Hike Queensland's Scenic Rim Trail

Welcome to Queensland's Scenic Rim! Your adventure begins in Brisbane early this morning when you meet your leader and fellow hikers before hitting the road towards Thornton in the Main Range National Park for today's hike on the Scenic Rim Trail.  After a short hike briefing you'll start your first hike as the trail winds its way up into the Mistake Mountain Range through dry sclerophyll forest with incredible vistas of the valley below. The trail is rough and uphill for most of the day with some ‘rock scrambling’ along the natural rock along the way, but the sweeping mountain views more than make up for it. From here the majority of the walk takes place around 1000m above sea level. Our walking pace depends on the conditions and the speed of the group but we aim to arrive by mid afternoon so you'll have plenty of time to kick off your boots and relax after the hike in the stunning nature that surrounds the Mount Mistake Farmhouse. This authentic and comfortable working farmhouse will instantly feel like home, and rooms are filled with little luxuries that will delight. Regroup around 6pm for your daily briefing, then share a well-earned welcome dinner. (L/D)

Sunrise at Mt Mistake is a real highlight and if the weather is clear, you can head out to the escarpment with a warm drink in hand to soak in the first rays of the sun and take in the stunning views before returning to camp for a hearty continental breakfast with the group. Your guides will provide you with your lunches and show you where to refill your water bottles before departing camp on the Scenic Rim Trail, following an old logging route once traversed by bullock and cart.  Your day will start with an uphill hike before entering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Today's trails allow for fairly easy walking with only moderate inclines and many flat sections. As you continue hiking, the trail becomes more challenging as you navigate rainforest trails into your stunning private Eco-Camp. Nestled amongst the gum trees, the modern architectural wooden cabins blend beautifully with the peaceful background of the surrounding national park, and the generous cabin windows and private balcony really give you the sense of being part of nature. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon and a steaming hot shower before heading to the beautiful main lodge.

Tonight, maybe relax with a drink on the observation deck overlooking the mountain ranges and watch the sunset before enjoying a delicious group dinner. (B/L/D)

After a great night’s sleep, wake up to the sound of morning songbirds then maybe roll out one of the included yoga mats on your cabin balcony or take it down to the viewing deck to enjoy some morning stretches before fueling up on a continental breakfast. You’ll then grab your lunch and snacks and hit the trail.  Start the day with a reasonably flat warm up as you walk up the access road enjoying the sounds of nature as you go. Today’s track can sometimes get muddy, so you may have to skirt around a few puddles before descending into the valley surrounded by verdant rainforest. Nature is pretty raw here and the pace is slower as we take care with our footing navigating the steep zig-zag route through the tree roots, rocky boulder sections and frequent creek crossings. Take a well-earned break at the serene Dalrymple Creek.

Later this afternoon, you’ll arrive at your private eco-camp. Located on the site of a former logger’s camp, you’ll get a sense of the history when you view the old tin shack that once housed the timber getters (people who logged timber) of the time. The comfortable timber-clad cabins are nestled in the heart of the giant blue gum forest – a haven for the local flora and fauna. The afternoon is free to relax - perhaps take in the sights and sounds of the forest from your own balcony, enjoy a hot shower, or venture to the hillside for tree-filled views across the Dalrymple Creek Valley.

Tonight, celebrate a trip well-travelled with your final group dinner. (B/L/D)

Rise early and listen in awe to the dawn chorus of the local birdlife before beginning your usual morning routine of breakfast, packing and gathering your gear for the day one last time. Then it’s time to head off on your final hike along the Scenic Rim Trail. Today’s walk begins with a climb up the fire trail and past an old pine plantation before heading deep into the rainforest on a Grade 5 trail. Along the way you’ll marvel at the huge rainforest trees with buttresses up to six feet tall. Once again, the pace is slower as you safely negotiate the tree roots and rocky sections of the trail before emerging from deep in the rainforest to climb up and over Bare Rock. The 360 degree views on a clear day are incredible. From here you’ll join the more travelled trails.  After spending the last three days on remote trails in secluded and pristine nature it can come as a shock as you start to pass fellow walkers, few of whom will ever venture where you have recently hiked. At the end of the trail a private vehicle will be waiting for you to transfer you back to Brisbane. Your trip will end on arrival into Brisbane.  If you’d like to stay in Brisbane longer – and it’s recommended that you do if you have more to explore – just speak to your booking agent ahead of time. (B/L)