I hiked the Scenic Rim Trail with my 10-year-old daughter, it was amazing

This hike-loving mum swapped the school run for a lesson in nature with her daughter. 

We gather around the long table, boots off, cheeks sun-warmed, choosing our seats for dinner. On one placemat is something unexpected: a folded piece of paper with a name written in thick, careful letters. JOSH.

Fellow hiker Josh picks it up as he sits down, reads it silently, then chuckles. He grins at my 10-year-old daughter: “Thank you.” Sadie beams, chuffed, but says nothing.

It’s hard to believe this is the same girl who, just days ago, had stood in front of seven strangers, shyly introducing herself: “Hi, I’m Sadie and I really love hiking.”

We had travelled to Queensland to hike part of the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, initially staying at Spicers Hidden Vale, a relaxed retreat in the Scenic Rim, a region recently recognised with Ecotourism Australia’s global eco-destination certification and known for its ancient rainforests and dramatic ridge lines.

At Hidden Vale, we spent the afternoon feeding Dorper sheep and calves with long lashes, before joining a koala safari in a nearby grove of tall gums, spotting two curled high in the branches. Sadie, as always, was in the moment. I was already thinking ahead, wondering how she would handle the hike to come. I shouldn’t have worried. Over two days and 26km, we easily found our rhythm.

Spicers Hidden Vale makes a stunning starting point for the Scenic Rim Trail.

The four- and six-day versions of Spicers Scenic Rim Trail cover the three bordering nations of Yuggera Ugarapul, Bundjalung and Barunggam, with hikers walking to different accommodation each night. Our two-day walk, however, is based at Spicers Canopy, a cluster of luxurious glamping tents tucked between eucalypts on the edge of the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park.

We journey as a group of nine: two couples, Sadie and me, two guides, and the Scenic Rim Trail’s general manager, Kira Klein. “An aunty told me when we walk on Country, we should stomp our feet to let the ancestors know we’re here,” Kira says as we begin. Sadie doesn’t need to be asked twice, clomping joyfully before setting off.

We climb steadily, passing gympie-gympie stinging trees (strictly not to be touched), ropey vines winding through the canopy, and past plants whose tentacles swish against our legs like nature’s car wash.

Scenic Rim Trail general manager Kira Klein helps hikers cross a river. Picture: Lindy Alexander

“I don’t want to alarm anyone,” says one of our guides, “but with all the rain, it’s worth checking your boots for leeches.” I look down and sure enough, several black threads are waving up at me. I flick most off, but one disappears into an eyelet. Later, when I pull off my boots, I find he’s had a lovely feast on my little toe.

Lunch is on the summit of Cooyinarra (Mount Mitchell), with sweeping views and a welcome breeze. Afterwards we peel off the main trail, following a narrow path onto a private nature refuge. It’s a steep, slippery descent, punctuated by the sound of boots skidding and the occasional exclamation as we try to stay upright.

I lose my footing and start sliding downhill. Sadie, just ahead, reaches out instinctively to steady me. I can already feel a bruise forming, but her calm reassurance lands somewhere deeper.

Hikers along the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail path.

As Sadie furnishes the group with lollies, the guides send us off into the forest individually. No talking, just walking. Only the scent of eucalyptus and damp earth, and the glinting golden threads of an orb spider’s web strung like a tightrope across the path.

Sadie goes first. I can’t see her, but I imagine her just beyond my eyes – small, strong, hiking poles swinging, threading her way through this ancient landscape. We arrive in the late afternoon to Spicers Canopy, greeted with elderflower cordial, fresh scones and a crackling outdoor fire. That evening after a hearty dinner, the others teach Sadie a card game. She leans in, determined to win.

Glamping out at Spicers Canopy. Picture: Hamilton Lund/Spicers

The morning brings the soft patter of rain against the canvas. Outside, mist rolls off the mountains like chimney smoke. The day clears and we crisscross creeks as water flows clear over smooth rocks. Tiny waterfalls tumble beside the track.

With each crossing, Josh becomes more determined to keep his boots dry, rock-hopping with increasing precision, while the rest of us surrender to wet feet.

At a deeper spot on the river, everyone wades in fully clothed. Except Josh and me. He’s got his dry feet to protect. I tell myself I’m content to watch, but there’s a pang when I see Sadie in the water, surrounded by voices and smiles, buoyed by the group, entirely at ease.

For the final creek crossing, Josh picks his way across the rocks one last time. He makes it to the other side with dry feet, arms raised in triumph. Sadie, still dripping from her swim, lifts her arms too, celebrating alongside him.

Stopping to admire the views along the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail.

We finish the day with warm foot baths and glasses of Champagne for the adults. Later, Sadie makes pizzas with camp host Nick Taylor, tossing the dough skyward, and when someone suggests a whirlpool in the hot tub, she’s the first to spin, laughing as she circles past.

At dinner, when Josh sits down to find the folded paper on his placemat, he reads: “The Dry Foot Award goes to Josh. Well done! From Sadie.” We all clap and cheer, and my little girl sits there, not looking for praise, just so happy to have completed the hike, wet feet and all.

The writer and her daughter were guests of Spicers Scenic Rim Trail. Two- and four-day family-friendly tours operate during school holidays, from $1700 per adult (children 50 per cent), including accommodation, meals and select beverages. 

Originally published as I hiked the Scenic Rim Trail with my 10-year-old daughter, it was amazing