Hiking the Hinterlands

Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and is the capital of Queensland, the "Sunshine State". It is set along the Brisbane River and was the traditional home to the Jagera and Turrbal Aboriginal mobs before Europeans founded a convict colony in what is now the central business district in 1824.
Modern-day Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and has a rich, culturally diverse population. There is no shortage of attractions to visit and explore. Across the river from the CBD, South Bank is home to the city's Cultural Centre with world-class galleries and entertainment. Just an hour from the city, discover Brisbane’s stunning natural surrounds including the Scenic Rim and Somerset World Heritage rainforests, lookouts and majestic mountain peaks, while Moreton Island and Redlands Coast offer pristine waters, wildlife experiences, diving and snorkelling.

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

Cruising along the beautiful Brisbane River, sit back and relax as your skipper takes you along the calm waterways. Aboard the boat, you will get a complimentary Devonshire tea, with a tea or coffee to enjoy along the ride. Throughout your tour enjoy the sights of the city including the Riverside precincts, Kangaroo Point, homes of the rich and famous, historical landmarks, and much much more.

Experience Brisbane like no other than climbing the Story Bridge during twilight. As the sun begins its descent, the sky is painted with vibrant colors, the city lights are sparkling and the city is beginning to undertake the transition from day to night. As you reach the summit you will be greeted with stunning views of the CBD, as you are climbing around, your guide will provide knowledgeable information about the bridge and the surroundings.

Our rental car range includes the latest vehicles from the top suppliers. From economy hatchbacks to SUVs, we can help you decide on a car suitable for this leg of your trip. Insurance can often be included with a small excess or deductible.

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 consult about planning your next stop!