Hiking the Hinterlands

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, is a city that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with natural beauty. Located along the winding Brisbane River, the city is home to a rich cultural history, having been originally inhabited by the Turrbal and Jagera peoples. These Aboriginal tribes have deep connections to the land, and their heritage is an integral part of the city’s identity. Today, visitors to the city can explore the cultural significance of the area through art, history, and storytelling, gaining insight into the traditional custodians' deep connection to the environment.
Known for its friendly locals and sun-soaked climate, Brisbane boasts a thriving cultural scene, with highlights such as the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Museum of Brisbane, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. South Bank is a must-visit, where visitors can enjoy riverside dining, relax in lush parklands, and take in the city’s stunning skyline. The highlight is the Brisbane City Beach—an urban oasis featuring sandy shores, swimming lagoons, and a relaxed, holiday vibe right in the heart of the city. The city also offers a vibrant food scene, from fresh local seafood to international cuisine.
Brisbane is the gateway to both coastal and hinterland adventures, with pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and mountain ranges just a short trip away. Its eco-conscious initiatives and numerous green spaces make it a great city for outdoor enthusiasts, while its easy access to nature adds another layer to its charm. Whether you're interested in cultural exploration, natural beauty, or urban sophistication, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your Queensland adventure.

On arrival, you will be met by a private driver and delivered to your Brisbane accommodation.

Discover the beauty of Brisbane from a whole new perspective on a Sightseeing Cruise with River City Cruises. This relaxing river tour offers a stunning journey through the heart of Brisbane, where you'll glide past the city's most iconic landmarks, including the towering Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the bustling South Bank, and the historic Story Bridge. As you cruise along the Brisbane River, take in the vibrant city skyline, lush parklands, and unique riverside architecture, all while enjoying informative commentary that shares fascinating insights into the city's rich history.
This sightseeing cruise provides ample opportunities for photography, and simply soaking in the scenic beauty of the area. With comfortable seating and both indoor and outdoor viewing options, this tour ensures a relaxed, enjoyable experience for all ages. 

Experience Brisbane like never before with the Twilight Climb at the iconic Story Bridge Adventure. As the sun sets and the city comes alive with sparkling lights, take in breathtaking panoramic views of Brisbane from the summit of one of the world’s few climbable heritage-listed bridges. This thrilling twilight adventure offers a unique opportunity to witness the city’s skyline, the winding Brisbane River, and the surrounding mountains bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun.
Led by expert guides, your climb will take you on a safe, exciting ascent with informative commentary about the city’s history, landmarks, and the Story Bridge itself. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of Brisbane's vibrant urban landscape, including the South Bank, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the lush greenery of the surrounding areas.
Once at the top, take a moment to soak in the spectacular 360-degree views, with the city lights illuminating the night sky as you look out over the river and beyond. It’s the ultimate way to end the day on a high note!

Choose a car to best suit your needs from our fantastic rental car range or ask our team for a suggestion. From compact economy to prestige SUVs. First time driving in Australia? Check out this helpful guide.

Driving from Brisbane to the Scenic Rim is a delightful journey through some of Queensland's most picturesque landscapes. As you set out from Brisbane, head south on the M1 and then take the exit towards the scenic Mount Tamborine area. Your first stop could be the charming town of Tamborine Mountain, renowned for its lush rainforests, quirky shops, and local wineries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning flora and fauna. Continuing on, make sure to visit the picturesque Cedar Creek Falls for a refreshing nature break and beautiful photo opportunities. From there, you can drive to Beechmont and explore the scenic lookout points, such as the stunning Moran's Falls. The Scenic Rim itself is rich with outdoor activities, so you might also want to take a short detour to explore the rugged beauty of the Lamington National Park. Whether you’re interested in bushwalking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this drive offers a wealth of experiences that showcase the diverse charm of Queensland’s hinterland.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure on the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, a 4-day guided walk through the stunning landscapes of Queensland’s Scenic Rim. This journey takes you deep into ancient rainforests, across open grasslands, and up to breathtaking mountain ridges, all within the pristine wilderness of the Main Range National Park. Each day, immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems, spot native wildlife, and enjoy the solitude of nature, far from the hustle and bustle. After a day of exploration, relax in luxurious eco-cabins, where gourmet meals and fine wines await. With expert guides leading the way, this trail offers an unparalleled experience of the Australian bush, blending adventure with comfort and sustainability. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or new to trekking, the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail promises a journey of discovery and rejuvenation.

Your Scenic Rim Trail adventure begins with a warm welcome at Spicers Hidden Vale. Upon arrival, proceed to the reception with your luggage and day pack, where the group will assemble at the front deck. Here, your guides will provide a briefing for the day ahead. Afterward, you'll embark on a 40-minute transfer to the trailhead, where your luggage will be taken to the camp while you begin your hike. Rest assured, there is a bathroom available at the start of the trail.
Today's hike is approximately 12 kilometers along Grade 3 to 5 trails, suitable for experienced hikers. The trail requires navigation and technical skills, which your guides will provide. Expect long, rough, and steep sections, including some challenging rock scrambling. The trail follows natural rock formations, with your guides leading the way to ensure safety. The day's adventure takes you up the Mistake Mountain Range, featuring a challenging 600-meter ascent through dry sclerophyll forest, with breathtaking views throughout the hike. A highlight of the day is the 16-meter rock ladder, where you'll be securely harnessed as you ascend, with the group cheering each other on as everyone reaches the top. The aim is to arrive at camp by approximately 3:30 pm, depending on conditions and the group's pace. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your host and have the afternoon to relax and unwind. In the evening, gather in the lounge for a daily briefing before enjoying a share-style dinner at 6:00 pm. This first day sets the tone for an unforgettable Scenic Rim Trail experience, blending adventure, natural beauty, and the camaraderie of fellow hikers.

On the second day of your Scenic Rim Trail adventure, if the skies are clear, be sure to rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Spicers Mt Mistake Farmhouse. Breakfast is served at 7:00 am, with tea and coffee available earlier to help you ease into the day. Please note that breakfast times may vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
After breakfast, you’ll pack your belongings and finalise your preparations for the day's journey. Gather on the deck where your guides will provide packed lunches and any necessary instructions. Before setting off, don’t forget to refill your water bottles and warm up with a few stretches. Departure is scheduled for 8:00 am, after bidding farewell to your gracious hosts, who will ensure your luggage is safely transported to the next camp.
Today's trail covers approximately 18 kilometers, mostly along a Grade 3 path, which is well-formed but presents some obstacles. The trail includes short, steep hills and steps. The final hour of the day will challenge you with a Grade 5 unformed track, characterised by rough, steep, and unmarked terrain. The day begins with a gentle climb before you enter the majestic Gondwana Rainforest, your first encounter with this ancient ecosystem. Emerging from the dense rainforest, you’ll follow an old logging trail, where some sections may be exposed to the sun. In warmer weather, your guides will ensure ample water breaks to keep everyone hydrated. As you near the end of your hike, the path takes you deeper into the rainforest on a private Grade 5 trail, leading directly into camp. 
Around 3:30 pm, you’ll arrive at camp, where your friendly hosts will greet you with afternoon tea and a refreshing beverage. Afterward, they will guide you to your treehouse-like cabin and provide an orientation and briefing for the incredible surroundings you’ll call home for the night. The camp features two wash pavilions, where you can enjoy a well-deserved shower before heading to the lounge to relax. As the day winds down, we highly recommend watching the sunset from the viewing deck—a perfect way to cap off a day of exploration. Dinner is served at 6:00 pm, and in the warmer months, you might choose to leave the tilt door of your cabin open overnight, letting the soothing sounds of the forest lull you to sleep.

On the third day of your Scenic Rim Trail adventure, take advantage of the yoga mat provided in each cabin to start your morning with some gentle stretching. Whether you choose to stretch out on your private balcony or bring your mat down to the viewing deck, it's the perfect way to relax and center yourself before the day begins. After your morning routine of breakfast, packing, and gathering your gear, you'll bid farewell to your hosts and set off on another day of exploration.
Today's trail covers approximately 16 kilometers and includes a variety of Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5 trails. The day begins with a relatively flat warm-up along an access road, where you'll be serenaded by the sounds of rainforest birds. Be prepared for potentially muddy conditions on this initial stretch, which may require some careful navigation around puddles. As you descend into the valley, you'll find yourself surrounded by the lush, dense rainforest. About half of today's hike is on Grade 5 trails, with your guides expertly leading the way through unmarked paths. The descent includes sections of rocky boulders that will require slow, careful navigation. The pace will be more deliberate as you traverse tree roots and rocky terrain, ensuring your safety and footing. The final section of the day involves a climb up to Spicers Timber Getters Ecocamp, where your hosts will be waiting to greet you. Though the camp's architecture mirrors that of previous camps, each one boasts its own unique interior and exterior style. Spicers Timber Getters Ecocamp was once a loggers' camp, and you can still see the old tin cabin that housed the timber getters of that era. As the day winds down, gather in the lounge for your daily briefing before enjoying a delicious dinner at 6:00 pm. Afterward, unwind with a glass of port or Baileys, savoring the tranquility of the surroundings before retiring for a well-earned night of restful sleep.

Day four of the Scenic Rim Trail Walk begins with the enchanting sounds of dawn birdlife, a special treat for the early risers among us. As we follow our usual morning routine of breakfast, packing, and gathering our gear, we bid farewell to our gracious hosts at 8am and embark on the day's adventure. Today's trail covers approximately 16 kilometers, featuring a variety of Grade 3, Grade 4, and Grade 5 paths. We start the day with a challenging climb up a fire trail, passing by an old pine plantation along the way. Upon reaching the summit, we dive back into the heart of the rainforest, navigating through Grade 5 trails. Here, you'll encounter towering rainforest trees with buttresses that rise six feet high. The pace will naturally slow as we carefully make our way through sections with tree roots and rocky terrain. As we emerge from the depths of the rainforest, we begin our ascent up and over Bare Rock. On a clear day, the 360-degree views from the top are simply breathtaking. From this vantage point, we transition onto public trails, where we may encounter fellow hikers—though few will have ventured as deeply into the wilderness as you have.
The final stretch of the trail brings us back to the modern world, with the distant hum of trucks transporting goods along coastal routes. At the trail's end, vehicles will be waiting to transfer you to Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins, just a 15-minute drive away. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed and shown to your beautifully crafted log cabin, each featuring its own ensuite. After some well-deserved rest and time to settle into your surroundings, we'll gather around the fire pit to share stories and reminisce about our favorite moments from the journey. The day concludes with a final dinner together, celebrating the incredible adventure we've shared.

On your final morning of the Scenic Rim Trail Walk, enjoy a leisurely breakfast at 8am, allowing you to savor the last moments of tranquility in this beautiful setting. After breakfast, you'll have time to relax and reflect on your journey before your transfer departs at 10am. 

Enjoy a scenic drive from the rolling hills of the Scenic Rim to the vibrant shores of the Gold Coast. Begin your journey in the picturesque countryside, passing through the charming town of Canungra before winding through the stunning Gold Coast Hinterland. As the landscape transitions from mountains to subtropical coastlines, breathtaking views accompany you along the way. Arrive at the Gold Coast, where the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful beaches provide the perfect destination to conclude your journey.

Famed for its beaches, including the world-renowned Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast has plenty to offer away from the sand and sea. In order to make the most of your free day make sure you include some of the following:
Beach hop between Coolangatta and Currumbin or take a surf lesson at Surf In Paradise from The Spit near Main Beach. Consider heading over to Wave Break Island with Queensland Scuba Diving and experience the fantastic snorkeling and diving. For the more experienced surfers, head to Burleigh Heads. This beach often has whales from April to September.
If thrills are what you are after, head to any one of Gold Coast's world-class theme parks. Holoverse, Wet 'n' Wild, Sea World, Infinity Attraction and Topgolf Gold Coast are just a few.
For those looking for wildlife encounters, look no further than Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. This iconic park gives its visitors the opportunity to wander through open animal enclosures, feed kangaroos and befriend cuddly koalas. It's newest precinct is home to lemurs, cotton-top tamarins, red pandas, capybaras, and exotic birds and reptiles. As a non-profit organisation, all proceeds are put back into wildlife and conservation programs.
Feeling a bit peckish? Rick Shores and the Fish House are popular spots at Burleigh Heads for lunch and dinner. If you're hoping for a craft beer experience, have a pint of one of the award-winning beers from Burleigh Brewing Company, Black Hops, Fortitude Brewing Co., Balter or Lost Palms Brewing Company.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a heritage-listed zoological garden. The multitude of events, shows, and attractions include dingo encounters, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, free-flight bird shows, and the feeding of the park's massive saltwater crocodile. You will step back in time with a visit to Lost Valley and a journey through the ancient supercontinent Gondwana. Here, you will experience exotic Australian wildlife, including Cotton Top Tamarins, Red Panda, Capybaras, and four Ring Tail Lemurs. You can also visit the Extinction Trail, where you step back in time and learn about prehistoric times when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The park also contains a serious aspect of its work and exhibits, and behind the scenes includes a state-of-the-art veterinary and rehabilitation hospital. The Sanctuary is a non-profit organization that invests in world famous Wildlife Research and Conservation Projects, to help save some amazing species from extinction. Their world famous Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest in the world; the care and treatment are funded from park admissions, visitors, and donations from the public. You are welcome to visit the hospital and see the day-to-day workings from a viewing deck. Enjoy your day seeing the wildlife and learning about everything from Koalas to Wombats and Reptiles to the ring-tailed lemur.

Starting your journey from the vibrant Gold Coast, head west along the Pacific Motorway (M1), taking exit 57 toward Tamborine-Oxenford Road. As you leave the coastal bustle behind, the road winds gently through lush hinterland, offering glimpses of the serene landscape. Continue following the signs for Tamborine Mountain as the route takes you through charming small towns and verdant countryside. The drive gradually ascends, and you'll notice the temperature cooling as you climb. Upon reaching the mountain, you'll be greeted by the crisp air and breathtaking views, signalling your arrival at the picturesque Tamborine Mountain.

Tamborine National Park encompasses an area of over 2000ha and is home to lush rainforest, waterfalls, and of course, beautiful walks.

Cedar Creek Falls lookout track
500m return. Allow 15 minutes.
This walk is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs with assistance. The path leads to views of the expansive gorge carved out by cascading waterfalls, flowing down to rock pools below.

Cedar Creek Falls track to rock pools
1.1km return. Allow 30 minutes.
The walk starts to the right of the Cedar Creek Falls lookout, sloping down gently. Upon reaching a fork, keep to the left to reach another viewing platform. Rest to take full advantage of the breathtaking views of the three upper waterfalls and rock pools (86 stairs). Continue until the two tracks re-join, and zig-zag down the canyon through open forest and dry rainforest and arrive at these popular swimming holes after crossing extensive jumbled rock scree slopes (17 stairs). Access to the swimming holes is easy via slope rock shelves, but care needs to be taken as these rocks can be slippery. The return track reverses the walk-in, except when coming to the fork, stick to the left to shorten the uphill walk and to arrive back at the upper viewing platform (37 stairs).

Witches Falls Circuit
3.1km return. Allow 1 hour.
From the car park at Main Western Road, the southern start of the track descends down the steep mountainside through open forest, allowing great views inland. It eventually flattens out and continues through a stretch of seasonal lagoons, a wet-weather deviation track normally guarantees easy navigation all year round. “Witches Falls” are reached just a couple of hundred meters to the right. Another 50 meters or so will get you onto the viewing platform, offering great inland views as well as letting you admire the “Witches Falls” waterfall (25 stairs). Return is via the northern track zigzagging up the mountain again back to the carpark.

Curtis Falls
1.5km return. Allow 1 hour.
The start of the track meanders downhill through wet eucalypt forest beneath towering flooded gums. Take advantage of the viewing platform on the left, allowing rainforest views towards the creek below (12 stairs). A plaque gives information about the illusive “Albert’s Lyrebird”. Joalah is an Aboriginal word meaning “Haunt of the Lyrebird”.
After the viewing platform, the track gradually descends to Curtis Creek, which is reached after the last set of steps. You will notice a drop in temperature as you descend into the lush rainforest. Look out for beautiful crows nests and staghorn ferns growing in the canopy above (106 stairs).
Turn left to reach beautiful Curtis Falls, only a short stroll away. The falls run all year-round, however, they are at their most spectacular after heavy rainfalls. The track ends at a viewing platform overlooking a large rock pool, with great views of the falls and the surrounding columnar basalt rock face (6 stairs).
Note that access to the Curtis Falls rock pool and surrounding area is not permitted—it is a restricted access area for the safety of visitors and the protection of glow-worm and platypus populations.

Follow the windy Tamborine Mountain Road down the mountain and through Tamborine Village. Here, you'll head towards Yatala and if you're hungry, Yatala Pies are a Queensland icon, making meat pies for over 130 years and definitely worth a quick stop. From here, get back on the motorway and follow it all the way into Brisbane.

Explore more of Brisbane before dropping your rental car at the airport depot and continuing your onward journey.

Farewell Australia today. If there is more of Australia or New Zealand you would like to explore, talk to your sales consultant about planning your next stop!