and into the farmland the ground rolls gently towards the Spicers Mount Mistake Farmhouse. You’ll be greeted with a well-earned beverage arriving with a sense of achievement having completed your first walk. With some free time in the afternoon, you might want to relax and enjoy the amazing views, while others might want to take a self-guided stroll to the local waterfall. Each of the six bedrooms has its own private ensuite and after a hot shower we’ll settle in for the evening around the stone fireplace. A hearty dinner will be served on our communal table as we share stories of the day that’s been. Walking distance: 12km Walking time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  L,D

Today we pass over from Spicers land into the Main Range National Park. As you venture forward, starting with a meandering climb, you will feel the forest folding in around you. The area we are exploring is of national significance following the 1994 declaration by the World Heritage Committee. Some 14 years ago Gondwana rainforests including most of the Main Range National Park was decreed a World Heritage Area. You will learn about the fascinating ecology of the rainforest and surrounding ecosystems along your journey. There is also a curious history to the region having been extensively logged in the 1900’s. Walking through living history makes you truly appreciate those who fought for national park protection in the region. The path we take is, in fact, an old logging trail and you will see remnants of the past & learn of its history as you traverse the landscape. On today's walk there will be some short steep hills and steps, with the final hour of the day spent on a unformed track, likely to be very rough, steep and unmarked. The last section may have short steep hills and many steps. Today will likely be a day of reflection as you enjoy the chatter with your fellow walkers, learn from your guide and take solace in the quiet stretches. Your mind will clear as it focuses on what’s in front of you rather than the future or the past. In the final stretch of your day we emerge from the forest and onto the ‘winder trail’ you can see the old iron winder that was once used by timber getters to winch the logs along. We turn off the open cut trail and through our final stretch of forest before arriving at Amphitheatre Eco Cabins. As you walk into camp you’ll see a sense of awe with the light coloured wooden treehouse like cabins set above the forest floor. The eco-cabins have been built to the highest sustainability standards and you’ll enjoy a tour of the camp after you’ve had a hot shower, rested and before congregating in the common pavilion for a hearty dinner & well-earned beverage. You are assured of a good night’s rest in your private cabin with signature Spicers beds, separate room for sorting your gear and a daybed that can be used as a single bed should you prefer. Each cabin has a private balcony with an incredible louvre window that opens up to the views of the valley below and the mountain behind. The camp got its name from its amphitheatre setting, an open circular space with a central space for the cabins. After dinner, you’ll retire to your cabin. As you wind down and drift off you’ll hear birds calling and possibly the throaty ‘ok-ok-ok-ok’ call of the endangered Fleay’s barred frog. Walking distance: 18km Walking time: 8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Setting out after breakfast, today explores a number of ecosystems venturing deep into the national park. We start the day with a relatively flat warm up as we make our way up the access road enjoying the sounds of the rainforest birds as we go. This initial track can sometimes get muddy so we may have to skirt our way around some puddles as we make our way past. The lookout vantage points early in the day offer a spectacular view of Mount Castle. As we descend into the valley we become enveloped by rainforest and this natural cover will provide cool temperatures throughout the day. We descend down some rocky boulder sections that will require us to crouch down and go slowly. The pace is slower as we take care with our footing navigating the tree roots and rocky sections. We will take plenty of stops so you can look up and marvel at the rainforest around you. All creek crossings are dry as we use rocks to navigate our way across and keep our boots dry! The ecosystems of today’s journey are particularly noticeable starting in a wooded forest with beautiful walkways fringed by boulders & contrasting bright green foliage. Enjoy stepping back in time and absorb the forest around you. Large stands of red cedar, white beech and hoop pine once stood proudly in these forests. Search the forest for the subtle reminders of the harvesting that took place here between 1840 and 1985. As we journey deeper we enter an unharvested section of the park and the trees get thicker and taller, don’t forget to look up. In the towering trees above you’ll see giant staghorn air plants, these beautiful plants grow without soil and will grow just about anywhere so long as they receive filtered light & are protected from winds. Keep an eye out for Albert’s lyrebird, the endangered eastern bristlebird and the vulnerable black-breasted button-quail. We’ll take lunch at ‘the cathedral’ a zone of giant Crow’s Ash trees (Australian Teak) hundreds of years old. The circumference of some of these beauties is astounding. As you rest quietly it feels as though you are sitting among a village of elders. As we take our final descent the path crisscrosses the ridge and we take leave of the rainforest and traverse through an ancient eucalypt forest. As the canopy opens you may encounter kookaburras, pale-headed rosellas or if you are lucky a wedge-tailed eagle. Reaching the valley floor we arrive at the source of Dalrymple creek with mountain spring water flowing & a cool green pool to swim in during the warmer months. We’ll rest a while and you can refill your water bottle from the waterfall. From here it is a gentle ascent into Timber Getters Eco Cabins. Morning tea, lunch & afternoon tea are enjoyed on the trail, arriving into camp in the afternoon. Walking distance: 16km Walking time: 8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

After a restful sleep in your private cabin, we’ll enjoy breakfast before starting the day with a heartwarming climb up the fire trail past an old pine plantation, then crossing a rocky saddle and re-entering the rainforest with magnificent tree ferns and the sounds of Albert’s lyrebirds before ending with a brief scramble to a rocky outcrop. From here the spectacular views over the northern section of the park are a just reward. Much of the day will be on an open ridgeline where you’ll appreciate the full extent and vastness of the Scenic Rim. We come across some huge rainforest trees with buttresses six feet tall. Once again the pace is slower as we all take care with our footing navigating the tree roots and rocky sections. As we emerge from deep in the rainforest we climb up and over Bare Rock offering 360 degree views on a clear day. The climb is not an easy one, but the views from the top are definitely worth it. From here we join the public trails and will often pass fellow walkers not many of whom will ever venture where you have just been. In the final section of the trail the modern world comes into earshot as we hear trucks carrying goods from the coast to the west. With your final steps taking you to Cunningham’s Gap the bus will be waiting to greet you and transport you to our final destination, Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins, which sits in the shadows of Mt Greville. Join us for a very special dinner, where we celebrate our achievements and fellowship of the past 5 days. After dinner your rustic cabin, with ensuite, crisp linen, fluffy pillows and fireplace awaits. Walking distance: 16km Walking time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning starts with a vehicle transfer to resume the trail. Today is a 12km walk that takes you over the range and into Spicers Canopy. Enjoy beautiful views of the mountains as you traverse the range. The first half of the day includes a 480m ascent offering great views of the escarpment to the north. The trails walked today have some rough and steep sections. Depending on weather and trail conditions we have a selection of alternative routes that may be walked on this day. The distance and difficulty is the roughly the same for all options. We arrive at Spicers Canopy for afternoon tea. After a well earned shower spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your glamping style tent or enjoy a soak in the outdoor hot tub, a beautiful spot for sunset. Walking distance: 12km Walking time: 5-6 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

If the weather is clear we highly recommend getting up early and watching the sun rise over the mountains. Following the morning program we will walk out of camp at 8am for our final day of hiking. If at this point you are in need of a break you can opt to relax at camp and be transferred to Spicers Peak Lodge later in the day. The hike up to Spicers Peak Lodge is approx. 15km and starts by walking across the paddock outside of camp before descending into Oakey Creek. A beautiful and peaceful place to walk with some special Indigenous history. The final hike is incredibly rewarding as we ascend up and alongside Spicers Peak and onto Cedar Mountain, home of Spicers Peak Lodge. This is a more challenging day with no defined trail. Those who enjoy hiking in the mountains will thoroughly enjoy this day. Note: This trail may be closed from time to time due to trail conditions and weather. If this the case you will walk a loop track and be transferred by vehicle to Spicers Peak Lodge. Walking distance: 15km Walking time: 7-8 hours

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a relaxing morning with breakfast available from 7.30am. Sunrise and sunsets are always a highlight at Peak Lodge if you want to wake up a little earlier to catch it. We highly recommend booking an appointment (or two) for the Spa Anise Day Spa. Spicers Peak Lodge has a variety of experiences should you wish to add a little more to your week away. Alternatively you can sit by the fire in the lodge reading a book. Some of our favourite activities include whiskey appreciation, 4WD tour and star gazing. Activities do change daily so it is best to plan ahead. If you would like to experience any of the activities on offer at Spicers Peak Lodge we recommend booking in advance and our reservations team will gladly assist with any arrangements. The poolside spa is a great place to enjoy a bottle of bubbles and watch the sunset.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a another delightful breakfast and a morning at leisure before the helicopter arrives at 11am. There will be two trips with one group going first and the other following soon after. Flying time is approximately 20 minutes and both groups should arrive by 12pm, give or take the time it takes to load and unload the helicopter.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • Seven nights twin accommodation at exclusive luxury resorts and eco camps
  • Gourmet meals throughout the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners)
  • All beverages throughout the itinerary
  • Experienced tour guide
  • Porterage of luggage
  • Helicopter transfer on the morning of day 8

  • Airfares
  • Accommodation in Brisbane before and after the trip
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry or postage
  • Travel to and from Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat
  • Travel insurance

Accommodation


Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

To determine the grade of a particular adventure we consider a number of factors. These include the condition of the walking terrain, altitude and the length of the trek. This trek is graded introductory to moderate. This trek involves 6 – 8 hours walking each day over rugged terrain with some steep ascents and descents. Some days will include sections of rock scrambling. Day 2 includes a rock ladder which for most, is a highlight of the day, and your guides will lead you through this exciting experience with a harness and helmet. If you have a grave fear of heights a walk around track is available. In order to complete this trek we advise that you undertake regular three or four times a week for at least three months prior to your departure. Hill walking with a daypack is recommended. Be sure to include bush walks in your trip preparation, particularly walks with uneven ground, and as many hills as you can find.


Departure dates


Notes

Note:
If you are travelling on your own you will need to pay the single supplement. We are unable to pair you with another traveller of the same sex.
DN2
Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Priceper person from

$6492AUD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementAUD$3020
*Prices listed are per person

Essential Information

Ready to book? Make sure you download and read the detailed Scenic Rim Walk - 8 Day trip notes which contains all the essential information you need to know before booking. Once you’ve booked, we will supply you with a Pre-Departure document which contains a detailed gear list and other important information to help you prepare for your adventure ahead.


Scenic Rim Trip reviews


Scenic Rim Videos

SPICERS CANOPY

Positive Impact Travel

By joining this trip you are directly supporting positive impact projects in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We’ve offset the carbon emitted by this trip by purchasing credits that support important projects that address the UN’s seventeen SDGs, like reducing poverty, affordable and clean energy, reducing hunger, clean water and climate action.

Proceeds from this adventure purchase carbon credits through the world’s largest and most awarded carbon project developer, South Pole, which are invested into projects accelerating the transition to renewable energy sources in developing countries.

Supported projects are based on internationally recognised standards and are third-party audited. They entail a series of positive impacts on the ground, which benefit local communities and ecosystems, that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.