Great Walks Of Australia
Great Walks of Australia is an exclusive collection of Australia’s best, premium walking experiences. Each of these independently owned, multi-day guided walks is unique. All the Great Walks of Australia showcase the impressive and diverse walking options on offer across ‘The Great Southern Land’.
With coastal, inland and outback trails, these walks cover some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes – from untamed Tasmanian wilderness and beaches, the ruggedly beautiful Victorian coastline, ancient volcanic plateaus and rainforest in Queensland, the spectacular coastline of Western Australia, a UNECSO world heritage listed island in NSW, pristine islands and meandering rivers, and the magnificent outback of South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Expert guides, who lead each walk, have a deep understanding of the environment, giving you the opportunity to hear the stories behind the place you are walking through and exploring. There is nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors enabling you to truly reconnect with nature and with yourself, all whilst disconnecting from your everyday life. These walks present an unparalleled opportunity to experience the landscape, up close, in depth and on foot.
All walks offer a level of service and experience that aims to consistently exceed expectations and to provide you, the guest, with a truly enviable experience. A wide range of unique accommodations is on offer, such as lodge-based walks and journey-style experiences (end-to-end walks). From purpose-built eco-lodges through to luxurious glamping options, The Great Walks of Australia provide walkers with a true sense of exclusivity on each walk.
If you choose to experience a Great Walk of Australia, you will be rewarded with a heightened sense of physical and emotional wellbeing but more importantly a sense of reconnection - with nature and with yourself. Great Walks of Australia…live life one step at a time…at walking pace.
1. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, Tasmania:
Perched on the edge of Mt. William National Park on the North Eastern tip of Tasmania is the magnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires. Strewn with giant red lichen-covered boulders, this stunning stretch of rocky headlands and turquoise water offers dramatic landscapes and ecology, and appears mostly untouched, as it has been for millions of years.
It’s also an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most pristine environments that Tasmania has to offer on the Bay Of Fires Lodge Walk, a tranquil four-day escape, where you’ll hike white sand beaches, explore coastal forests, and even discover the area by kayak.
Unique Australian wildlife can be spotted if you’re lucky – wombats, Forester kangaroos, echidnas, as well as dolphins and migrating whales in season.
Learn the rich history of the area and its aboriginal people, as well as stories of its famed lighthouse keepers, and the many islands surrounding this fascinating part of the state.
Destination Overview:
Departing daily from October to May, the Bay of Fires Lodge Walk is operated by the Tasmanian Walking Company, led by experienced guides, in small groups of no more than 10 walkers.
At the end of the first day, enjoy staying tucked into the sand dunes, glamping at Forester Beach Camp before hiking to your accommodation for the next two nights, staying at the award-winning Bay of Fires eco-lodge.
40 metres above the beach, this minimalist but inviting building is an architectural feat comprising of two long timber and glass pavilions, and an open living area complete with fireplace and private twin-share bedrooms. Enjoy an optional extra of a massage or facial at the onsite day spa or book the sensational outdoor bath pavilion – an unforgettable and luxurious experience, with breathtaking wonderful view of the coastline
Trip Advisor – Nicstoc
"Trip of a lifetime. Wow wow wow…No one else in coo-eee. Pristine beaches, fascinating scrub/bush and food/wine/accommodation…all faultless. Total escape from city life and fun…Well worth every $. We had four warm sunny days, kayak was a highlight. Guides are full of knowledge and skill. The swims were beautiful and soothing. The whole four days was an emotional retreat."
All meals are provided for the duration of the walk, and are gourmet, using only the best Tasmanian local produce, complete with world-class Tasmanian wines.
This is a through-walk, with guests carrying a light hiking pack (supplied) for the duration for the journey.
Itinerary:
Day One: Launceston to Mt. William National Park. Journey to Mt. William National Park, enjoy views of the Furneaux Group of Bass Strait Islands and spend the evening at Forester Beach Camp.
Day Two: Explore the Bay of Fires coastline. Walk along ridgelines of sand dunes, look out across the heathlands and lunch at the coves sheltered behind the dunes near Eddystone Point Lighthouse. Sleep soundly at the Bay of Fires Lodge.
Day Three: Kayak and enjoy the local area. Kayak down the Ansons River and experience the diverse ecology of the river, then cross the bird-rich waters of Ansons Bay, and walk over the dunes of Abbotsbury Peninsula.
Day Four: Walk through eucalypt forests and coastal heathen before returning to Launceston feeling rejuvenated.
Facts:
- - - - - bush
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Accessed via Launceston Duration: 4 days/3 nights Distance: 33 kms
Grade: Moderate
Walk operates: October - May Mainly beaches and sand walking + trails
Group size: Max 10
2. Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk, Victoria:
Situated just two and a half hours from Melbourne, you can be in remote wilderness and tick off an iconic world-renowned walking track as you discover beautiful Victoria on The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk.
Marvel at the rugged coastline as you and your fellow hikers follow dedicated tracks on this four-day hiking adventure, along the sea-cliffs of the Shipwreck Coast, on to remote beaches and through coastal forests, arriving at the famed rock sentinels – the iconic Twelve Apostles.
It’s the most dramatic, wild coastline Victoria has to offer, but it has an abundance of hidden secrets to be revealed for those travelling it on foot.
There are few better places to see Australian wildlife first-hand than on this part of the Great Ocean Road on the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk. This trail is alive with native flora and fauna: birds, fur seals, wallabies, koalas and many plant species unique to this special corner of the world.
Learn about the land through the eyes of the first Australians and the British convicts transported here on ships over 200 years ago. The coast is littered with shipwrecks from this time – the tales of survival and loss are part of the fabric of the walk.
Finally, to make a fabulous trip even better, walkers are treated to a scenic helicopter flight at the end of the hike, to view the landscape from above.
Destination Overview:
This popular four-day walk itinerary covers the last 46 kms of The Great Ocean Walk. The walk highlights the best and most remote sections of the trail, with time to explore marine sanctuaries, wild coastal trails, old-growth rainforests and beaches that are as remote as they are empty. The walk includes the Great Otway National Park and the Port Campbell National Park, trekking through forests of Grass trees.
The trail is graded overall as moderate with easy and challenging sections along the way. Led by expert guides who are committed to providing the best Australian walking experience, you will explore the trail, hearing stories of shipwrecks, adventure and settlements while facing the wild Southern Ocean head on.
The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk elevation changes from sea level to nearly 300 metres across the trail. It is a well-formed track from east to west, with stone stairs installed on many of the steeper sections to make elevation changes easier.
For the duration of the walk, you will be staying in the comfort of a stunning eco-lodge at Johanna Beach, exclusive for walkers, enjoying private ensuite cabins with single rooms, available at no additional single supplement.
On returning from hiking, guests will enjoy an end-of-day foot spa and experience a special chef-designed menu, showcasing fabulous regional cuisine and, of course, some of Victoria’s finest wines.
Staying three nights at the eco-lodge also means there’s no packing up until the last day, and you’ll only carry day-packs containing lunch, water and personal needs. With walking groups no larger than 10 hikers at a time, this is an exclusive way to experience one of the great coastlines of the world.
Itinerary:
Day One: Castle Cove to Johanna (lodge walk-in). Transfer from Melbourne to the lodge and then begin your walk at Castle Cove. With sheer cliffs dropping to sapphire ocean, rough grass-tree forests, wild flowers, followed by breathtaking Johanna Beach you will struggle to choose a favourite part of today.
Day Two: Milanesia to Moonlight Head. Country lane walking that is the highest point of the whole trail. Here begins the ‘Wild Side’…dramatic changes in elevation deliver wild and remote Southern Ocean views. You will understand today why this shoreline became known as the Shipwreck Coast.
Day Three: Moonlight Head to Princetown. Another remote and beautiful beach (Wreck Beach) can be wild or mild depending on Mother Nature’s magic. See anchors embedded into the sea rocks and traverse coastal heath forests for your first glimpses of the Twelve Apostles.
Day Four: Princetown to The Twelve Apostles. These coastal pillars reveal a little more with each undulation until finally the Twelve Apostles fill your frame. Celebrate the end of this awesome journey with a helicopter flight over the landscape.
Facts:
Accessed via Melbourne Duration: 4 days/3 nights Distance: 46 kms
Grade: Moderate
Trail: open grassland cliffs and with some rocks
Walk operates: September - May Group size: Max 10
Guest feedback - Kahlee
"Wow! Everything I hoped for and so much more. I travelled on my own and wasn’t disappointed. The team really cater for everything with a beautiful lodge, warm foot spas to soak our tired feet and spectacular meals. The whole trip was amazing – views are spectacular. If you’re considering 12 Apostles Lodge Walk - book now!"
3. Arkaba Walk, South Australia:
For a walk with plenty of wow factor, the Arkaba Walk is a four-day, three-night hiking and wilderness experience that will immerse you into the ancient landscape of South Australia’s spectacular Ikara-Flinders Ranges.
This outback adventure gives you the opportunity to explore 60,000 acres of a privately-owned former sheep station, now turned nature conservancy currently in the process of being rewilded, and the staggeringly beautiful and fascinating ancient Australian lands surrounding it.
600 million years of geological history echo through the stratified rock layers of Wilpena Pound and Elder Range, providing spectacular backdrops throughout the walk. With abundant wildlife, flora, geology, culture and history, this will have you stepping out of time, into a place of deep connection with these remarkable and culturally significant lands.
Plus, by joining this walk, you’re not only witnessing an environment in recovery, but actively participating in its revival.
Destination Overview:
Departing from otherworldly Wilpena Pound, you’ll be led by Arkaba’s expert guides and walking through the lands where the Adnyamathanha people (the first Australians of the Flinders Ranges) have walked for tens of thousands of years.
Arkaba’s incredible topography presents spectacular panoramas of Wilpena Pound and the Elder Range at every turn, but particularly in the evening as the ranges glow with the rich red light of sunset.
This is a place where craggy sandstone bluffs mingle with ancient dry creek beds dotted with monumental River Red Gums presenting a quintessential outback landscape. Large numbers of Red and Western Grey kangaroos, wallaroos, emus and many birds are regular sightings along the walk, as well as rare and endemic species of plants and trees.
The journey is also full of stories of the Adnyamathanha people, as well as the early pioneers who tried to make a living from this harsh but beautiful country. Evenings are spent relaxing around the campfire, enjoying a three-course chef prepared dinners around an old wool classing table, a glass of fine SA wine in hand, with the ever-changing light and sounds of the bush all around.
The accommodation for this journey has been designed to connect you to the surrounding country. Two nights are spent under the stars on Wild Bush Luxury’s ‘Star Decks’ in a traditional, but modernised bushman’s swag, offering you the chance to have a night stargazing, sleeping under the Milky Way (or a hut if you prefer).
Guests then enjoy their last night in the comfort of Arkaba’s beautifully renovated 1850’s homestead – one of the Luxury Lodges of Australia.
This is a fully portered walk, with guests only carrying a daypack.
Itinerary:
Day One: Arkaba Homestead to Black’s Gap Camp. Traverse the basin of Wilpena Pound before crossing onto Arkaba’s private conservancy and descend to Black’s Gap Signature Swag Camp.
Day Two: Black’s Gap Camp to Elder Camp. A challenging hike through creeks and broken country approaching the foothills of the Elder Range to Elder Camp.
Day Three: Elder Camp to Arkaba Heritage Homestead. Walk across varying terrain through Mallee and Cypress forests before ascending the beautiful Red Range for views across the neighbouring ranges and crossing Arkaba Creek to arrive at the Arkaba Homestead. On arrival at Arkaba Homestead reward yourself with a creekside massage (optional extra).
Day Four: Scenic road transfer to Adelaide. Depart Arkaba Homestead after breakfast at 8:30 am for a scenic transfer through charming outback towns with wine tasting and lunch in
Trip Advisor - Syzn, Sydney
"The walk draws on the amazing nature of the Flinders and Wilpenna Pound – a rolling series of changing landscapes from gums to paper bark to cypress to open grasslands to rockeries of grass trees. It's good for the soul and the legs – great food and outstanding guiding, culminating in a night at the old homestead. Truly a great walk of Australia. Boots on and do it!" the Clare Valley wine country. Arrive Adelaide Airport at 5 pm to meet onward flights departing from 6 pm.
Walk Transfers – Fly or Self Drive:
Arrange a transfer from Adelaide, self-drive to Arkaba or take a charter flight from Adelaide directly into Hawker, with a 45-minute connecting road transfer to Wilpena Pound. For self-drivers, there is also an option of a scenic helicopter flight (cost additional) at the end of your walking adventure to view the landscape from above.
Facts:
- Accessed via Adelaide
- Duration: 4 days/3 nights
- Distance: 45 kms Grade: moderate
- Walk operates: March - October - Group size: Max 10
(scrambling), No fixed trail, rocky terrain open hill country
4. Classic Larapinta Trek in Comfort, Northern Territory:
If experiencing a real connection with the Australian outback or conquering the world famous Larapinta Trail in the Northern Territory is on your to-do list, look no further than the epic adventure, the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort.
Hiking in the heart of the Red Centre and this ancient land, you’ll traverse the mesmerising West MacDonnell Ranges, covering 72 kms of the best of the Larapinta Trail on this six day walk of a lifetime.
From sweeping ridgelines to captivating canyons and gorges, tranquil waterholes and mountainous highs, the sections of the Larapinta Trail covered on this walk will delight wilderness lovers and thrill with incredible views on this enjoyably moderate to challenging hike.
While parts of the walk are on open undulating plains, the trail is characterised by its rocky, rugged terrain and pre-departure training helps greatly with some steep ascents and descents.
Take in highlights including a special climb up Mt. Sonder pre-dawn to watch the sunrise, and hiking through fascinating Standley Chasm, Ormiston Pound and the Ochre pits.
Carrying only daypacks and led by the experienced guides at Australian Walking Holidays, you’ll stay at comfortable exclusive semi-permanent tented sites and enjoy delicious dinners made over the campfire.
The outback has a way of leaving an indelible impression on you, and the Classic Larapinta Trek In Comfort stands out as a truly unique and unforgettable of experiencing it.
Destination Overview:
Following in the footsteps of the land’s traditional owners, early explorers and modern adventurers, the stories of the Larapinta Trail will come to life with every moment along the passing desert landscape.
Your guides will help you gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Indigenous cultures and traditional owners of the land, with visits to sacred aboriginal sites and cultural conversations.
The outback is also full of desert dwelling life and a diverse array of desert flora and fauna will be spotted along your journey, including ancient stands of trees, abundant bird life and wildflowers. Walking in the milder winter outback weather, days are generally warm while nights can get very cool.
At the end of the day you will be welcomed into award-winning architect designed, comfortable, exclusive, semi-permanent wilderness eco-campsites that operate on tank water, solar power and wood-fired heaters. These campsites have hot showers, a large kitchen and a heated dining tent, exclusive to Australian Walking Holidays’ travellers on the Larapinta Trail.
The spacious safari style tents boast large floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck at the front door, so guests can bring the outdoors in. These comfortable canvas tents allow you to enjoy the stunning desert scenery and the vast, star-studded skies of the outback before you drift off to sleep.
You’ll dine on hearty, delicious meals each night prepared by your guides, using quality Australian produce. They run the camp, with small elements of guest participation to add to your hands-on experience.
Fitness preparation and training prior to this trip is a must. This is a full portered through-walk, with guests required to carry only a daypack.
Itinerary:
Day One: Telegraph Station to Wallaby Gap (with walk to camp optional side trip). Begin at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station; pass through witchetty bush and mulga scrub, over exposed hills and shady woodlands to Wallaby Gap. Camp in the exclusive semi-permanent Nick Murcutt's Camp, nestled amongst the hills.
Day Two: Nick Murcutt’s Camp to Simpson’s Gap plus Standley Chasm and lookout Walk. Follow the trail west through magnificent, shady Bloodwoods and tall Ironwoods to Simpson’s Gap, and then make a visit to Standley Chasm.
Day Three: Serpentine Gorge to Count’s Point. This is a day of hiking over high ridgelines, through forests and along dolomite limestones toward the exclusive Charlie’s Camp for a relaxing afternoon amongst the hills.
Day Four: Charlie’s Camp to the Ochre Pits. Take in the quietness and the vibrant colour of the Aboriginal quarry at the Ochre Pits. Retire in the early afternoon at the Finke River or at Glen Helen Resort (depending on your preferred walk option).
Day Five: Mt. Sonder. Take the spectacular sunrise walk up Mt. Sonder. Relax with a drink in the afternoon or even take an optional helicopter fight over the West MacDonnell Ranges.
Day Six: Ormiston Pound Walk. Enjoy extraordinary scenery and wildlife at Ormiston Pound; explore the upper reaches of the gorge before heading back to Alice Springs.
Facts:
Accessed via Alice Springs Duration: 6 days/5 nights Distance: 72 kms
Grade: Moderate to hard Walk operates: April - September Group size: Max 16
Guest Review - T. Smith, Victoria
"Don't hesitate, DO it! I wanted an active holiday with spectacular scenery and I certainly got that! But I also got knowledgeable friendly guides who took care of our every need. Fantastic chefs who took pride in accommodating dietary requirements…I enjoyed the semi-perm ‘camping’ accommodation, it was a great setup and comfortable. Take the adventure!"
5. Freycinet Experience Walk, Tasmania:
For total peace and tranquility plus spectacular landscapes and hiking in one of Australia’s most scenic wilderness areas, look no further than Freycinet Experience Walk. The original guided walk on Tasmania’s east coast, this four day hike takes you in to the heart of Freycinet National Park, exploring the majestic Hazard Mountains, rich coastal forests and the purest of white-sand beaches including world-renowned Wineglass Bay.
At times, you’ll travel in the exact footsteps of the Oyster Bay Tribe, walking the ancient bush tracks trodden some 30,000 years ago by the area’s First Nation people, and now used with exclusive permission by groups on this walk.
Freycinet is truly a remote paradise, where you’ll discover diverse marine and wild life, nesting lagoons, wildflowers and other unique flora and fauna. Led by engaging and knowledgeable guides, you’ll be guided in to remote and little explored corners of the National Park, choosing between challenging mountain climbs or more leisurely coastal routes.
Guests return each night to Friendly Beaches Lodge, exclusive to walk guests. One of Australia’s premier eco-lodges, it’s renowned for its award-winning environmental architecture and deeply peaceful atmosphere that most find hard to leave!
Destination Overview:
Guests will get to hike to famed Wineglass Bay – a picture perfect turquoise bay, regularly voted by travel authorities as one of the world’s best beaches, as well enjoy a trip to Schouten Island and exploring around the The Hazards…a pink-granite mountain range that stands as sentinels of the peninsula.
The dramatic and mesmerising scenery could easily hold your attention alone, but an abundant array of wonderful wildlife, plants and trees will no doubt capture your imagination as well. As well as keeping your eyes on the water
for dolphins, whales and regional birds, there’s a myriad seasonal wildflowers, old growth forests and lots of animals to spot, including wallabies, echidnas.
You’ll return to spend each night in the barefoot luxury and tranquillity of the award-winning, stunning, architecturally designed Friendly Beaches Lodge – also known as the ‘Invisible Lodge’. Located on a 130-hectare private nature sanctuary, amongst a forest in the sand dunes, this beautifully, sophisticated off-grid lodge is used exclusively for FEW walking guests.
Each night, your friendly hosts provide drinks and canapés (often local seafood), followed by a delicious gourmet dinner, using the best Tasmanian produce – often freshly caught flathead, local oysters, handmade chocolates and fresh fruit, which goes down even better with a glass of premium Tasmanian wine or artisan beer.
The location and isolation of the lodge is sublime presenting uncomplicated luxury that offers remarkable powers of rejuvenation with an extensive library, as well as a fine collection of artworks by prominent Tasmanian artists.
Travelling solo? Great news - there is no single supplement required to secure your own private room. This is a lodge-based walk, with walkers unpacking at the lodge and carrying only a daypack while hiking.
Itinerary:
Day One: Coles Bay to Schouten Passage. After travelling from Hobart you will arrive at Coles Bay where you board a boat to see Schouten Passage (weather permitting) and land at Schouten Island. After lunch walk up Bear Hill for magnificent views. Return to Coles Bay by boat and on to Friendly Beaches Lodge at the end of the day.
Day Two: Bryan’s Beach to Wineglass Bay or Cook’s Beach to Mt. Graham. Take a peaceful walk from Bryan’s Beach through sclerophyll forests and along beaches. Or take the more challenging walk to the top of Mt. Graham, descending to Wineglass Bay via spectacular Quartzite Ridge. Both
Trip Advisor - Jeremy, Killara
"I reluctantly divulge this piece of paradise. Wineglass Bay reminds me of the best lakes in Europe except it’s a bay in the sea. The place is heaven - miles of empty beaches, translucent seas and what great hosts! The food was exquisite. I’ve travelled around the world and the best place seems to be on my own doorstep. Just do it." walking groups meet on this iconic beach and walk out together before returning to the lodge.
Day Three: Bluestone Bay to Friendly Beaches. Explore the fascinating geology of White Water Wall and Little Bluestone Bay, and climb to the Bluestone Bay cliff tops. Walk back over a track used by the Oyster Bay Tribe. This is a private trail so you won't see any other people on this very special day.
Day Four: Mt. Mary Walk. This is along the fossil-rich ridgeline of Mt. Mary with a descent to Saltwater Lagoon. Then take an easy stroll along the beach to Isaac’s Point, before enjoying a celebration lunch and travelling back to Hobart.
Facts:
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Accessed via Hobart Duration: 4 days/3 nights Distance: 37 kms
Grade: Moderate
Walk operates: October - April Bush trails, beaches and sand
Group size: Max 10
6. Spicers Scenic Rim Trail, Queensland:
Experience a true sub-tropical hikers paradise! The all-new five-day, 60km Scenic Rim Trail takes you through South East Queensland’s Main Range National Park, its surrounding areas and the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, an area famed for spectacular mountains, ridgelines, ancient rainforests and volcanic plateaus.
Located 1.5 hours south west of Brisbane, the Scenic Rim Trail is a journey into untouched natural beauty, including deep immersion into the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed Gondwana Rainforests –South East Queensland’s largest rainforest eco-system.
Nearly two decades in the making, this is Queensland’s biggest ever eco-tourism project and a stunning gateway to one of Australia’s most diverse, unique and magical wilderness regions.
Destination Overview:
The Scenic Rim Trail pairs incredible natural beauty, culture and history with spectacular accommodation and welcomed creature comforts.
Exploring the jaw-dropping mountain ranges, volcanic plateaus and forests of Main Range National Park, walkers enjoy a rare opportunity to explore land previously only touched by Indigenous Australians and early pioneers.
The walk starts at historic Spicers Hidden Vale retreat, where you will join researchers at the onsite A$5 million wildlife research and rehabilitation centre for daily koala monitoring. You’ll not only learn about the wildlife endemic to the area, you’ll get to see koalas in their natural habitat and learn how research is paving the way for this local population to thrive.
Experienced guides then lead walkers deep into the Scenic Rim - a region of more than 30,000 hectares and a treasure trove of unique plants, animals and distinctive vegetation. There’s plenty more wildlife watching too, with a chance to spot more koalas, kangaroos, Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallabies, reptiles
and the areas many birds, including birds of prey and one of Australia’s two species of rare lyrebird.
Ascending Mt. Mistake, before crossing over into the Main Range National Park, the next four days will be spent hiking across the ridgelines, venturing into the UNESCO World Heritage Listed ancient rainforests, learning about Queensland’s pioneering past, tuning your senses into the natural world around you.
After so much walking, the homesteads and purpose built, all new eco-cabins you stay in along the way, are a true pleasure to come back to at the end of the day.
You’ll be rewarded with Spicers’ renowned ‘relaxed luxury’ with custom made beds, modern Australian design, all the creature comforts and a taste of Queensland too; enjoy canapés and fine wines each night, before a delicious gourmet chef-prepared meal to fuel the rest of your journey.
This is a continuous through-walk. It is fully portered, with guests only carrying a daypack.
Itinerary:
Day One: Start at Spicers Hidden Vale Retreat. Today is an arrival day with no walking. Old Hidden Vale Station is a 12,000-acre property rich in history and conservation. Following lunch your first afternoon will be spent immersing yourself in conservation as you join researchers on their daily koala monitoring. Dinner is served with matched wines as your guide provides you with a briefing for the journey ahead.
Day Two: Mistake Mountain Range walk is 10 kms, 4-5 hours with a 550m elevation, rock ladder and steep sections. Following breakfast you’ll be transferred to the start of the walk with your backpacks, lunch and water pre-packed. Feeling energised you’ll learn about the geology and volcanic history as you go. The open sclerophyll forest, sweeping views and wildlife spotting are on the agenda today. The endangered Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby is found here, as are birds of prey that ride the thermals.
Day Three: Main Range National Park walk is 18 kms; easy to moderate, with eight hours on the trail. Wake up early and watch the sunrise, the Scenic Rim has one of the best vantage points in Queensland. After breakfast you’ll be stepping across the border and into the national park. You’ll learn how logging changed this ecosystem and spot some remaining Red Cedar and Hoop Pine. Further ahead you’ll have your first encounter with the Gondwana Rainforest canopy.
Day Four: This rainforest canopy descent goes to Dalrymple Creek, a 16 km moderate to difficult walk, with some steps during eight hours on the trail. A shorter walk today, with vastly different terrain from the previous day. An exciting day spent mostly under rainforest canopy with two descents before a final climb into camp. The Scenic Rim is custodian to the largest area of rainforest in southeast Queensland and you will get to experience it in all its glory.
Day Five: The walk to Mt. Cordeaux is a 16 km, moderate hike with eight hours on the trail. A variety of diverse ecosystems will be explored today as you emerge from the rainforest, through Montane heath and out to the ridgeline where the most incredible views await. From Mt. Cordeaux through to the final section of rainforest you’ll learn how Cunningham Gap and the highway that runs through it were vital for connecting inland and coastal Queensland.
Facts:
- Accessed via Brisbane - Duration: 5 days/5 nights - Distance: 60 kms
- Grade: Moderate to hard
- Walk operates: March - November steep Bush trails, rainforest, rocky sections, day 1
- Group size: Max 12