9 natural wonders within the Scenic Rim: Special places to get your nature fix

Are you craving a challenge? Take on The Steamers with a 10.7 km return hike in Main Range National Park. Bring along your navigational skills, sense of adventure, and a camera if you’re wanting to brag to your friends later.

The Steamers were given their nickname from the resemblance to the four peaks of a steamship –stern, prow, funnel, and mast. Don’t believe us? You’ll have to hike it to see these protruding peaks for yourself!

Once you’ve made it back down the climb, cheers to your hard work with a local beer and steak or parmi at the before hitting the hay.

Mount Maroon has some of the most renowned trails in the Scenic Rim, with the mountain itself being unmistakable from Scenic Rim’s roads. Standing tall almost 1,000 m above sea level with jagged rocky parapets, Mount Maroon proves to be an undeniable sight to see even from afar.

However, we argue the best views of the mountain are of course those you earn after climbing to the top of it. When you conquer the summit, you’ll find yourself surrounded by 360 degree views from Lamington National Park all the way around to Mount Barney and Mount Lindsey with its rocky summit in the distance.

Keep in mind this climb is for serious hikers only with steep gradients and rock scrambling required to reach the summit. If you have the kiddies in tow, perhaps leave this hike in mind for next time and embark on one of these 8 walks for the whole family instead.

Daydreaming of leisurely strolls through World Heritage-listed rainforests older than dinosaurs themselves? Experience your dreams come true along Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk on Tamborine Mountain where the ancient trees and thriving greenery stand as living links to Australia’s ancient past.

Wander along the 1.5 km trail featuring sky-high walkways through the leafy canopies, and a view to stop you in your tracks from the cantilevered bridge 30 m above Cedar Creek.

This area has been maintained as a habitat for growing the Richmond birdwing butterfly population. While you feel like you’re flying-high along the Skywalk, keep your eyes peeled for this vibrant endangered species doing the same.

Rest your legs afterwards at the Bearded Dragon Hotel where you’ll uncover more sweeping Scenic Rim views, and resident donkeys Clancy, Matilda, and Mabel.

Seeking views as satisfying as a glass of red at the end of a long day? Morans Falls doesn’t hold back on the end-of-walk reward with the 4.4 km return hike feeling like a bargain trade for the scenes of the valley and Morans Creek 80 m below.

If one jaw-dropping view is not enough, head to Pat’s Bluff. This 4.2 km track ends at a perfect lookout for picnics, with a healthy serving of stunning scenery and a side of post-hike adrenaline.

Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, wander back to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, a haven above the clouds where the views continue from your villa.

If you’re chasing waterfalls, follow along the Binna Burra trailhead, Border Track, and Coomera Circuit to find a double dose of waterfall-wonders flowing into the Coomera Valley below. From the Coomera Circuit, you’ll find yourself at the Coomera Falls lookout where you’ll stand in awe with the Coomera Falls and Yarrabilgong Falls side by side in this hidden paradise of the Scenic Rim.

For those wanting to get their steps up and close their smart watch rings, let the waterfall wander continue and complete the full 17.4 km Coomera Circuit to discover more captivating cascades along the way.

In need of some instant gratification? Take the short 1 km stroll to find yourself at Yellow Pinch Lookout. Stumble upon the striking presence of Mount Barney right in front of you and enjoy the stunning scenery sans the sweat.

Intertwine through creek crossings and discover a deep waterhole in Mount Barney Creek along the Lower Portals Track. Spend the day swimming in the sunshine before retracing your footprints back, but this time with hair a little damper and smiles a little wider.

Want to tick off both bucket-list spots in one trip? Stay at Mt Barney Lodge – the perfect springboard for the next day of adventure.

Are you searching for that “on top of the world” feeling? Find it at Mount Cordeaux. The 6.8 km return hike will have you zig-zagging through native trees before being welcomed by a panoramic view off the mountain cliff face towards Brisbane and beyond.

On your way back down, rekindle the summit fever with a detour to Bare Rock Lookout for a new perspective of the mesmerising views below.

Make a weekend of it and book a room at Moogerah Lake Houses with tranquil lake views out front and Moogerah Peaks National Park out the back.

If you’re chasing aesthetic views for your next Instagram post, Elabana Fall should top your itinerary. The 7.1 km return walk will have you wandering along the Border Track from O’Reilly’s trailhead, through the Toolona Creek Circuit, and Box Forest Circuit before reaching the two-tiered waterfall oasis.

This will be a walk to remember with magical-looking mossy trees looming above and the music of over 300 bird species of the Gondwana Rainforest around you. Though the views along the journey are just as rewarding as the destination, the four cascades of Elabana Falls are sure to blow your (shoes and) socks off in preparation for one of the most refreshing rainforest swims in Queensland.

Searching for more waterfall wonders in the Scenic Rim? Bookmark our guide to chasing falls for your next trip.

While its stature is unlike other towering rocky peaks across the Scenic Rim, what Mount French lacks in size more than makes up in views, accessibility and world class rock climbing.

The prominent line of cliffs at Frog Buttress are known internationally by the rock climbing community for some of the best “crack climbing” in Australia, however if scaling the side of cliffs isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll be equally impressed by the several scenic viewpoints accessible by sealed road and pedestrian paths.

Rising gently from the surrounding farmland, atop of Mount French you will find picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a toilet, along with a variety of short walking trails and lookouts.

On your way out, stop in at Boonah for refreshments from the collection of cafes, bakeries, pubs and more. The Dugandan Hotel is on Mount French Road offers cold beer, classic counter meals and a lovely outdoor seating area under the trees.