Eight best Scenic Rim hikes revealed as Binna Burra guided hikes returned
After a horror year that saw devastating bushfires rip through the region, the Scenic Rim is opening up to tourists looking to explore the rainforest this summer. SEE THE TOP EIGHT HIKES.
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AFTER a horror year that saw devastating bushfires rip through the region, the Scenic Rim is opening up to tourists looking to explore the rainforest this summer.
The region is preparing for an influx of Queenslanders looking to explore their own backyard by offering guided hikes at Binna Burra through ParkTours, while the top eight hosted Senic Rim hikes and walking breaks have been revealed by Visit Scenic Rim.
Binna Burra reopens after a year of repairs and ‘no revenue’
Mount Barney, the Stinson Walk, and the Border Track are some of the top walks where Queenslanders can experience sweeping ranges, river valleys and lush rainforests.
It comes after devastating bush fires ripped through the region, destroying the iconic Binna Burra Lodge last year before COVID-19 further plunged the area into economic downturn with little to no tourism.
Now the state has recorded a 30 per cent increase in Queenslanders taking a trip in their own state, resulting in spending going up by 62 per cent for the month.
Park Tours manager and Binna Burra activities manager Lisa Groom said the summer months were the perfect time to visit the rainforest, with some areas several degrees cooler than the Gold Coast.
“I’d recommend all of these walks, they’re fantastic and there are short, medium and long options available,” she said.
“I think a lot of people are coming up to the mountains for the first time and that’s exciting there are a lot of new people coming.
“I also think a lot of people run away from the forest to the beach during summer time but its lovely…especially if we have a bit of rain to see the waterfalls.”
Ms Groom said while people can be hesitant to walk, it was important to have guided tours to build confidence, connect with people after COVID-19 and learn about wildlife.
EIGHT BEST HIKES AND WALKING BREAKS
The Scenic Rim Trail - fascinating flora, fantastic fauna and fabulous food are just the beginning!
Who said bush walks had to be rough and rugged? We can safely say it wasn’t Jude Turner, founder of the Spicers Retreat. As she seeks to showcase the best of the Australian bushland, Jude has added a touch of luxury that you won’t find anywhere else. Together with 12 fellow adventurers, join an expertly guided tour through the Great Dividing Range’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Forest. Winding pathways, luxury eco cabins and divine native flora and fauna are just a few of the incredible sites you’ll experience, as well as chef-hatted meals too? Spicers Retreat is a bucket list item not to be missed right here in South East Queensland.
spicersretreats.com/scenic-rim-trail
The challenge all true blue hikers asked for... Mount Barney!
Renowned for its challenging cliff faces, mountain ascents and pristine creeks, Mount Barney is a true-blue hikers delight! With a year-round program of adventures led by qualified outdoor leaders, Mt Barney Lodge is the dream team if you want to tackle the mountain with true adventurer esteem. Choose from a range of expeditions that involve rock climbing, abseiling, navigation courses as well as guided walks. If you fancy it, try your hand at some local bush food on the sunset eco tour and learn about all the native flora and fauna. With plenty of options on offer for the whole family, this is truly an adventure for the outdoorsy types. www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/activities/expeditions
Did someone say Moonrise on Mount Maroon?
Beautiful scenery bathed in clear silver light, Lake Maroon glinting and Mt Barney glowing - that is what can be expected at Moonrise on Mt Maroon! Standing at 964m, this volcanic peak is part of the McPherson Ranges and offers spectacular views of Brisbane Moreton Island and Mt Barney. As part of their acclaimed tour program, Mt Barney Lodge offers a unique “Moonrise on Mt Maroon” package. Depart in the mid-afternoon and catch the moonlight by night. Dinner and snacks are all provided!
mtbarneylodge.com.au/activities/expeditions/moonrise-on-maroon
Walk for wellbeing on the Lamington Short Break Tour
Fresh air, mountain views, wellbeing workshops and creek explorations are just the beginning of the package offered on the interNATIONAL Park Tours Lamington Short Break Walking Holiday. Join one of two expert guides, Toni or Lisa Groom, as they take you through the best tracks in Lamington National Park and introduce you to locals along the way. You’ll participate in Qigong and nature journaling and visit the studio of artist, David Groom. This four-day adventure is designed to be shared with up to six people and is an easy to moderate walk.
parktours.com.au/walking-holidays/australia/queensland/lamington-short-break-april-2021
Shh... The Secrets of the Scenic Rim
Sweeping ranges, river valleys, lush rainforests and knowledge only locals can offer - The Secrets of the Scenic Rim tour run by interNATIONAL PARK tours is the hike discoverers asked for. Travelling from Brisbane through the country towns of Kalbar and Harrisville, the team take you on walks through Moogerah Peaks National Park then to the Mt Barney lookouts and beyond. In this five-day package, guests will be treated to culinary delights and welcomed in by local characters.
parktours.com.au/walking-holidays/australia/queensland/secrets-of-the-scenic-rim-2021
History on the horizon! The famous Stinson Walk!
Navigated in 1937 for the first time by Bernard O’Reilly, the Stinson Walk is one history buffs aren’t going to want to miss! Not for the faint hearted, this 37km hike takes adventurers through the rugged McPherson Range to the Stinson Aircraft Crash Site. After a few days unearthing Queensland’s hidden history, get comfy at the internationally acclaimed O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat!
oreillys.com.au/events/stinson-walk
You won’t get bored on the Border Track!
Trek 21.4km from the gorgeous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat to Binna Burra Lodge (or vice versa) in Lamington National Park. You’ll delve into the heartland of this ancient landscape on a full day hike boasting spectacular views, subtropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and incredible ridge lines. Then, cosy up with a warm meal, a bubbling beverage and the sounds of nature at one of the two international ecotourism icons: Binna Burra Lodge or O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.
oreillys.com.au/walking-tracks-at-lamington-national-park
Spend Eight Glorious Hours on the Eighth Hikers Weekend Escape
Take a challenging off-track hike to The Steamers in Main Range National Park - one of the most dramatic geologic features in south-east Queensland. The Steamers rise as steep cliff sections atop a ridge to the west of the Main Range, north west of Mt Superbus. They are named the Prow, Funnel, Mast and Stern for their resemblance to a massive ship. Find this incredible, iconic landmark on an expertly led day hike with eco-certified local company, Horizon Guides.
ABOUT THE SCENIC RIM
The Scenic Rim is a fertile agricultural region situated on the doorstep of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The vast region covers more than 4000 square kilometres, including Tamborine Mountain, Canungra, Beaudesert, Boonah, Kalbar and Peak Crossing.
It’s home to six National Parks and more than 30,000ha of parkland, plus three dams, Lake Moogerah, Lake Maroon and Wyaralong Dam.
The alluvial soil sustains a bounty of produce, including vegetables, olives, macadamia nuts, dairy, poultry, pork, beef, sheep, camel, finger limes, limes, coffee, avocados and rhubarb.
Visit the Scenic Rim! Find out all you need at visitscenicrim.com.au