Walk Queensland's Scenic Rim Itinerary

Starting in

Brisbane, Australia

Physical Difficulty

3 / 5

Breakfasts included

4

Lunches included

2

Dinners included

1

Ending in

Brisbane, Australia

Accommodation

Motel (2 nights), Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Filled to the brim with national parks, soaring mountains and gorgeous vineyards, Queensland’s Scenic Rim isn’t just scenic by name, it’s scenic by nature. From lush valleys to sky-scraping peaks, enjoy a front row seat to some of Australia’s best scenery as you explore on foot with a local leader who will bring the landscape to life and take care of all the little details. Delight in the wonders of Lamington National Park, weave your way up Mount Cordeaux, summit Mount Mitchell, uncover tranquil rockpools near Mount Barney and discover the diverse terrain of Tamborine National Park, accompanied by plenty of opportunities to try world-class local wine and produce along the way.

Day 1: Brisbane / Scenic Rim / Lamington National Park

Welcome to Australia’s Scenic Rim! Your adventure begins in Brisbane where you’ll be picked up at 9.30 am by your local leader. Meet your fellow travellers, then hit the road and drive towards Lamington National Park, named after your favourite coconut cake. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dotted with ancient trees, tumbling waterfalls and varied wildlife, all best discovered on foot. Venture into the park for today's hike along the West Canungra Creek circuit and uncover its natural wonders with your leader’s expert guidance. This evening, perhaps watch the sunset from the deck, then maybe join your group for dinner and reminisce about the day’s discoveries.

Day 2: Scenic Rim / Mt Cordeaux / Boonah Valley

Fill up on breakfast then drive towards Mount Cordeaux (Niamboyoo), with a stop for you to purchase a picnic lunch for later. Mount Cordeaux in Main Range National Park forms the northern side of Cunninghams Gap and overlooks the Scenic Rim. Follow the walking track up the mountain, passing by an abandoned goldmine shaft where gold was never found. The track ends just before the summit and you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with showstopping views of the Main Range National Park, the Darling Downs and even the high-rise buildings of Brisbane (Meeanjin). Continue on through high-altitude cool-temperate rainforest to Bare Rock for magnificent views spanning the northern Ramparts and Darling Downs. Descend the mountain, then join the Rainforest Circuit and venture through lush vegetation as your leader shares stories of the flora and fauna that call this place home. Climb to an incredible lookout point serving up views of Lake Moogerah and the Fassifern Valley, before heading to your accommodation for tonight.

Day 3: Scenic Rim / Mount Mitchell / Mount Barney

Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation before driving to Mount Mitchell – a volcanic peak in the Main Range National Park to the south of Cunninghams Gap. Today, you’ll be climbing to its summit, and while some parts of the track are quite steep, you can rest assured that the views from the top make every step worth it! Cross through mountain heath, woodland and diverse rainforest, and be sure to turn your head to the sky in search of peregrine falcons above. Stop at the top to admire views of Mount Barney, the Main Range and the Moogerah Peaks before descending the mountain. Check into your accommodation – an eco-conscious homestead converted from a typical 1900s 'Queenslander' farmhouse where you’ll enjoy mountain views. In the late afternoon, you may like to take an optional stroll up to a lookout point and watch the sunset over Mount Barney with a glass of local wine, snacking on olives and cheese – a perfect way to enjoy this spectacular part of the world.

Day 4: Scenic Rim / Mount Barney

After breakfast, join a First Nations guide for a smoking ceremony and cultural walk to Yellow Pinch lookout. Connect with Country using Aboriginal ideas, learn about Mt Barney from the land’s Traditional Owners and take time for silent reflection in this special place. This afternoon, visit Mount Barney (Boogarah Boogarah/Kaieee) where you’ll set off along the Lower Portals track, crossing undulating and sometimes rugged terrain. Pass through open bushland, rockpools and creeks, which you may need to cross in water up to thigh height in some places. You may be visited by a wallaby on your walk or spot black cockatoos flying above. For a final taste of local culture, enjoy a group BBQ dinner on the homestead grounds.

Day 5: Scenic Rim / Tamborine National Park / Brisbane

Fill up on a final breakfast this morning before heading out to Tamborine National Park – Queensland’s oldest national park and home to all manner of unique wildlife and landscapes. Step into a eucalyptus forest on the Curtis Falls track, which eventually gives way to lush rainforest punctuated with towering ferns. Continue to the shady Palm Grove circuit through subtropical rainforest – be sure to look up to see strangler figs and piccabeen palm trees, and look down to see collections of unusual fungi. Return to Brisbane in the afternoon, where your adventure comes to an end at approximately 4 pm.

Essential Trip Information

Joining point

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane, 23 Leichhardt St , Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

Finish point

Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane, 23 Leichhardt St , Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

Important information

START & END POINT LOCATION & TIME
The trip starts in Brisbane with a Welcome Meeting at 9:30 am on Day 1 at our joining point hotel, and finishes on arrival back in Brisbane on Day 5 at our finish point hotel around 5pm. Accommodation is not included on this day but can be booked on request.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement can be booked if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip, subject to availability. This does not include Days 3 & 4 at the homestead where you will be in shared accommodation. 

LUGGAGE LIMIT
Due to limited vehicle space and strictly enforced road laws regarding transport of baggage, your main piece of luggage must be soft-sided, compact and weigh no more than 15kg/33lb. We are unable to carry large suitcases or bags, particularly hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings.

Emergency contact

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

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:





1300 544 882 or +61 8 6219 5164

Is this trip right for you

This trip involves plenty of walking over varied 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 walk can be found in the itinerary.

The walks included on this trip are Grade 3 (suitable for most ages & fitness levels, some walking experience recommended, tracks may have short, steep sections, a rough surface and many steps) and Grade 4 (walking experience recommended, tracks may be long, rough & steep)

The weather in this part of the world can be unpredictable, even in the dry season, so be sure to pack for all conditions!

Walks indicated in the day-by-day itinerary are our best pick, but we may need to change them sometimes depending on the track and weather conditions.

Why we love it

Discover Tamborine National Park, Main Range National Park and Lamington National Park, which are part of The Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area, containing the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world., Join a First Nations guide for a smoking ceremony and cultural walk to Yellow Pinch lookout where you’ll learn about Mt Barney from the Land’s Traditional Owners and connect with Country using Aboriginal ideas., Wind your way up Mount Cordeaux, Mount Mitchell and discover Mount Barney on a series of hikes and be rewarded with truly unbeatable views of the surrounding landscapes., Rest your head in a delightful and eco-conscious homestead converted from a 1900s farmhouse and soak in magnificent mountain views from your veranda., Set out in search of wildlife surrounding your accommodation during a tour with an expert guide, followed by local wine and snacks as you watch the sun set over Mount Barney.

Group leader

AUSTRALIA LEADERS
All group trips are accompanied by a group leader. In Australia your group leader is often also your driver, taking you from start to finish. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, as well as recommend great local eating venues. They will also introduce you to our local friends along the way. Please be aware they will be juggling many things on your tour and on some days may have less time to spend with you. But they will always be working hard to ensure you and your group have a fantastic time exploring Australia!

Safety

TRAVEL ADVISORIES & ALERTS
We recommend that you check your government's foreign travel advisory for the latest information about the destination before you travel. You will also need to ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Links to travel advisories and any current travel alerts for our trips can be found here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

PERSONAL SAFETY
Ensure you have a secure method of carrying your passport, phone, credit cards and cash while travelling such as a money belt. Leave all other high value items, including jewellery, at home Use safety deposit boxes at hotels to store your valuables when available and ensure your luggage is lockable. Be aware of the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft. Exercise caution when walking at night, don’t walk alone and stick to well-lit streets wherever possible. Be vigilant on public transport and look out for your fellow travellers. Take precautions such as carrying your bag in front of you and never leaving personal items unattended.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
Intrepid welcomes all LGBTQIA+ customers on our trips, however we operate in parts of the world that are less accepting. We support LGBTQIA+ customers to travel to these destinations and are committed to ensuring they face no discrimination on any part of the trip we control. We recommend you visit Equaldex (https://www.equaldex.com/) and your government's foreign travel advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers when choosing your trip., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

Visas

PASSPORT
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.

We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.

VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Last modified (date)

22 Aug 2024

Validity

Validity: 01 Apr 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Additional Information

Health

GENERAL HEALTH
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.

When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

Food and dietary requirements

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.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.

AUSTRALIA
The official currency of Australia is the Australian dollar (AUD). Card payments, including digital card payments like Apple Pay, are the most common form of payment in Australia. Many vendors add a small surcharge for card payments. Cash is accepted in most places and ATMs are common.

TIPPING
Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, 4-7 USD or EUR per person per day (in a currency relevant to your destination), can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

CONTINGENCY FUNDS
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

What to take

LUGGAGE
Be ready to manage your own luggage, including loading it on and off our vehicle and taking it from the car park to and from our accommodation in each location. We recommend no more than 20kg for your main luggage in a soft-sided bag and no more than 7kg for your day pack. 

Below are some essential items for this trip. Check online for the expected weather to ensure you pack appropriately for the time of year you are travelling.

ESSENTIAL ITEMS:
- Day-pack - with a thick waist strap to help take some weight off your shoulders. In wet weather, a waterproof cover or a bin bag to wrap your belongings in can be handy
- Shorts/long pants and shirts for walking - as many sets as you wish! Quick-dry material is best,
especially for trousers. Don't wear jeans walking.
- Socks - whichever thickness you're comfortable walking in and as many pairs as you like
- Boots/shoes for walking (make sure you wear them in well - see note on footwear below)
- Water shoes or thongs/flip flops for creek crossings (your leader will advise on which days these are required)
- Windcheater or lightweight jumper for walking
- Waterproof jacket
- Sun protection - hat (secure fitting and/or with chin strap), sun cream, sun glasses
- Casual clothes for evenings
- Any preferred first aid supplies - such as your favourite blister treatment! (Your guide will carry a
full first-aid kit)
- Water bottle/s or camelback - 3 litre capacity

OPTIONAL ITEMS:
- Waterproof pants. Some people love them and some hate them - personally, we don't wear them
too often, but there have been times where they have been invaluable, especially when that chilly
southern wind is blowing.
- Camera and charger/batteries
- Gaiters for snake bite protection are recommended unless you are wearing long pants and long
socks. They're also good for keeping dirt out of your shoes.
- Sandals for relaxing at the accommodation at the end of the day
- Small towel to carry during the day (to dry feet or for after a swim)
- Walking poles (will save your knees 30% less pressure!)
- Torch/headlamp (can be handy when twin sharing for getting up at night)

VALUABLES
Try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables with you on holiday. Take a photo of all important documents (tickets, passport, vaccination certificate etc to keep on your phone). 

WATER BOTTLE
Refillable water bottle minimum 2 litres

MORE!
If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list., https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Climate and seasonal

Information not available.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities.

To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final.

Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip.

Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip.

If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Accommodation notes

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 at Mt Barney (days 3 & 4) will be in an eco-conscious homestead converted from a historic1900s 'Queenslander' farmhouse. This is not a hotel in the traditional sense, so 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.

Transport notes

Information not available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise.

For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:


https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

Your fellow travellers

As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.

SOLO TRAVELLERS
On our trips, rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender, as per the gender marker on each of their passports.

We also offer an optional single supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. This only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will always be on a single-room basis.

On a small selection of trips some accommodation will be open-gender and multishare, such as a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam. Please review the Accommodation section of the Essential Trip Information for details about your trip.

LGBTQIA+ TRAVELLERS
We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. If your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you.

Itinerary disclaimer

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

ITINERARY CHANGES
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns.


ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES
First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.