Scenic Rim Trail
Embark on a journey of exploration, discovery & adventure. After 20 years of dreaming and 7 years of planning the Spicers Scenic Rim 5 day walk will open in early 2020. The trail is a landmark ecotourism experience for Queensland and is located only 1.5 hours drive from Brisbane.
This is a luxury, multi-day guided walking experience venturing through World Heritage Listed National Park, Gondwana Rainforest and through Spicers’ own nature reserves. Go on a journey to discover a place of untouched beauty, with unique and exclusive accommodation, great food & wine, plus world-class guides to lead you every step of the way. Find out more.
Day One
Old Hidden Vale Station is a 12,000 acre property rich in history and conservation. Your first afternoon will be spent immersing yourself in the conservation activity as you join researchers on their daily koala checks. Located 1 hour from central Brisbane you will meet your guide & fellow walkers at 1pm. If you are a keen mountain biker you may wish to arrive early and explore the 100km Hidden Vale Adventure Park.
The Hidden Vale Wildlife Centre in partnership with the University of Queensland is a hub for students, researchers & wildlife breeding programs. The current koala research project is aims to monitor the health of the colony, understand threats & work with neighbouring land holders to create more habitat.
Following your insightful afternoon you will be transferred to your accommodation. A shared family style dinner will be enjoyed as your guide provides you with a briefing for the journey ahead. Accommodation tonight is in log style cabins.
Day Two
7km walk moderate to difficult 550m elevation gain
After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the start of the walk with your back packs, lunch & water ready to go. You will feel energised as you walk up the Mistake Mountain Range, learning about the geology and volcanic history as you go. Open sclerophyll forest, sweeping views & wildlife spotting are on the agenda today.
The endangered Brush Tailed Rock Wallaby is found in this region as are birds of prey such as the Peregrine Falcon & Wedge-tailed Eagle that sweep the valleys below. We spend approx. 4 – 5 hours on trail today with an add on waterfall walk on offer in the afternoon. Accommodation tonight is in a farmhouse with ensuited bedrooms.
Day Three
18km easy to moderate with approx. 8 hours on trail
We’ll encourage you to wake up early and watch the sunrise. The Scenic Rim has one of the best vantage points in Queensland. After breakfast we’ll set out leaving the Thornton Nature Refuge (Spicers land) and stepping into Main Range National Park. The soles of our boots will be cleaned ensuring unwanted seeds aren’t transferred.
Evidence of European history can be found along the trail as old logging equipment once discarded can be seen. You’ll see and learn how logging changed this ecosystem and spot some remaining Red Cedar and Hoop Pine. As we venture further you will have your first encounter with Gondwana Rainforest as the canopy closes in around you. Accommodation tonight is in an eco camp with cabins raised high off the ground.
Day Four
8.7km moderate to difficult with some steps approx. 8hrs on trail
Shorter in kilometres with vastly different terrain from the day before. An exciting day spent mostly under rainforest canopy with two descents taking you down to Dalrymple Creek before a final climb into camp.
The Scenic Rim is custodian to the largest area of rainforest in south east Queensland and you will get to experience it in all its glory. Many find the rainforest soothing and feel a sense of being restored. You’ll learn about the subtropical environment that surrounds you & further appreciate its significance. Accommodation tonight is in an eco camp fringed by palm & eucalypt trees.
Day Five
13km moderate approx. 8hrs on trail
A variety of diverse eco-systems will be explored today as we emerge from the rainforest, through montane heath and out to the ridge line where the most incredible views await us. The volcanic history of the region is easily spotted from this vantage point as you look back along the ridge line tracing where you’ve come from.
The walk to Bare Rock, around to Mt Cordeaux and down through the final section of rainforest slowly awakens you back to reality as you learn how Cunningham’s Gap and the highway that runs through it was vital for connecting inland & coastal Queensland. You will be transferred to your slab hut style cabins for your final night & celebration dinner.
