See the Scenic Rim Outdoors

If the thought of spending a week lazing by the pool horrifies you, don’t worry – the Scenic Rim has plenty to keep you active.

This outdoor adventure wonderland will provide a challenge for rock climbers, hang gliders and abseilers.
Climb a mountain, go flying, launch your bike down steep hills, paddle a kayak, explore the bush on foot – the Scenic Rim is the place for you.

This glorious natural wilderness will satisfy your thirst for action and adventure.

The Mt Joyce Recreational Park features more than 40km of multi-use trails, ideal for walks and trail runners.

This is in addition to the many walks that exist throughout the region’s six National Parks.
A number of Scenic Rim companies lead regular guided walks along some of the Scenic Rim’s most spectacular trails.

Mt Barney National Park is where you’ll find some of the region’s more challenging walks but be aware many of the trails are ungraded.

The Lamington National Park boasts 160km of walking tracks that are well graded and offer comfortable walking conditions.

The Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk starts at O’Reillys and finishes at Springbrook. It’s a three to four-day walk, which features a variety of terrain, including rainforest, waterfalls and open country through farmlands.

The new Scenic Rim Trail by Spicers is a four-day walk from Mt Mitchell to Spicers Peak Lodge. The 36km-walking package features luxury glamping and meals each night.

InterNational Park Tours offers a Secrets of the Scenic Rim walking tour.

Horizon Guides offers day and overnight walking tours throughout the region.

The Scenic Rim Regional Council has compiled a list of the Scenic Rim’s Top 30 walks.

The Scenic Rim is home to the world-class Mt Joyce Mountain Bike trail park, on the banks of the Wyaralong Dam.

The 25km of International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) standard single-track ranges from basic Green Trails to Double-Black Diamond Trails.

The network has been designed to event standard, with some steep grades. A range of trails is available to challenge different skill levels – from beginners through to very experienced riders.

The Double Black Diamond trails are for very experienced riders and will be open during events. There is a limited shuttle service to take downhill mountain bike riders to the top of the trail network and it is run by a private operator. More than 40km multi-use trails are available.

Horses are allowed on the multi-use trails in the Mt Joyce Recreational Park. Holding paddocks, loading ramps, water and camping facilities are available at the Lilybrook Recreation Area (Western Trailhead). The horse trails pass along the Wyaralong Dam shoreline and travel up to the Mt Joyce ridgeline. Horse trails are also available at other locations in the Scenic Rim.

The Scenic Rim is highly-regarded by Queensland rock climbers. They know us – and our mountains – well.
Before you venture out speak to the local guides who will provide invaluable information about local terrain and climbs. Some of the region’s more challenging walks and climbs are found in the Mt Barney National Park, but don’t underestimate this mountain, it has brought many explorers undone.

The tracks in the Mt Barney National Park are bush tracks and aren’t graded. Mt Barney is popular with mountain climbers, but please consult local guides first.

The Scenic Rim’s most popular rock climbing spot is Frog Buttress on the north-west side of Mt French in the Moogerah Peaks National Park. It’s formed by rhyolite columns and there are about 400 documented routes. Keen climbers say Frog Buttress is Queensland’s best crack climbing and is among Australia’s best. It’s nationally and internationally regarded and during winter you’ll hear the clink of safety gear as visitors face up to the Frog.

The QLD Moto Park, located at Wyaralong, features trails and facilities for motocross, freestyle motorcycling, peewees and quads. This facility is a collaboration between Motorcycling Queensland, Australian Dirt Bike Adventures, Moto Solutions, Invert Management, the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ). As well as riding tracks and trails, the park features unpowered camping facilities and an amenities block.

The Scenic Rim welcomes camping at all times of the year. Camping and caravans are well-catered for throughout the region. Pitch your tent near one of the region’s three dams, pull up at a van park, find a cool spot near a creek, or stay in one of the region’s six national parks.

If you prefer the comforts of home, you’ll love the region’s spectacular glamping facilities. It’s camping, but not as you know it.

The Scenic Rim caters to visitors of all ages – even your furry friends. The region features many family-friendly and pet-friendly destinations and accommodation options.

Your adventure doesn’t have to stay on firm ground. One of the most spectacular ways to see us is from the sky. Tours are available throughout the region – all you need to do is decide whether it will be by hot air balloon, glider, light aircraft or hang glider.

The Scenic Rim is a leader in the area of outdoor education. A number of commercial facilities operate in the region, catering to school, professional and holiday groups. These facilities utilise the region’s three dams and six National Parks.

If you’re searching for off-road challenges and spectacular scenery then you’ll love four-wheel driving in the Scenic Rim.

The region is a haven for off-roaders, with a number of dedicated facilities and trails to test you and your machine.

Scenic Rim Adventure Park – this 275ha property is located on Tamrookum Creek Road near Rathdowney. Enjoy the natural landscape and try the 20 kilometres of 4WD tracks located on site. You’ll find 14 camping areas located on the property and regular 4WD awareness training courses are offered to visitors.

The trails are rated for easy four-wheel driving, through to more extreme driving for visitors seeking a challenge.

Mt Barney Retreat – located 33km south of Boonah and nestled in the foothills of the McPherson mountain range and beside the Mt Barney National Park. The retreat is located on the watershed of the Yamahra Creek and is a former logging camp. Access to the retreat is via an unsealed, 4WD-only road. The property owners can provide guests with information about other 4WD tracks.

City View Park Bromelton – corporate hire and driver training only.

Duck Creek Road – test your vehicle on this steep, 4WD track, which links the Lost World Valley with the O’Reilly’s Green Mountains section of the Lamington National Park.

The track is suitable for off roaders or 4WD camper but is weather dependent.