Scenic Rim Regional: Walking Trails, Nature and Culture

Scenic Rim Regional offers a wide range of nature and cultural experiences, from multi-day hikes in remote mountains to circuit walks, lakes and regional food culture. Six national parks, farm tours, cultural offerings and an annual festival in June give your trip a variety of possible focuses. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, first consider which experiences will shape your itinerary.

Getting to know the region and its landscapes

The Scenic Rim comprises six national parks. Its seven distinct areas are Beaudesert and Kooralbyn, Boonah and surrounds, Canungra and Beechmont, Kalbar and surrounds, Mount Barney and Rathdowney, Tamborine Mountain, and The Lost World and Christmas Creek. Moogerah Peaks National Park is home to four ancient volcanic peaks: Mount French, Mount Greville, Mount Moon and Mount Edwards. The park is also considered a destination for bushwalking. Most of Mount Barney National Park lies within the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.

The region’s conservation history is also on display: Witches Falls in Tamborine National Park became Queensland’s first national park in 1908. In the broader region, the Green Mountains section of Lamington National Park features lush rainforests, ancient trees and striking views. Lookouts there take in views across the southern edge of the Scenic Rim.

Walks from short trails to multi-day hikes

The Scenic Rim Trail is a four-day hiking adventure with three nights’ accommodation for experienced hikers. The route crosses private land and the rugged, remote mountains of Main Range National Park on the northern edge of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Three small campsites along the trail are reserved exclusively for hikers on this trail. Check current access conditions and booking availability before setting out.

Walking trails in Tamborine National Park are divided into six sections. Grades based on an Australian standards-based system help you choose a suitable route. The trails lead to lookouts and waterfalls and through forests of large red cedars and stands of tall piccabeen palms. The Curtis Falls track is a 1.1-kilometre circuit to a viewing platform. Glow-worms can be seen at night in the surrounding cliffs; observe any restricted areas.

At Binna Burra in Lamington National Park, options range from short walks to long hikes through forests with mountain streams, lookouts, cliffs and gorges. O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk crosses nine suspension bridges: the route is 180 metres long and about 15 metres above the rainforest floor. The Lower Portals track in Mount Barney National Park is 3.7 kilometres long and leads to a deep pool in a rocky gorge. Check the relevant conditions before hiking.

Climbing and water activities

The Scenic Rim is considered a centre for natural rock climbing; popular destinations include Frog Buttress in Moogerah Peaks National Park. The lakes also offer a range of options: Lake Wyaralong is suitable for kayaking and canoeing. Lake Moogerah allows recreational boating, water skiing and jet skiing; activities at Lake Maroon include sailing, fishing, water skiing, parasailing and pedal boating. Check operational restrictions in advance. Permits may also apply at Lake Moogerah and Lake Maroon.

Culture and regional food experiences

The three-day Yarriba Dreaming includes walks on Country, a connection to nature and ancient pathways, and learning about traditional Indigenous ways of life and survival practices. The Mununjali, Ugarapul and Wangerriburra communities, as well as the Yugambeh language group, are named as Traditional Custodians with connections to the Scenic Rim. The Scenic Rim Story Trails focus on sharing the significance of place names and the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The concept brings these themes together with interpretive signage and public art.

Scenic Rim Eat Local Month takes place every year in June. The 2026 edition included more than 160 events, including lunches in vineyards and on farms, farm tours, hands-on workshops, masterclasses and special dining experiences. Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm offers views of a six-hectare vineyard and lavender fields. Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe serves espresso coffee and homemade dishes made with regional produce.

At Summer Land Camels, the Farm Tour & Taste includes samples of camel milk products; booking may be required. The sustainability-focused North Stores precinct puts the emphasis on food, regional produce, specialty drinks, floral and ceramic art, ethical retail and holistic wellbeing. Individual businesses and events may change.

Plan your stay

The time required makes a practical difference to your trip planning: the Scenic Rim Trail takes four days and includes three nights’ accommodation, while the Curtis Falls track describes a single 1.1-kilometre circuit walk. Consider whether a multi-day hike or individual outings will shape your stay, and choose your hotel to suit your planned itinerary. According to regional tourism information, the Scenic Rim is about 80 kilometres, or approximately an hour’s drive, from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. These are estimates; road conditions and travel times vary.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Morwincha, Ipswich City, Mackay Regional, Toowoomba Regional, North Burnett Regional, Gympie Regional, Mareeba Shire, Bundaberg Regional

Go to the main travel overview: Queensland.