Where is the Scenic Rim Trail?
Located in the foothills of South East Queensland, within the Main Range National Park, is the ever-popular and breathtakingly beautiful Scenic Rim Trail. Just one-hour from the city of Brisbane and the heart of the Gold Coast, this incredible trail is one adventure you’ll never forget. The Scenic Rim Trail begins on a private property in the Laidley Valley and ends at Cunninghams Gap in Main Range National Park. Walkers must complete the trail from north to south, it can’t be completed in reverse. It’s also important to have all relevant topographic maps on hand, as well as a compass and GPS if you decide to do the trail without a guide.
How hard is the Scenic Rim Trail to hike?
To do this magnificent walk you need to have a good level of fitness and excellent balance and stability so you can comfortably navigate the trails. Most of the trails are grade 5, unformed tracks which means they will have sections that are less defined, rough and steep in some sections. Roots, rocks and obstacles can be across the tracks, and in wet weather they can become slippery, meaning you’ll need to be well-aware of your footing at all times. The complete trail takes four days and three nights and is 47 km in full. If you haven’t done a multi-day hike before, we suggest starting with the shorter two-day hike, and for those more experienced you’ll have the option of up to a four day hike.
Can you hike the Scenic Rim Trail without a guide?
The Scenic Rim Trail is best done with a guide. You can however hike without a guide but you’ll need to organise a permit before you embark. This permit is for camping along the trail, of which there are three campsites to stop in at. We suggest booking these well in advance to avoid missing out on a site. These are exclusively for walkers on the trail and only allow you to stay one night at each. Another thing to note if you are going to do the trail without a guide is to ensure you have topographic maps and plenty of supplies to last you for the entire walk.
What to pack for hiking the Scenic Rim Trail
When setting out on a hike, you really want to make sure you’ve packed correctly. You only want to carry the essentials you’ll need for the walk and that can fit in your backpack. These items include pre-prepared lunch, camera, any medications you may require and a water bottle. If you choose to do a guided walk, your guides from Spicers Scenic Rim, will carry tea and coffee supplies for the trail, and have all bedding, meals and bathroom products at the Scenic Rim camping sites along the trail. You also want to be wearing the right attire to be comfortable and ready for whatever the weather may bring. This includes a rain jacket, fleece jumper, hat, sunglasses and of course, hiking boots. Finally, when hiking you want the right gear, this includes a water-resistant hiking pack, water bladders or bottles, hiking poles and gaiters if you like to use them.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Best time of year to complete the Scenic Rim Trail
The best time of year to complete the Scenic Rim Trail is between April and September when temperatures are cooler and there is less humidity, making your hike all the more pleasant. Between June and September is when the trail tends to be busier as these are the coolest of months. If you choose to hike during these cooler months, remember to bring warm clothes and a rain jacket as the temperatures in the mountains will be cooler in the evening and there tends to be more rain because of the rainforest climate.
What to see on the Scenic Rim Trail
The Scenic Rim Trail begins in the lush Gondwanan rainforest, and from here you’ll journey along the trails, passing by 400-year old hoop pines, through grass-tree eucalypt forests and into the tangle of vines and ferns of ancient subtropical rainforests. Along the trails you’ll witness an array of rainforest birds such as pied currawongs, black cockatoos, owls, satin bowerbirds, easter whipbirds, honeyeaters, eastern yellow robins and Albert’s lyrebirds that call this area home, as well as wallabies, kangaroos, echidnas, spotted-tailed quolls and goannas. The trail follows along ancient volcano landscapes and old logging trails, offering awe-inspiring views around every turn.
Campervan parks near Scenic Rim Trail
When it comes to great spots to park your motorhome or campervan hire in this area, there are a few places that we love;
Aratula Village
With overnight and weekly stays available, as well as a tranquil bush setting, Aratula Village has great amenities and laundry facilities.
Boonah Caravan Park
Boonah Caravan Park is another great option within this area and offers a relaxing visit to all guests. With new and modern amenities blocks, free laundry facilities and great rates, this will be a wonderful country-stay on your getaway.
Ipswich Caravan Village
Another place we love to stay when in and around the Scenic Rim area is the Ipswich Caravan Village. Nestled within a peaceful bushland setting, within easy reach of local shops and dining options, this will be a relaxing and easy stay in your motorhome.
Image: Tourism and Events Queensland
Places to visit in the Scenic Rim area
While in this spectacular area, we recommend making the most of your campervan hire and checking out some of the other great sights to see.
Lamington National Park
Lush rainforests with ancient trees and extensive walking trails, taking in the spectacular views can be found in the popular Lamington National Park. This is sure to be a wonderful addition to your road trip itinerary. Nature lovers will love spotting the array of birds who call this national park home, and those who love waterfalls will delight to know there are some breathtakingly beautiful falls within the park that are waiting to be admired.
The wineries and breweries
The Scenic Rim is home to some great wineries and breweries that craft some tantalising beverages. Having gained a reputation of quality and diverse wines, and boutique ales, lagers and stouts, visitors are definitely going to want to add a few of these spots to their trip. Check out the Scenic Rim Brewery. With craft beer brewed onsite, and a great café serving up a European-inspired menu, this family-friendly character-filled space is sure to impress. Wine lovers should pop into the Sarabah Estate Vineyard where you can taste their range, and enjoy a picnic in the vines. With delicious food, incredible wines and a stunning setting, we’re sure you’ll love this stop! Of course, there are many more incredible places to dine and drink within this area, and what better way to get to them than in your maui camper!
Kooroomba Lavender Farm
A visit to the Kooroomba Lavender Farm will be a wonderful addition to your road trip itinerary. This unique tourist destination consists of a cellar door, restaurant and a lavender gift shop, all of which overlook a six hectare vineyard, breathtakingly beautiful lavender fields and the Scenic Rim mountains beyond. While here you can enjoy a stroll through the fields, taste their selection of wines and enjoy a meal in the restaurant as you take in the views, all before picking up some lavender goodies from the gift shop.
Curtis Falls
Curtis Falls is another must-do on your trip when in this area. Located in the Tamborine National Park, this walk will take you through wet eucalypt forest and towering flooded gums, into cool rainforests with crows nests and staghorn ferns in the canopy above. Once you get to Curtis Falls you’ll be in awe. These falls cascade over massive basalt columns into the pool below. Within the pools you can look out for basking turtles, darting fish and slithering eels. It’s not a very long walk so you can save your energy for the Scenic Rim Trail, yet still witness the beauty that these falls offer.
Ready to hike the Scenic Rim Trail?
If you’re ready to hit the road and head out to the Scenic Rim Trail to embark on what will be a wonderful hiking adventure, then make sure you book your maui camper today. Plus there are some great deals to take advantage of, as well as much more travel inspiration to read about on our blog.