Hike through World Heritage-listed forests along the cliff-rimmed escarpment of an ancient volcano, taking in stunning views over the valleys and impressive peaks of south east Queensland’s Scenic Rim.
Location
In Main Range, about 110km or a 1.5hr drive south-west of Brisbane.
Accessible by
- Conventional vehicle
Park facilities
- No campfires
- Toilets
- Tent camping
- Hiking
- World Heritage
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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
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Your hike begins in the dry eucalypt forests of the foothills.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be steep, wet and slippery.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Walking in small groups is best for safety and to maintain the remote experience.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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Use lightweight camping gear, and have safety equipment and detailed topographic maps. Remove excess packaging from foods before you leave home.
Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
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Main Range is as remote as it is beautiful. Always tell someone your walking plans and contingency plan should you be late returning.
Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
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![Image of the first day on the trail which is out in the open and all uphill. Pause often to catch your breath and take in the nature that surrounds you.]()
The first day on the trail is out in the open and all uphill. Pause often to catch your breath and take in the nature that surrounds you.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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Mist and cloud often clothe the mountains. Be prepared for wet walking and enjoy the rainforest in all its moods.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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The Scenic Rim Trail begins with a heart-pumping climb to the top of this ridge, then upwards towards the crest of the Mistake Range.
Photo credit: Greg Carter © Queensland Government
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![Sunrise over the mountains on the Scenic Rim Trail.]()
It can be misty in the mountains, but clear days give stunning views.
Photo credit: Karen Smith © Queensland Government
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Reminders of timber-getting days can be found along the trail.
Photo credit: Steve Finlayson © Queensland Government
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Be frog friendly! Endangered Fleay’s barred frogs live in Main Range National Park.
Photo credit: Harry Hines © Queensland Government
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Don’t let your walk destroy the forest. Clean all camping gear and footwear of soil and seeds before leaving home, and use the footwear hygiene station at the trailhead.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
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![Image of tents in the mountains surrounded by towering trees.]()
Camp in the mountains surrounded by towering trees.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Image of sections of the trail which are open and exposed, so you will need sun protection.]()
Sections of the trail are open and exposed, so you will need sun protection.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Image of rainforest fungi which comes in all shapes and sizes.]()
Rainforest fungi comes in all shapes and sizes.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Image showing weather can change quickly and the trail becomes slippery when wet.]()
Weather can change quickly and the trail becomes slippery when wet.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Image of criss-cross streams in the headwaters of Dalrymple Creek.]()
Criss-cross streams in the headwaters of Dalrymple Creek.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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![Image of Banshee walkers camp which has elevated camping platforms.]()
Banshee walkers camp has elevated camping platforms.
Photo credit: © Lise Pedersen
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The Scenic Rim Trail leads to the tops of mountains and into the depths of lush rainforest.
Photo credit: Robert Ashdown © Queensland Government
- Changes to Scenic Rim Trail end point - Main Range National Park 10 July 2024 to 10 July 2025