Unmissable Gondwana Rainforest Experiences In The Scenic Rim

Queensland’s Scenic Rim is a gateway to ancient Gondwana rainforests, stylish eco-retreats and thrilling adventures.

Sitting within a volcanic caldera formed around 25 million years ago, the Scenic Rim is the perfect place to get back to nature. Known as the green behind the gold – and only an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast or 90 minutes from Brisbane – this diverse and fascinating region is home to many treasured national parks in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the world’s largest sub-tropical rainforest. Here, where most of the world’s only remaining Antarctic beech trees, along with other rare and threatened plants and animals, you’ll find unmissable Gondwana Rainforest experiences.

The beauty of it all is that it’s easy to discover. The towns and villages of the Scenic Rim are warm and welcoming, with a wealth of experiences waiting for visitors.

Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk gondwana rainforest experiences — Walk through the Gondwana Rainforest on the Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk.

1. Chase waterfalls in Lamington National Park

Known as Woonoongoora in the Yugambeh language, the mountains of Lamington National Park , in the south of the Scenic Rim, are sacred and spiritual. Lace up your hiking boots and set out on some of the 160 kilometres of walking tracks throughout the park, where rainforests, creeks, waterfalls and spectacular views await.

Perched between Tamborine Mountain and Lamington National Park, the village of Beechmont is an ideal base for exploring or relaxing. Those who venture into the peaceful valleys below will find the Lost World, a place to slow your pace and disconnect from the bustle of daily life.

Lamington National Park Binna Burra view with ParkTours, gondwana rainforest experiences — Join ParkTours for a guided single or multi-day walking tour. (Image: Alexander Wooten)

Hit the trails solo, or join ParkTours or Horizon Guides for a guided single or multi-day walking tour. Afterwards, refuel with paddock-to-plate meals cooked over an open fire at chef-hatted restaurant The Paddock at Beechmont Estate.

Spend the night at one of several boutique accommodation options that offer comfortable luxury and incredible views of the rainforest. Try Alcheringa Holiday Houses , Binna Burra Lodge , O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat or Beechmont Estate . For a unique glamping option in the Lost World Valley, book into Nightfall .

Binna Burra Lodge Tiny Wild House is a great gondwana rainforest experiences — Enjoy incredible views from Binna Burra Lodge’s Tiny Wild Houses. (Image: Leighton Pitcher)

2. Feel on top of the world at Tamborine Mountain

On Tamborine Mountain , the rainforest is never far away, yet creature comforts abound. Meandering country roads reveal sweeping views of the countryside and beyond to the coast.

Tamborine National Park, the third oldest national park in the world, has many short rainforest walks to waterfalls and lookouts. For lovers of soft adventure, Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk offers a view of the lush rainforest canopy, while TreeTop Challenge at Thunderbird Park is home to ziplines and a high-wire course.

gondwana rainforest experiences, Cameron Falls at Tamborine Mountain — Make time for Cameron Falls between incredible meals. (Image: Lachlan Gardiner)

For a change of pace, grab some treats from Picnic Real Food Bar then take them to Robert Sowter Park for incredible views.

You’ll also discover award-winning Tamborine Mountain wineries, distilleries and breweries. Stop in for a tasting or meal at Witches Falls Winery , Tamborine Mountain Distillery or Cauldron Distillery . Weekend markets, shops and galleries offer more reasons to stay longer.

Witches Falls Winery, Tamborine Mountain — Stop in for a tasting at Witches Falls Winery. (Image: TEQ)

3. Spend time on Country at Mount Barney National Park

The rugged and distinctive peaks of seven mountains dominate the skyline of Mount Barney National Park . It’s a place of deep significance to the local Indigenous people, whose stories, rituals and traditions form their connection with this country.

At 1359 metres, Mt Barney is one of the highest peaks in south-east Queensland. While climbing it is only for the fit and experienced, there are other ways to connect with this ancient landscape. Yarriba Dreaming offers a three-day immersive Indigenous cultural experience at Mt Barney Lodge, an Advanced Ecotourism and adventure retreat. Traditional owner Gurruhmun (meaning ‘Old Man Kangaroo’) helps connect visitors to Country and nature.

Gurruhmun leading a Yarriba Dreaming tour — Join Gurruhmun for a Yarriba Dreaming tour.

Later, stop for a meal at The Overflow Estate 1895 for modern dining with traditional French flair, made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with estate-grown wines. Sleep it off in one of the estate’s five secluded WANDERPods overlooking peaceful Lake Wyaralong.

Sleep in one of five Wanderpods at The Overflow Estate 1895 (Image: TEQ)

4. Walk through ancient landscapes in Main Range National Park

Keen bushwalkers will find plenty of tracks to explore in Main Range National Park . Discover them solo, or join Spicers Scenic Rim Trail for guided multi-day walks through the park’s eucalypt forests and rainforest. Each day ends in luxury at secluded eco-camps where guests can revive and gather strength for the next day’s adventure. And here’s a tip: hiking in the cooler higher altitude forests is an ideal way to beat the summer heat.

Beyond the bush, delightful country towns reveal chef-hatted restaurants, wineries, breweries, boutiques and country markets. Local favourites include classic gastro-pub Roadvale Hotel , house-baked treats and incredible breakfast offerings at Scenic Rim Farm Shop and Cafe , and craft brews at Scenic Rim Brewery (which is set in a heritage-listed general store).

ROADVALE HOTEL Truffle Linguine with crisp fried Scenic Rim Mushrooms — Treat yourself to incredible dishes like Truffle Linguine at Roadvale Hotel.

For something a bit different, try the innovative set menu at Blume Restaurant , which showcases the best of the region’s produce, or sample the modern Australian cuisine at The Kooroomba Kitchen – after a wine tasting at their cellar door and a stroll through their lavender fields, of course.

Extend your stay with a night – or several – at Mount French Lodge , nestled in picturesque countryside, or enjoy the sophisticated style and secluded luxury of Spicers Hidden Vale or Spicers Peak Lodge .

Mount French Lodge, Scenic rim accommodation — Enjoy seclusion and style at Mount French Lodge.

5. Travel sustainably with expert guides

Sustainable travel is increasingly important to travellers and the Scenic Rim is well placed to meet that need, with a range of guides and operators with a strong commitment to sustainable tourism. Local ecotourism pioneers Binna Burra Lodge, O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and Mt Barney Lodge are among the region’s many businesses that have gained Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Destination Certification.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat pool — Travel lightly with eco-friendly Gondwana Rainforest experiences like a stay at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. (Image: TEQ)

6. Take to the air in a hot air balloon or helicopter

From a helicopter pub crawl to gently drifting in a hot air balloon, take to the air for a different perspective on the Scenic Rim. Early risers can join Floating Images Hot Air Balloon Flights or Hot Air Balloon Gold Coast on a gentle ride above the region, while indulgence seekers can take an airborne joyride to lunch at a winery or pub – or just to see the sights from the air – with Pterodactyl Helicopters , Elite Helicopters or Gold Coast Helitours . For thrills, take a tandem ride with Oz Paragliding and Hang Gliding or Gold Coast Paragliding for an exhilarating view of the landscape below.

Pterodactyl Helicopters at Spicers Peak Lodge — Take to the skies on a helicopter. (Image: Pterodactyl Helicopters)

7. Join in Eat Local Month

The Scenic Rim is an Australian leader in the ‘Eat Local’ movement, and their famous Eat Local Month , held each June, is the ultimate foodie experience. It’s a chance to see behind the scenes at farms and wineries and to meet the people who produce the flavours of the region.

The region also champions restaurants and cafes that serve local ingredients all year round, as well as those who work closely with local farmers to create menus with the best of each season’s award-winning produce.

Eat Local Month in the scenic rim — Time your stay for Eat Local Month.

Explore some of Australia’s most stunning coastlines on this epic route.

This scenic, 1800-kilometre Brisbane to Port Douglas road trip takes in some of Australia’s most beautiful landscapes, from the wildlife on Bribie Island to the rainforests of Far North Queensland. Our advice? Slow it down, take your time and really get to know this part of Australia.

Day 1: Brisbane to Noosa

Wake up in the luxurious Sofitel Brisbane Central , enjoy a hot buffet breakfast and a swim in the outdoor pool before hitting the road to travel north. Take the exit to Bribie Island to view the abundant wildlife.

aerial view of bribie island — Enjoy the beauty and animals of Bribie Island. (Image: TEQ)

In the afternoon, check into Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas hidden near Noosa National Park and spend the afternoon relaxing at the luxury Aqua Day Spa. Daredevils can book a seat on an Ocean View Helicopters tour and experience the adrenaline of exploring the Glasshouse Mountains from the air.

Before dinner, head to the Original Eumundi Markets just 25 minutes away or explore the nearby trails in the national park. For dinner, book a table at Park & Cove located just near your hotel and feast on a locally-sourced menu that changes with the seasons.

table spread at Park & Cove Novotel Sunshine Coast — Refuel at Park & Cove.

Day 2: Noosa to Bundaberg

Wake up to sounds of the rainforest outside your window and take the opportunity for a quick swim before you dive into a freshly cooked buffet breakfast at Park & Cove. After breakfast and an expertly brewed coffee, stroll down the hill and spend the morning shopping along Hastings Street in the various boutiques, or hire a kayak or surfboard and conquer the waves.

After lunch, head north for the three-hour drive to historic Bundaberg . If you feel like feeding a kangaroo or wallaby, visit the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary . Once in Bundy, head to Spitter’s Farm just outside of town. This 160-acre property offers a unique experience in their deluxe glamping safari tents, where you can listen to the cows mooing as the sun sets.

baby kangaroo at australian wildlife Sanctuary — Say hello to the adorable creatures of Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. (Image: Jewels Lynch)

Day 3: Bundaberg to Rockhampton

Before getting back on the road, take time to visit the many museums, and, of course, the famous Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a tour. Then head to the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton.

Although, ‘Rocky’ is surrounded by beef cattle farms, your first stop should be to the impressive Rockhampton Museum of Art , which features an art collection valued at over $16 million. Rest your head at the centrally-located Mercure Rockhampton overlooking the mighty Fitzroy River. Grab a quick swim in their outdoor pool before enjoying a steak at their in-house restaurant.

Day 4: Rockhampton to Mackay

Grab a strong coffee at your hotel and drive the short distance to the nearby Capricorn Caves for a morning tour of these natural limestone beauties. Then hit the road for the four-hour drive to Mackay.

Reward yourself with a swim in the large, resort-style pool at the Mantra Mackay . Overlooking the marina, it’s the perfect location from which to explore the city, before enjoying a sundowner and dinner at the popular Latitude 21 on the hotel terrace.

woman exploring the Capricorn Caves in queensland — Explore the Capricorn Caves. (Image: TEQ)

Day 6: Mackay to Townsville

Grab your breakfast to go, then head just out of town to Finch Hatton Gorge. Here, spend the morning ziplining 25 metres above the rainforest floor with Forest Flying . Head to Airlie Beach for lunch and a swim in the famous Airlie Beach Lagoon , before heading north to Townsville.

Hop on a 20-minute ferry – they leave regularly – and check into the stunning Peppers Blue on Blue Resort . Spend the evening swimming in their two pools with views across the private marina to Mount Cook National Park, before feasting on fresh seafood at their on-site restaurant, Boardwalk Restaurant and Bar.

aerial view of beach at Airlie Beach queensland — Dive into the crystal clear waters around Airlie Beach. (Image: TEQ)

Day 7: Townsville to Cairns

After a morning swim on one of Magnetic Island’s beautiful beaches, hop back on the ferry and travel north to the sleepy Mission Beach for lunch. You’ll be sandwiched by rainforest on one side, and the beach on the other.

Continue on to Cairns and check in at the centrally-located Novotel Cairns Oasis, where the lagoon-style pool and swim-up bar alone is worth the visit. Or continue north for 25 minutes to the coastal village of Palm Cove.

Once there it’s a tough choice between the luxurious, five-star Pullman Palm Cove Sea Temple, or the beautifully designed Peppers Beach Club and Spa Palm Cove , where the pool has its very own beach.

two people in deck chairs by Novotel Cairns Oasis' lagoon-style pool — Relax by Novotel Cairns Oasis’ lagoon-style pool.

Day 8: To Port Douglas

No matter where you spent the night, your journey to Port Douglas will be one of the most scenic road trips you’ll ever experience. Following the coastline, travel past champagne-coloured beaches, offshore islands and submerged reefs, before rolling into town at Port Douglas.

Although you’ll be spoilt for choice with hotels, two of the best are Peppers Beach Club Port Douglas, which is closer to town (think stunning pool and walking distance to Macrossan Street) and the famous, five-star Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa , located a little further down the beach. If the 3000-metre-squared lagoon-style pool isn’t enough at this hotel, you’ll also find the exclusive Vie Spa and popular restaurant, Aluco Restaurant & Bar , widely known as being one of the finest restaurants in Port Douglas.

aerial view of pool at Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple — Revive from road-tripping in one of the best pools in Port Douglas.

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7 ways to experience the world’s largest sub-tropical rainforest