Hike Queensland's Scenic Rim Trail
Trip Code: PZXD
Why we love it
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, sub-tropical Gondwana rainforest on foot – just 90 minutes from Brisbane!, Hike remote tracks on the Scenic Rim trail through blue gum forest, verdant rainforests and dry sclerophyll forest in Main Range National Park., Rest your head in an eco-conscious homestead converted from a 1900s farmhouse and soak in panoramic mountain views from your veranda. Then, stay in an architectural wooden eco-cabins, nestled among the gum trees, Watch the sunrise over Mt Mistake before setting off along an old logging route that was once travelled by bull and cart., Learn about the abundant and distinct flora and fauna of the region from your expert local leaders.
Is this trip right for me?
The Scenic Rim Trail is rated as moderate to hard. Hikers must have a high level of fitness and be able to complete all point-to-point walks as there is no support vehicle on this trip., Hikes proceed in all weather conditions unless directed by your local leader., A toilet is located at the start of the hike and at camp, otherwise bush toileting is required. Each camp is exclusive to the Scenic Rim Trail, with comfortable lodgings but shared facilities., You’ll have to carry your own clothing, sleeping bag, towel and personal items as you hike. Pillows and a top sheet are provided. Optional luggage porterage (maximum 12 kg) is available on request at an extra cost.
Important information
This trip requires a minimum of two (2) clients to operate.
This trip involves plenty of hiking over at times challenging terrain and is only suited to travellers with a good level of mobility and fitness. Good footwear, clothing for all types of Queensland weather, plus perhaps walking poles are recommended. More details on each day's hike can be found in the itinerary.
The walks included on this trip range from Grade 3 on the Australian Walking Track Grading System (AWTGS) scale (some bushwalking experience required), up to Grade 5 (experienced bushwalkers. Tracks are likely to be very rough, steep, and unmarked). Hikers must have a high level of fitness and stability, and be able to complete all point-to-point walks as there is no support vehicle on this trip.
The trip finishes on arrival into Brisbane, usually between 5:30pm and 6pm. Our vehicle will do drop off stops at Brisbane's Roma Street train station and the Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane
The weather in this part of the world can be unpredictable, even in the dry season, so be sure to pack for all conditions!
It is essential that your read the Packing List on this trip carefully as there are a number of items that are essential to bring with you.
What to bring/pack
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, ITERS PROVIDED ON THIS TRIP
• Shampoo, conditioner, body wash & moisturiser are provided (must use provided products for septic systems)
• Pillowcase and sheet provided at each camp (not required to be carried)
• Suncream and insect spray
• Lunch box
• Hiking poles (if you don't have any)
ITEMS TO BRING
It is important not to underestimate Queensland winter in the mountains, be prepared.
• Water bottles / bladders with minimum 2.5L and 3L during the warmer months
• Day backpack with waist belt & rain cover min 23l size (running vests not suitable); or suitable multi-day hiking pack if carrying your gear
• Water resistant duffel style luggage bag if portering, max 12kg per bag
• Quality rain jacket
• Head torch
• Hiking shoes with good grip worn regularly & recently
• Inside shoes for camp
• Wet shoes for communal showers (optional)
• Lightweight long pants & lightweight sleeved shirts
• Fleece jumper
• Warm, lightweight, insulated jacket (puffer jacket)
• Comfortable camp wear (acceptable to wear the same outfit nightly)
• PJ’s, underwear and suitable socks
• Gloves, beanie, neck buff
• Thermals, winter PJ’s, extra warm layers (if travelling in winter)
• Second jumper if carrying your gear for camp in case you get wet
• Toiletries - toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, deodorant, lip balm, chafe cream, sanitary items, personal medications
• Phone charger
• Hat, sunglasses
• Plastic bag or dry bag for dirty clothes
• Microfibre light weight towel
• Sleeping bag suitable for the season (in winter can reach below zero overnight)
• Sleeping bag liner for provided sleeping bag
• If your bag is being ported, we request a water-resistant duffel style luggage bag with a maximum weight of 12kg, bags will be weighed on arrival. Bags are transported in open vehicles and may get dirty, please bring a suitable bag.
If you are carrying your gear and not opting for luggage porterage, here are some recommendations:
• Pack: If you don’t have a multi-day hiking pack, go to a hiking store, get properly fitted and buy one with a rain cover
• Training: with your pack (full of your gear) is critical, you must be prepared
• Weight: Minimalist approach – pack light, the lighter the better
• Dry bags: Pack all your gear in dry bags to protect from heavy rain
• Water: 1 litre of water weighs 1 kilo and you’ll need 2.5L – 3L so factor this in
• Provided items: Lunch, trail mix container approx. 500g in weight
• 1 or 2 pairs of pants for hiking, wearing the same pants daily is common practice
• 1 set of evening clothes for the duration of your trip including a second jumper
• Light weight and quick dry are key
• If washing clothes use provided was as septic systems are sensitive
Physical rating
The Scenic Rim Trail is rated as moderate to hard and is comparable in difficulty to Tasmania's Overland Track. As such, hikers must have a good level of fitness, balance, and stability. The trail is 60km in total, with daily hiking distances ranging from 10-18kms across flat to very steep trails - as there is no vehicle support it is essential that you can cover these distances comfortably on foot, even in adverse weather conditions. Most days we will be walking on some Grade 4 & 5 tracks (Australian Walking Trade Grading Standard) which means tracks are less defined and are rough and steep in sections. Approximately 50% of the trails are Grade 5 rainforest trails. There is no formed track, and you can expect tree roots, rocks and obstacles. In wet weather it maybe slippery underfoot.
Joining your group
Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane, 23 Leichhardt St, Brisbane, 4000, AUSTRALIA
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
Finishing your trip
Brisbane Roma St Station, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA
Alternate Finish Point
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 3
Lunches included: 4
Dinners included: 3
PICNIC LUNCHES
Most lunches on this trip are taken in a scenic spot during the day's walk. Check the Itinerary for which days lunch is included. These meals are typically a sandwich or wrap and fruit. You're welcome to bring additional snacks; muesli bars, dried fruit and nuts all make great hiking snacks. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure., At camp, continental breakfast will be at 7am daily and share style dinner will be at 6pm nightly. Tea, coffee and soft drinks are included at camp. Lunches will be made by guides and carried by each guest and trail mix, muesli bars & fruit will be available for snacks - you would like more snacks feel free to bring extra.
Beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted. Soft drinks, beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted while hiking on the Scenic Rim Trail.
We can cater to the following dietary needs:
* Gluten free
* Vegetarian / Vegan
* Diabetic
* Lactose free
Given our remote setting and style of our tours we are unable to cater to all dietary preferences. If you have a food allergy, please let us know and if required our chef will arrange a time to call you.
For any dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent at time of booking or at least 14 days prior to departure.
Soft drinks, beer, wine are available for purchase at camp but BYO is not permitted. Any purchases at camp at to be in cash only. Beers is $12 per can, Wine is $14 per glass (minimum half bottle)
Climate & seasonal information
Winter
In winter the days are shorter (sunrise around 6:30am and sunset before 5:30pm) and the daytime temperatures are milder, from the low teens to the mid 20s(°C). Due to the elevation – approx. 1000m above sea level - evening/nighttime temperatures can get cold and easily drop below 10(°C).
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, ALL general enquiry must be directed to our reservations team. In case of a GENUINE CRISIS OR EMERGENCY, or concerns about a missed pick-up on the day of departure ONLY (if applicable), you can reach our local office on the numbers listed below. When calling, select option 4 then option 2 from the phone menu to speak to our local Operations Team:, GENUINE EMERGENCY ONLY: 1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164
Accommodations
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
, Your accommodation on the Scenic Rim trail will be in eco-conscious camps and you will be sharing basic facilities with other guests at the property. While you may have to forgo modern facilities during your time here you will be in the middle of nature with beautiful views of the mountain ranges. If you have booked a single supplement please remember that the nights at the homestead are excluded. Instead you will be sharing a room with another member of your group. Each camp is unique and exclusive to the Scenic Rim Trail - see the day to day itinerary 'Special Information' section for more details. Pillow, pillowcase and sheet will be provided at each camp. Continental breakfast will be at 7am daily and share style dinner will be at 6pm nightly, and tea & coffee is included. Soft drinks, beer, wine available for purchase.
All camps on the Scenic Rim Trail are off-grid so we don’t have conventional heating or cooling. Electric blankets are provided for winter and communal lodges are heated by fireplace (gas or wood).
For the warmer months windows can be opened, and rooms have ceiling fans. Winter is cold in the mountains and can be cold indoors so please come prepared with thermals, layers and appropriate clothing. You are staying in a remote luxury bush camp, which have many modern conveniences but not all.
, Phone reception & Wi-Fi
There is very minimal phone reception throughout the region. All camps have Wi-Fi in the main lodge and you can generally make calls over Wi-Fi on your phone. Given the remote locations Wi-Fi can be patchy.