Discover the Best Hiking Trails in the Scenic Rim, Queensland

The arc of rainforest-cloaked mountains that gave this corner of southeast Queensland its name is laced with dozens of beautiful and well-maintained hiking trails, from easy short walks to epic multi-day tramps. Lace your boots for the best hikes in Australia’s Scenic Rim, one of the top regions to visit for 2022.

Home to six national parks, four of which form part of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Scenic Rim is the ultimate rainforest hiking hub. These national parks cradle the agricultural heart of the Scenic Rim, west of the Gold Coast, with wineries, breweries, farm-gate stalls, and even camel milk products, meaning there are plenty of delicious ways to treat yourself when you emerge from the forest.

Scenic Rim Trail

Best Multi-Day Hike

47km (29mi) one-way, 4 days, moderate/strenuous

Tracing a dramatic ridgeline in Main Range National Park, on the western fringe of the Scenic Rim, Queensland’s first “Great Walk” pairs ancient Gondwana Rainforests with stellar views, lush waterfalls, and pioneer heritage on a four-day trek from Thornton View Trailhead, 90 minutes southwest of Brisbane, to Cunninghams Gap.

There are two ways to tackle this multi-day adventure. Opt for a luxury guided experience with boutique hotel group Spicers Retreats, created in partnership with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. With private eco-luxe camps tucked well off the public trail, this option is around 13km (8 miles) longer than an independent hike. However, with your luggage shuttled ahead each day, it’s more accessible for people unable or unwilling to carry four days’ worth of gear. This premium experience costs AUD$3999, which includes all-food and alcohol – perfect for those wanting to splurge.

Public campsites are basic (don’t expect showers), but at AUD$6.75 (USD$4.83) per night, this option is a bargain for those who want to experience this beautiful trail without a hefty price tag.

Ascending through native bushland to the ridgeline on day one is the most challenging part of the trail. The following morning, hikers pass several relics from the area’s logging days before venturing deep into the rainforest, where a multitude of green shades welcomes you.

On day four, the Bare Rock viewpoint overlooks the farmlands of the Scenic Rim, making it an ideal lunch spot before descending to the Cunningham Highway, where the trail concludes.

Mt Barney

Best Mountain Climb

17.5km (11mi) return, 1 day, difficult

The pinnacle of bushwalking in southeast Queensland, Mt Barney (1354m) is a challenging climb that should only be attempted by hikers with extensive bushwalking, scrambling, and navigation experience. Consequently, a GPS and personal locator beacon are essential. The views from the rugged mountain peak in the remote southwestern corner of the Scenic Rim, which features prominently in local Aboriginal Dreaming stories, more than make up for the effort.

There are two routes to the summit. Allow eight to 10 hours to ascend the East Ridge route, which traverses steep ridges and involves several climbs. After reaching the saddle, there’s still about 267m (876ft) in altitude to climb before summiting on East Peak (allow an hour and a half each way for this section). While shorter at seven to nine hours, the South East Ridge route is much steeper and requires a higher level of fitness and skill. Both routes descend via the East Ridge route to Upper Logan Rd (where parking is available).

Ravaged by Australia’s 2019-20 bushfires, Mt Barney National Park (120km/75 miles southwest of Brisbane) is now making a remarkable recovery. For a deeper understanding of this wild corner of Gondwana, consider joining a guided interpretive hike. Opting for a guide boosts your safety because it’s easy to get lost on this trail.

Coomera Circuit

Best for Waterfalls

17.4km (10.8mi) return, 7 hours, moderate/strenuous

One of the most scenic walks in the Binna Burra section of Lamington National Park, the well-marked Coomera Circuit is a gorgeous day hike that passes through subtropical and warm temperate rainforest communities home to a series of lush waterfalls, including the Coomera and Yarrabilgong waterfalls that plunge off rainforest-covered cliffs into a 160m-deep (525ft) gorge.

Making a loop from the Binna Burra Upper Day Use Area, located an hour’s drive west of the Gold Coast, this trail is best hiked counterclockwise to avoid a steep incline at the end. After 1.9km (1.2 miles), hikers ascend along the edge of Coomera Gorge. Look out for the distinctive blue-and-white Lamington spiny crayfish as you trace the path of the Coomera River. You’ll cross the river several times via conveniently placed stepping stones before rejoining the Border Track and returning to the Binna Burra trailhead.

Curtis Falls Track

Best for Families

1.1km (0.7mi) return, 30 minutes, easy

Ideal for little hikers lacking stamina (or attention span) for a longer tramp, this enchanting out-and-back walk in the Joalah section of Tamborine National Park is also one of the Scenic Rim’s most accessible trails, just a 45-minute drive northwest from the heart of the Gold Coast.

Beginning beneath towering gums, the easy walk gradually descends into lush rainforest. Feel the temperature drop as you admire beautiful staghorn ferns in the canopy above. The trail follows Curtis Creek and ends at a platform at the base of small but stunning Curtis Falls. Swimming in the serene pool below is off limits, but the view makes for terrific photos. Look closely, and you might spot freshwater turtles basking on rocks or logs.

If you have more energy, consider extending this hike by connecting it with the Lower Creek Circuit (2.5km/1.6 miles return), which branches off the Curtis Falls Track. Allow around an hour to complete this charming rainforest walk, with several creek crossings adding a little challenge.

Border Track

Best for Adventure

21.4km (13.3mi) one-way, 7 hours, strenuous

Trek into the heartland of the Gondwana Rainforests on this full-day hike connecting the Green Mountains and Binna Burra sections of Lamington National Park. This long yet rewarding journey traces the border of Queensland and New South Wales, taking hikers through subtropical and temperate rainforests, lush gullies and valleys, across crystal-clear mountain streams, past ethereal waterfalls, and along prominent ridgelines. Notably, the first 700m (0.4 miles) is wheelchair accessible.

Several trails radiate from the Border Track, the backbone of the Lamington walking track system. This includes a short, steep 600m/0.4-mile return side-track that leads to two lookouts – Beereenbano and Merino – which are well worth the detour for the incredible views over the Tweed and Limpinwood valleys. During winter months, listen for the distinct ringing call of the Albert’s lyrebird, thought to be descended from the world’s oldest songbird.

The trail is conveniently connected to Binna Burra Lodge and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, both of which offer rooms, camping, and transfers to the opposite trailhead, allowing you to hike back to your accommodation or car. Whichever way you go, it’s easily one of the most memorable ways to spend a day in the Scenic Rim.

Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. It is advisable to always check with local authorities for up-to-date guidance before traveling.