Get your boots on and experience these eight top hosted Scenic Rim Walks from moonrise on Mount Maroon to a week-long wander through World Heritage-listed forest.

Whether you’re after a week-long wander through World Heritage-listed forests with a hatted-chef dining experience included, or a day-time hike to a gorgeous waterfall, this the Scenic Rim has a hosted hike for you!

This fertile agricultural region is located on the doorstep of both the Gold Coast and Brisbane. It is a vast region covering more than 4000 square kilometres. The area includes Canungra, Tamborine Mountain, Boonah, Beaudesert, Peak Crossing and Kalbar.

It is home to six National Parks and more than 30,000ha of parkland. There are three dams, Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam. It’s also a food bowl where the alluvial soil produces high-quality vegetables, olives, macadamia nuts, dairy, pork, poultry, sheep beef, camel, coffee, finger limes, avocados, limes, and rhubarb.

Pausing on a Scenic Rim Walk at Luke’s Bluff O’Reilly’s Scenic Rim

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail Scenic Rim Trail

Spicers Scenic Rim Trail is a hosted Scenic Rim walk

  1. Walk the Scenic Rim Trail

Who said a Scenic Rim walking trail had to be rough and rugged?  It certainly wasn’t Spicers Retreat founder Jude Turner. She showcases the best of the Australian bushland with her properties and Jude has added a touch of relaxed luxury that you won’t find anywhere else.

How can you combine luxury and hiking together? Join 12 fellow adventurers on an expertly guided tour through the Great Dividing Range’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Forest. You’ll travel on winding pathways, stay in luxury eco-cabins and see divine native flora and fauna. Did I mention there are chef-hatted meals too? Spicers Retreat’s Scenic Rim Trail is a bucket list item.

  1. It’s a challenge – hike Mount Barney!

Renowned for its pristine creeks, challenging cliff faces and mountain ascents, Mount Barney is a real hikers challenge!  Mt Barney Lodge has the dream team of qualified outdoor leaders if you want to tackle the mountain. There is a range of expeditions that include rock climbing, navigation courses, abseiling and guided walks. The sunset eco-tour also includes bush food and you can learn about all the native flora and fauna.  Options are available for the whole family.

Hiking Mt Barney

A guided Mt Barney Lodge Lower Portals National Park hike with by Trevor Worden for Visit Scenic Rim.

  1. Moonrise on Mount Maroon

Beautiful scenery bathed in clear silver light, Lake Maroon glinting and Mt Barney glowing. Expect all this and more on a Moonrise on Mt Maroon walk.  This volcanic peak stands 964 metres tall and is part of the McPherson Ranges. It offers spectacular views through to Brisbane, Moreton Island and Mt Barney. Mt Barney Lodge tour program offers a unique “Moonrise on Mt Maroon” package. Hikers leave mid-afternoon to catch the moonlight by night. Dinner and snacks are included.

My friend Jen who has hiked Mount Barney says to make sure you wear sturdy walking shoes for this adventure.

Scenic Rim hiking

 

  1. Walk for wellbeing on the Lamington Short Break Tour

Fresh air, mountain views, wellbeing workshops and creek explorations are just the beginning of the package offered on the interNATIONAL Park Tours Lamington Short Break Walking Holiday. Join one of two expert guides, Toni or Lisa Groom, as they take you through the best tracks in Lamington National Park and introduce you to locals along the way. You’ll participate in Qigong and nature journaling and visit the studio of artist, David Groom. This four-day adventure is designed to be shared with up to six people and is an easy to moderate walk.

  1. Shh… The Secrets of the Scenic Rim

Sweeping ranges, river valleys, lush rainforests and knowledge only locals can offer – The Secrets of the Scenic Rim tour run by interNATIONAL PARK tours is the hike discoverers asked for. Travelling from Brisbane through the country towns of Kalbar and Harrisville, the team take you on walks through Moogerah Peaks National Park then to the Mt Barney lookouts and beyond. In this five-day package, guests will be treated to culinary delights and welcomed in by local characters.

Mt Barney walking

 

6. History on the horizon! The famous Stinson Walk!

Navigated in 1937 for the first time by Bernard O’Reilly, the Stinson Walk is one history buffs aren’t going to want to miss! Not for the faint-hearted, this 37km hike takes adventurers through the rugged McPherson Range to the Stinson Aircraft Crash Site. After a few days unearthing Queensland’s hidden history, get comfy at the internationally acclaimed O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat!

O'Reillys Tree Top Walk

Scenic Rim walk Queensland –  O’Reillys Tree Top Walk. Photo: Tourism Queensland

  1. You won’t get bored on the Border Track!

Trek 21.4km from the gorgeous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to Binna Burra Lodge (or vice versa) in Lamington National Park. You’ll delve into the heartland of this ancient landscape on a full day hike boasting spectacular views, subtropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and incredible ridgelines. Then, cosy up with a warm meal, a bubbling beverage and the sounds of nature at one of the two international ecotourism icons: Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Scenic Rim walks

 

  1. Try this Scenic Rim walk – Spend Eight Glorious Hours on the Eighth Hikers Weekend Escape

Take a challenging off-track hike to The Steamers in Main Range National Park – one of the most dramatic geologic features in south-east Queensland. The Steamers rise as steep cliff sections atop a ridge to the west of the Main Range, north-west of Mt Superbus. They are named the Prow, Funnel, Mast and Stern for their resemblance to a massive ship. Find this incredible, iconic landmark on an expertly led day Eighth Hikers Weekend Escape with an eco-certified local company, Horizon Guides.

After your walk, you will have earned some great food.  Take this Scenic Rim food trail and enjoy! You can also have a Scenic Rim Farm Box delivered to your door.

Try these Brisbane walks handpicked by locals.

Disclaimer: Source: Visit Scenic Rim.