The Scenic Rim Trail is one of the Great Walks of Australia. This region known as the Scenic Rim Region is inland from Gold Coast in Queensland. The Scenic Rim Trail is a four day walk through this region covering 33 km. The trail is only open during the walking season. It just opened up on 13 April 2016. You can book guided tours that come with lodge accommodations. The walk is a moderate level walk with a large ascent on Spicers Peak and part of the walk through main Range National Park. Anytime you are bushwalking or hiking in these beautiful surroundings remember to protect the land for future generations by taking nothing but pictures and leaving nothing but footprints. Bring adequate supplies with you like drinking water and sunscreen. Be sure that someone knows where you are going and when you are expected back.
Scenic Rim Trail Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Hiring a Car in Gold Coast
Rathdowney and Mt Barney Photo Credit: VisitScenicRim.com.au
Scenic Rim Region Map Photo Credit: Google Maps
Gold Coast Car Hire Map Photo Credit: Budget.com.au
The Gold Coast is located on the east coast of Australia in Queensland. It is 69 kilometres south of Brisbane, or about an hour long trip by car. If you are up for a road trip, Gold Coast is about a 9 hour road trip north of Sydney. There is also an airport located in nearby Coolangatta. You can hire a car at a number of different locations because you will want to be able to have the freedom to travel around on your own schedule. While in Gold Coast, check out all of the family friendly things to do in Gold Coast. We’ve also highlighted some of the Scenic Rim Region before:
Main Range National Park
Glamping in Australia
Best Scenic Drives in Australia: The Rainforest Way
Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim Region are close to Brisbane. Here are some other holiday ideas in and around Brisbane:
5 Day Trips from Brisbane
Things to Do in Brisbane
Free Things to do in Brisbane
Something for Everyone in the South Bank of Brisbane
The Rainforest Way
Pacific Coast Road Trip Sydney to Brisbane
Take a Trip to the Queensland Outback: Carnarvon National Park
Great Barrier Reef National Park
Top 5 Great Barrier Reef Port Cities and 5 Great Barrier Reef Destinations
Excursions for Your Great Barrier Reef Holiday
Great Barrier Reef Island Getaways
Beautiful and Diverse National Parks of Queensland
A Chocoholic’s Guide to Brisbane
Scenic Rim Trail Itinerary
Scenic Rim Trail Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Map Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
The Scenic Rim Trail is a four day guided walk with a specific itinerary in place. The walk is a moderate level so be sure that you have a moderate level of experience and fitness level to be able to traverse the trail without difficulty.
Scenic Rim Trail Day One
Scenic Rim Trail Map Day One Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Day One of the Scenic Rim Trail is a full day walk on Mt Mitchell Plateau. It is 13 km long and takes 6 ½ hours to complete. The ascent to Mt Mitchell is 5 km of winding trails that lead up to spectacular views of the Scenic Rim and the Fassifern Valley. At the end of day one descend to Spicers Peak Station and enjoy a rustic dinner at Spicers Canopy.
Scenic Rim Trail Day Two
Scenic Rim Trail Map Day Two Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Day Two is the River Loop, a 6.5 km morning walk that takes about 4 ½ hours. After breakfast, head out to explore Millar Vale Creek where you will learn from your guide all about the rich history of the area. Take the opportunity of the relaxing day to learn about the local wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, and a wide variety of birds. At the end of the day exploring the beautiful scenery and nature, enjoy an evening by the fire with activities at Spicers Canopy.
Scenic Rim Trail Day Three
Scenic Rim Trail Map Day Three Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Day three is a full day walk of Spicers Peak Exploration following the steps of the early settlers into a part of Queensland that very few people have been able to see. Trek through the lush, dense rainforests on Spicers Peak among the giant ferns and ancient 1,000 year old Hoop Pines. The trail opens up to Spicers Gap and the Great Dividing Range and ends at Spicers Peak Lodge with an evening of luxury accommodations and a gourmet dinner.
Scenic Rim Trail Map Day Four
Scenic Rim Trail Map Day Four Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Day Four is spent relaxing at Spicers Peak Lodge. A morning walk to Ryan’s Lookout is optional; or enjoy the luxury amenities at Spiders Lodge. Relax and rejuvenate in the Spa Anise, take a scenic helicopter flight and witness the Scenic Rim from above over Main Range National park, read in the library, or play tennis.
Scenic Rim Trail Accommodations
Scenic Rim Trail Accommodations Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Accommodations Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Accommodations Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
Scenic Rim Trail Accommodations Photo Credit: ScenicRimTrail.com
The first stop on the Scenic Rim Trail is Spicers Canopy. Ecotourism meets luxury camping, or glamping, at this Scenic Rim retreat that is situated on 5,000 acres of natural surroundings. The accommodations include eco-tents with king or twin size beds, fine linens, polished floorboards, armchairs, bedside tables with lamps and a covered deck with deckchairs. In addition, you will find a friendly communal space with a stone fireplace with polished floors, private bathrooms with solar-heated, steaming hot showers. At the centre of it all is the big dining table for sitting around to break bread and share stories at the end of the day while enjoying a gourmet meal prepared for the guests.
The final night of the Scenic Rim Trail is spent at the height of luxury at the Spicers Peak Lodge. This is a luxurious, rewarding night’s stay with all the creature comforts you might find at any high end hotel in the city; but, it’s located at the top of the Scenic Rim overlooking the mountains and nature. Give yourself a break after the long climb on the trail. The lodge features one and two bedroom private suites that overlook the wilderness. It is the highest non-alpine lodge in all of Australia.
National Parks of the Scenic Rim
Scenic Rim Regional Map Photo Credit: VisitScenicRim.com.au
Christmas Creek in the Lost World Valley Photo Credit: VisitBrisbane.com.au
Lake Moogerah in the Boonah area Photo Credit: VisitScenicRim.com.au
If you are already touring this beautiful region, in addition to walking the Scenic Rim Trail, you should take advantage of some of the other amazing places to visit in the region like the six national parks, the World Heritage listed rainforest, and more.