About the Scenic Rim Trail

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Panoramic views and fresh mountain air are your reward for making the steep climb to the range crest.

Photo credit: © Greg Carter

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Discover the majesty of ancient rainforests with links to Gondwana.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

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Admire wedge-tailed eagles soaring over cliffs and valleys.

Photo credit: Brett Roberts © Queensland Government

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Before leaving the trailhead, please clean your boots at the footwear hygiene station.

Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government

Walk highlights

The Scenic Rim Trail is a 47km, 4-day (3-night) hiking adventure for experienced bushwalkers in the rugged and remote mountains of World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park.

Trek from grasstree-filled eucalypt forests into the tangle of vines, ferns and buttress roots of timeless subtropical rainforest. Spend unforgettable days following the escarpment of an ancient volcano, discovering stunning views and the natural treasures of an amazing landscape that is a world away, but not that far, from the city.

The trail begins on private property in the Laidley Valley, and ends at Cunninghams Gap in Main Range National Park. Incorporating new and existing walking trails, the Scenic Rim Trail is a partnership between the Queensland Government and ecotourism operator Spicers Retreats, Hotels and Lodges Pty Ltd.

Looking after the park

Feel privileged—you are visiting an area recognised as one of the world's most outstanding and valuable places. Main Range National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Tread softly and leave no trace!

See walking for more information about minimising your impact on this special area.

Be pest and pathogen free

Don’t let your walk destroy the forest—stop the spread of weeds, phytophthora (a root pathogen that causes dieback in trees) and other pathogens such as myrtle rust and amphibian chytrid fungus.

Please check that your clothing, footwear and gear are free of soil, seeds, parts of plants, eggs, ants and insects (and their eggs), spiders, lizards, toads, rats, mice or other stowaways.

Before you visit:

• Unpack your camping gear and equipment and check it carefully as pests love to hide in stored camping gear.
• Clean and disinfect your footwear and camping equipment either at home using a disinfectant or before starting your walk.
• Check for seeds in pockets, cuffs and hook and loop fastening strips, such as Velcro.

On the trail:

• Use the footwear hygiene station at the trailhead before starting your walk.
• Keep to the trail at all times.
• Remove soil, weeds, seeds and pests from footwear, clothes and camping gear (pegs, spade or towel included) before moving to a new site. Keep all gear as clean and free from soil as possible during your walk.

See the guidelines on how to walk softly and caring for parks for more tips about protecting the environment when you bushwalk.

Park management

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages Main Range National Park under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 to preserve and present its natural, cultural and scenic values in perpetuity.

Most of Main Range National Park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area , in recognition of its outstanding geological history, evolutionary significance and role in nature conservation. Management is coordinated through a partnership between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, the Traditional Owners and the wider community, and in accordance with internationally-recognised obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

The trailhead and first 6km of the Scenic Rim Trail are located on Thornton View Nature Refuge, a privately-owned property managed by the Turner Family.  A unique partnership between the Queensland Government and property owners enables the public to traverse the trail through private property.

The Scenic Rim Trail and associated infrastructure has been developed with approval under all relevant local government and Queensland Government legislation (including the Nature Conservation Act 1992), as well as the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Protection Act 1999.

Tourism information links

Boonah Visitor Information Centre
www.visitscenicrim.com.au
Boonah-Fassifern Road, Boonah Qld 4310
ph (07) 5463 2233
fax (07) 5463 2135
email vic@scenicrim.qld.gov.au

Lake Apex Visitor Information Centre
www.discoverlockyer.com.au
34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton Qld 4343
ph (07) 5466 3425
email tourism@lvrc.qld.gov.au

Warwick Visitor Information Centre
southerndownsandgranitebelt.com.au
Town Hall, 72 Palmerin St, Warwick Qld 4370
ph 1800 060 877
fax (07) 4661 3122
email visitor@sdrc.qld.gov.au

For tourism information for all regions in Queensland, see www.queenslandholidays.com.au.